Abstract:
When considering the growing interest in the ideas of internationalisation and
globalisation, the phrase 'Japanese Design' has always captured the inspirational pulse of
designers. This paradoxical world of Japan provides the impetus for vast and varied design
outcomes. These outcomes range from the traditional design of tearooms, to the youth
fashion phenomena in Harajuku. Design in Japan demonstrates a controlled approach to the
subtle nuances that express the design spectrum between excess and austerity. This paper
explores the idea of the intricacy of Japanese design as not only being a clear expression of
their masterful handling of material and form, but also a demonstration of the amalgamation
of cultural paradigms displayed in these various design outcomes. This is no more clearly
expressed than in the examination of details used within Japanese design, in particular, the
details in traditional Japanese architecture.
The methodology involved with this research is mainly focussed on literature reviews of text
and journal articles, as well as, review of appropriate exhibitions. But the original journey
began years ago with my own education and exposure to the ideas of Japanese design
and architecture. Numerous travel tours and design tours to Japan helped to reinforce the
connection and unfold their paradoxical world.
