Highlighting JAPAN

COVER STORY The Colors of Cool  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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This month's Cover Story focuses on the issue of Japanese creativity, specifically the way Japanese designers and manufacturers draw on unique, long-standing traditions but present their work in contemporary styles, creating "products" which today fall under the broad moniker of "Cool Japan."

Japan Expo in Paris  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Fashion designer Naoto Hirooka and his h.NAOTO fashion label were among the big draws at the Japan Expo in Paris earlier this summer.

Points and Lines  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Among the scores of artists from Japan and around the world who will exhibit at the Yokohama Triennale this fall is painter Manabu Ikeda. We interview the artist.

Timeless Appeal of the Yukata  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Rumi Shibasaki has taken the traditional summer kimono known as the yukata to a new level of street-level popularity with her novel fabric designs.

Bringing Paper to Life  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Author, director and actor Shatner Nishida also counts origami among his skills. We take a look at Nishida's paper-folding prowess.

 

Kei Puts J in Kuwait  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Keiko Mutoh has helped pioneer a boom in the popularity of Japanese dining in Kuwait.

Italian Takes a Haiku to Japan  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Japan-EU English Haiku Contest winner Federica Bertacchini explains the attraction and power of the haiku form.

Traveling at Speed in High Style  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Eiji Mitooka's designs for train interiors have won him numerous awards. We interview the industrial designer and illustrator.

Wheels of Wood  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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Sueshiro Sano comes from a long line of shipbuilders, but is best known today as a maker of mahogany bicycles.

Creativity after the Quake  ( HTML : English / Japanese )

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An interview with Yoshiharu Fukuhara, honorary chairman of cosmetics giant Shiseido and chair of the Public-Private Expert Panel on Creative Industries.