Several exhibitions were also set up in the Roppongi area. Tokyo Midtown hosted DESIGN TOUCH, a design festival that has been operating since 2007 under the concept of “enjoying design through all five senses.” This year, under the theme of “Weaving the Future,” works by three groups of notable creators from Japan and abroad participated.

Saki Takeshita “Eeyo” (Tokyo Midtown) © KOHEI YAMAMOTO

AAAQ, a creative unit consisting of product designer/producer Atsuro Miyako and UI designer So Ohta, selected for UNDER 30, showcased “Visible Stress” that exposed a phenomenon called “photoelasticity.” The concept vividly visualized a hidden power invisible to the eye. Designer Saki Takeshita, who was also chosen for UNDER 30, displayed “Eeyo,” which was graphically developed by dyeing balsa wood, known as the lightest wood in the world, and diffusing hot air at nearly 200 degrees to change its color. Yusuke Wakata’s “RE 47 CRAFTS” demonstrated the upcycle of residual materials from local fruits and food products from each of the 47 prefectures of Japan, and revitalized them into refreshing products. Through recycling, he collaborated with local artisans and producers to redesign traditional crafts.

nendo “Hana-arashi” (Paola Lenti Tokyo) © KOHEI YAMAMOTO

As the second chapter of Paola Lenti‘s “Mottainai” project seen at Paola Lenti’s Tokyo showroom, an installation of the latest collection “Hana-arashi” applied the company’s own fabrics. The furniture series envisioned to restore function and aesthetic value, and breathe regenerated life into leftover production materials that would have, otherwise, gone to waste. The design office nendo, founded by Tokyo- and Milan-based Naoki Sato, participated in this endeavor.

Takusei Kajitani “CONSENTABLE” (AXIS Gallery) © Nacása & Partners

The exhibition “Woodwork” held at the Axis Gallery on the fourth floor of the Axis Building, brought together works based on wood, an indispensable material for furniture and interior design. The new “Forêt” console table and low table by Architect and designer Koichiro Oniki of Oniki Design Studio (ODS) comprised of three-dimensionally assembled pieces employing the Japanese Kumiko technique. Takusei Kajitani’s CONSENTABLE showed a swivel stool inspired by his lack of exercise while working from home during the Coronavirus pandemic. He conceptualized the idea that “sitting = resting” should be replaced with “sitting = training”. A sustainable dining table by the tossanaigh design unit of Keigo Maeda and Yusaku Yamaguchi salvaged surplus timber from forests that have remained unused.