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Museums
Last month's column touched on the growing prominence of Japanese architects outside Japan, and the recent Yoshio Taniguchi redesign of the Museum of Modern Art in New York is another prime example. Receiving ample coverage in the mainstream media, it has put Japanese architecture in the spotlight again, and in a very positive light. Reviews of Taniguchi's update to the museum have for the most part been filled with admiring praise.
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A new design column appears on the first Friday of every month.
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And on the subject of museums, the recently opened 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa has been getting its fair share of coverage. Designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (also known as SANAA), it takes an interesting shape that is also reflected in the museum's logo (created by Taku Sato). Certainly worth the few hours by train it takes to get there from Tokyo, as much for its works on display (the site's permanent collection is wide-ranging) as it is for its architectural features.
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Designer
Sakai Design Associate is fronted by Toshihiko Sakai, whose creations are simply beautiful. His concept models for ComCom (Comfortable Communication), featuring media-related home appliances, reflect an innate sense of what is needed - and more importantly, what can/should be avoided - in the creation of such products. Looking at his designs for the Guggenheim museum goods collection you can see that his skills aren't limited to the realm of electronics, but rather that the characteristic lightness and clarity found in those designs are a constant. Unique bookmarks and postcards, stunning furniture - it becomes quickly apparent that Sakai is someone to watch.
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Products
The Healsio by Sharp will probably catch your eye because of its stylish looks. As far as ovens go, well, it's a beauty. But what really makes it stand apart from the pack, as well as the inspiration for its name, is the new way it cooks your food. Using superheated steam, it supposedly makes for healthier cooking, removing excess fat. With a killer combination of looks and a healthy concept behind it, it's sure to top the list of most-wanted kitchen appliances this year.
The Plus Minus Zero brand is at it again with the release of a beautiful new second collection of accessories and appliances: a stark CD player/radio, an oddly shaped (not rounded as is usual) hot water dispenser, a compact heater, a couple of tote bags (one of them sporting a novel shoe-sole-like base), a trashcan that fits in corners, a petri dish ashtray (quite attractive, even for non-smokers), and a tape measure that takes the form of a stick of gum. It's a stunning assortment of goods sure to provoke feelings of lust and wanting. A stop at their Aoyama shop/cafe is definitely in order.
Event
Fans of the Plus Minus Zero collection should also make it a point to check out the current exhibition covering the works of Naoto Fukasawa (director of design for Plus Minus Zero) in the museum shop at the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art - you have until January 23. All of the items on display can also be purchased, which is a great way to add to your stock of Fukasawa designs.
Airport
Last month saw the opening of a second passenger terminal at Tokyo's domestic airport, Haneda, to be used by ANA and Air Do. With modern spacious surroundings - the automated travelators are also much wider - it does make one want to book a flight just for a chance to spend some time in the brand-new structure, to admire it up close. A costly entrance fee for sure, but think of it as an added perk to that weekend trip you've been promising yourself for far too long. You can maybe go all out and get some nice new bags from Yoshida Kaban's luggage label! And let's not forget to stop at Book 246 beforehand for some other travel aids.
Houses
So let's say that you're a fan of Muji, and most of your house or apartment is furnished by Muji branded products. Maybe your wardrobe is also comprised of quite a few pieces from their clothing collection, and your kitchen is stocked with foodstuff from their stores. What's left? How about the "Ki no Ie" house - on display at the Muji flagship store in Yurakucho - a collaborative product that joins Muji and Infill. You can now go all out in your quest for Muji completeness with the purchase of a home that complements its compactness with an effective use of space. Is Muji real estate that far off?
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Photos:
1. Museum of Modern Art, New York. Copyright (c) The Museum of Modern Art
2-3. Building photo and museum logo copyright (c) 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
4-6. Products from Sakai Design Associate. Copyright (c) Sakai Design Associate Inc.
7. Sharp Healsio. Copyright (c) Sharp Corporation
8-11. Tape measure, heater, water dispenser, ashtray from the Plus Minus Zero Second Collection. Copyright (c) Plusminuszero Co., Ltd.
12-13. Brockmann Wild Animal Collection and Chappie. Copyright (c) GRV Co., Ltd.
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Toys
Groovisions, one of the best-known names in Japanese graphic design, is better known for Chappie, their mascot that has been featured on countless books jackets, album covers, ads, t-shirts, and whatever else can be promoted with the use of graphics. In recent years, they've been releasing new figurines under the Brockmann brand. Think of it as a cross between Chappie and the classic European Playmobile toys.
The first series of extreme sports Brockmann Light has recently been joined by a second collection, Wild Animals. The typical Brockmann figures sport various animal costumes, which all look quite nice. You can find them at various design friendly shops throughout the city, or even better, at the Groovisions' own GRV1788 shop in Nakameguro - absolute heaven for any fan of the group. While there, have a look at the other tenants of the GBL building: t-shirt maker Loopwheeler on the first floor, and clothing shop (also with a nice t-shirt collection) Bonzaipaint on the second floor. The GRV1788 shop occupies the top floor.
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Data:
Museum of Modern Art, New York:
11 West 53 Street
(212) 708-9400
http://www.moma.org
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa:
1-2-1 Hirosaka
Kanazawa, Ishiwaka
076-220-2800
http://kanazawa21.jp
Sakai Design Associate:
http://sakaidesign.com
Plus Minus Zero Aoyama:
Kita-Aoyama 3-12-12
Holon-R 1F
03-5778-5380
http://plusminuszero.jp
Watari Museum of Contemporary Art:
2-7-6 Jingumae
03-3402-3001
http://www.watarium.co.jp
Book 246:
Minami-Aoyama 1-2-6
Lattice Aoyama 1F
03-5771-6899
http://book246.com
Muji, Yurakucho:
Marunouchi 3-8-3
03-5208-8241
http://www.mujiyurakucho.com
Muji + Infill:
http://www.muji.net/infill
GRV1788:
1-13-6 Kami-Meguro
GBL Building 3F
http://www.groovisions.com/1788
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