I went to go scope out Japan C, an expo of anything and everything Japanese, currently going on at Felissimo on 56th Street in Manhattan. And I’m happy to report that it was actually pretty cool. In other words, there was no Takashi Murakami and very little Hello Kitty! The curators did a good job of selecting and showcasing a variety of eclectic products from Japan. I thought I’d post some pictures of, what I believe, were the highlights.
More after the jump (sorry, but there were just too many pictures…)
I loved the Shop Bag Clock by the talented Rie Isono of Pear Design Studio. Manufactured by Motobayashi.
(left: Shop Bag Clock | right: Susuki floor light)
The Susuki floor light was so soothing I almost fell asleep in that chair. It was designed by Chiaki Murata of Hers Experimental Design Labrotory for Metaphys. Consistent with its naming, the LED light was inspired by Japanese susuki grass.
I found myself drooling over next maruni 2008, a collection of 12 chairs by designers ranging from Masayuki Kurokawa to Jasper Morrison. Yea… take that. Manufactured by Maruni Wood Industry.
(left: next maruni 2008 | maruni chair by Masayuki Kurokawa)
Wood-crafted makeup brushes. No use for me (I think) but I still found them beautiful. By Takeda Brush.
Super stylish stationary by Lihit Lab. Always makes me want to do a drastic overhaul of my boring office supplies and restock.
I’ve always dreamed of something like this but I can’t believe someone has actually gone and made one! Extra-long scissors for extra-straight cutting!
Loved these exquisite silk-screen prints by Sincol.
I thought these were so cool!
Text is lifted directly from the description:
Satsuma Buttons
“In the Edo Period the Shimazu Feudal Clan used these in order to finance their weapons for war against the shogunate. An elite kiln built by specialists, for the Feudal Imperial Court, was used to make these buttons which were then exported abroad. These ceramic buttons called “Satsuma” gained great popularity at the France Exposition at a time (1887) when “Japanish” was at a high.”
Wow… selling craftwork to finance their struggle against authority? The Shimazu Clan were the original hipsters!
And of course Noritake had to show off their ceramic skills.
I loved this retro kerosene heater made by Sengoku. Get me a tea kettle and a good book and I’m ready for winter!
On the way out I spotted this little showcase of products by Skater that made me smile. Have you ever tried to make corn dogs before? It’s so frustrating because no matter how hard I try I can never get the dog so stay in the middle of the dough. Finally, an inexpensive solution, the “American Dog Maker.” (“American Dog” is Japanese for corn dog)
