Sustainable Products at Tokyo Design Week Bring Aid to Regions Affected By the Earthquake

During Tokyo’s <a href="http://www.tdwa.com">Designers Week</a>, Tohoku to the Future presented modern takes on traditional products presented beside a series of recovery projects that preserve and promote craftsmanship in areas that have been affected by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami">Great Tohoku Earthquake</a>. The installation, dubbed <em>The TOHOKU for Revival Project</em>, supports people, culture, the environment and local products, as well as the restoration and protection of resources, improving the economy, and providing opportunities for the younger generations with the help of national and international organizations and companies. Their showcase at the tent of the official event was one of the highlights of this year’s design week in Tokyo.

An incredible craftsmanship with a history of 6 generations create these intricate birch wood tea caddies, tradition of the Akita region in Tohoku. www.fujikidenshiro.co.jp

Utilizing an exclusive eco-fiendly production method, Bunaco produces tableware, interior and lighting products. By rolling up ribbons of beech wood they are able to acquire an intriguing look in their products, which have already won a variety of awards like Japan’s Good Design Award. www.bunaco.co.jp

Utilizing an exclusive eco-fiendly production method, Bunaco produces tableware, interior and lighting products. By rolling up ribbons of beech wood they are able to acquire an intriguing look in their products, which have already won a variety of awards like Japan’s Good Design Award. www.bunaco.co.jp

Utilizing an exclusive eco-fiendly production method, Bunaco produces tableware, interior and lighting products. By rolling up ribbons of beech wood they are able to acquire an intriguing look in their products, which have already won a variety of awards like Japan’s Good Design Award. www.bunaco.co.jp

Tea Kettles with fine surfaces and rich colors produced by Nambu Tekki in small sizes for common use. www.uminokanatani.com

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Aligned wooden slabs with different heights created a topography that served to present products in a less obvious way that what we usually see in this kind of events.

Work-wear brand in collaboration with LEE and Aizu Momen-cotton Company.

Aligned wooden slabs with different heights created a topography that served to present products in a less obvious way that what we usually see in this kind of events.

An original organic fertilizer use to grow “Ujisato”, the highest quality rice in Japan, maintaining harmony between people and nature. www.keisyoumai.com

The space of Tohoku for the future during Designers Week Tokyo was designed by Florian Busch Architects and curated by Yoshiko Ikoma and Katsunosuke Honda.

Although Nunobun is one of the “big three” Lacquer ware producers in Japan, the company continues to create new products like Kokoro, a drinking vessel and tea utensil made by skilled artisan.

With an impressive 800 year history, Li-Zan produces beautiful and durable Kawatsura Lacquer ware that evolved from armors to kitchen products, like this bowl made in collaboration with Italian designers. The Shi-Ki collection innovates strong traditional techniques with fresh design, creating a cultural fusion in every product. www.li-zan.com

Since 1904, Marusan Lacquer has produced high quality hand made lacquer ware. Now at its fourth generation, the company keeps working with the skills taught by its founder in an expanding catalogue of products like these Urishi glasses. www5.ocn.ne.jp

Aiming at appealing markets beyond Japan, Ishioka Kugei produces Tsugaru Lacquer ware in modern lifestyle products like this dessert cup. www.tsugarunuru.jp

An iPhone cover cover made in aizu-nuri lacquerware is a good example of modern products that keep traditional crafts alive. Aizu-nuri technique has been passed down by generations since the 16th century, using only natural materials and made by hand. www.b-prize.co.jp

All kinds of products, from hats and textiles to kitchen products, lamps and food make up this interesting exhibition with a mission to preserve the traditions and crafts of Tohoku.

Renai Karuta by Takafumi Tsuchiya is an association game where players match geometric shapes from the lacquered cards. This project is collaboration between art, indigenous industry and local community. www.facebook.com/renaikaruta

The well-crafted space where Tohoku for the future presented the products developed in the region invited visitors to walk around and discover these collaborations between artisans and designers.

During Tokyo’s Designers Week, “Tohoku to the future” presented traditional products revisited with new designs together with recovery projects that preserve and promote craftsmanship of this area affected by the Great Tohoku Earthquake. The TOHOKU for Revival Project supports people, culture, environment and products, restoring and protecting its resources, improving the economy, and providing opportunities for the younger generations with the help of national and international organizations and companies. Their showcase at the tent of the official event was one of the highlights of this year’s design week in Tokyo.