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 Mio Yamada

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Mio Yamada
A freelance arts and lifestyle editor and writer, Mio Yamada focuses on design, crafts and architecture. When she’s not visiting galleries and trade fairs, you'll find her taking photos of everything and being distracted by shiny objects. She's also surprisingly British.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Dec 3, 2020
Issey Miyake and New Balance tie-ups take textiles to the next level
Exhibitions showcasing the fashion brands' creative collaborations with artists highlight the evolution of fabrics.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Nov 28, 2020
Material Market finds beauty in recycling Japan’s craft waste
With a slick, minimalist design, Material Market is one of the few ventures in Japan that allows the general public to purchase craft waste materials.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Nov 22, 2020
Work from home in style with these design-focused office goods
As remote working becomes the norm, “On: Design” picks its favorite interior goods designed to help make the home office space less of an eyesore.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Oct 29, 2020
Designart Tokyo forges ahead with hybrid approach
Like many industries, design, art and fashion has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic — from major exhibitions and trade fair cancellations to drops in consumer sales.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Oct 24, 2020
‘Handmade in Japan’: A cross-country journey with traditional artisans
Irwin Wong's personal project, which began with photos of craftspeople he admired, is now an insightful deep dive on Japan's traditional crafts.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Oct 18, 2020
Niigata Prefecture’s Hyakunen-Monogatari crafts a home in Tokyo
The project's theme is “The Tools are Suitable for u2018Ourselves From Here On.'” Here are a few “On: Design” favorites from the initiative.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Sep 27, 2020
Goro Koyama, PI: A private investigator who serves the international community
From trailing secret lovers to suspicious dentists, Goro Koyama says his job isn't quite what you see portrayed in film noir.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Sep 20, 2020
Coronavirus can’t hold back these Japan’s traditional craft events
Japanese craft events have taken a blow in 2020. “On: Design” looks at one that did manage to take place, and another that has gone digital.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Aug 23, 2020
Good design gets a handle on eco-bags
Since the kickoff of plastic bag fees at shops in Japan, there's been no shortage of new eco-bags. “On: Design” has a few designer alternatives to the tote.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Aug 14, 2020
Take a walk in the digital wilderness at teamLab Forest Fukuoka
The art collective teamLab, known for its dazzling immersive exhibitions, has opened a new museum of interactive digital installations in Fukuoka.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Aug 8, 2020
Ayako Zenitani: Dental treatment today is much less painful
Dentist Ayako Zenitani has a few tips for those who are worried about getting their teeth checked.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Jul 19, 2020
Omotenashi Selection 2020: Artisanal items with Japanese flair
The sixth annual Omotenashi Selection recognized 68 products for good design and cultural relevance. Three homeware items caught On: Design's eye.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Jun 21, 2020
Design solutions for the green thumb (or at least the green at heart)
Whether it's a verdant backyard or a colorful window box, plants are making a comeback in the home.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
May 17, 2020
Not your mother's Monopoly: A new wave of board games
Board games have received an upgrade thanks to some talented Japanese designers.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
May 10, 2020
The very virtual world of Mitsumasa Anno
Japan House London has launched a virtual tour of “Anno's Journey: The World of Anno Mitsumasa,” its recent exhibition celebrating Japanese illustrator and storyteller Mitsumasa Anno.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Apr 22, 2020
Designing for good: Creators in Japan respond to the coronavirus
From face shields to social distancing apps, made-in-Japan creativity has got you covered.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Apr 19, 2020
Visit the workplaces of Japan’s artisans while staying at home
Sheltering in place may just get you thinking more about design. Luckily, there are plenty of videos online that can help in this endeavor.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Mar 23, 2020
Classics anew for a year of blue
With the 2020 Pantone color of the year being Classic Blue, On: Design introduces a few blue-tinted modern classics.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Feb 17, 2020
Fresh ideas for old-school crafts
As many of Japan's traditional crafts and industries hope to adapt to survive, more young designers are offering their creative help
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Feb 15, 2020
Alvin Cheung: Coffee and keyboards — a perfect combo
Alvin Cheung talks about the caffeine-charged world of entrepreneurism, design and 'coffee terroir.'

Longform

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