Opening today – and running only until Sunday the 15th – re: new Tohoku at Asia House offers a chance to take a look at some of “the best in contemporary and traditional Japanese design, including cookware, furniture, fashion and traditional crafts” from the northern Japanese region of Tohoku.
Tohoku was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and now strives to not just recover but to establish itself as a new testing ground for partnerships between designers, craftspeople, manufacturers and overseas businesses, organisations and individuals.
The show is well worth checking out. From extremely basic and functional items such as the lightweight “Easy Kneeler” seat that fits in your hand to traditional “Sendai-style” lacquered chests along with handcrafted wooden dolls, cute bow tie necklaces and a whole bunch of practical or otherwise incredibly aesthetically pleasing designs – it’s all top notch eye-candy.
Fans of Japanese culture will not be disappointed. Lovers of eloquent design will be in heaven. And anybody looking for a bit of an uplifting story of resilience and determination will receive a healthy dose of positivity from even a quick browse of this exhibition.
re: new Tohoku is on view at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, W1G 7LP. The show is a freebie and no booking is required. For more details and visiting hours visit renewtohoku.org.
Tohoku London designer, Chika Nagai, poses with one of her super kawaii bow tie necklaces.
