#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Design #Matsuzakaya #Tsu-tsu-mu

The 'Tsu-tsu-mu' Exhibition: Caring Design Connections

As part of the celebration for Matsuzakaya Ginza's centenary, the 'Tsu-tsu-mu' exhibition offers a unique exploration into design that connects and nurtures. Organized by the Japan Design Committee, this special event invites attendees to delve into the multifaceted concept of 'wrapping', transcending mere packaging to symbolize care in various forms.

Concept of the Exhibition

The exhibition encapsulates the idea that life is often encompassed through various forms of wrapping—whether it be the delicate shell of a bird’s egg, the gift-wrapped items we pass from hand to hand, or the constructions that house our lives. This constant interplay between what is wrapped and what envelops serves as a critical lens through which we perceive the world. The act of wrapping has often been deemed excessive or unnecessary; however, the remnants of vulnerability found in items stripped bare compel us to reconsider if this is indeed the optimal state for anything. This exhibition posits that wrapping, as a design typology, connects the inner and outer worlds while promoting care for others.

Exhibition Director: Yoshiki Irobe

Yoshiki Irobe, an accomplished art director and graphic designer, spearheads this exhibit, drawing on a wealth of experience that spans graphic design to architecture. Irobe’s significant contributions include branding for Osaka Metro and public artworks across Japan, illustrating a commitment to innovative design that resonates with culture and functionality. Irobe aims to bring forth the caring aspect of wrapping through engaging presentations of local creators’ designs.

Highlights of the Exhibition

1. A Resurgence of Japanese Design: The Japan Design Committee, representing some of the leading designers in Japan, last hosted an exhibition six years ago. This showcase underscores the importance of design as a lens through which to understand cultural nuances, with guest features including notable works from fourteen designers. These include items from renowned creators like Naoto Fukusawa and Kengo Kuma.
2. Kengo Kuma's Floating Tea House: A centerpiece of the exhibition is Kengo Kuma's mobile tea house, ‘Floating Tea Room’, crafted using helium-filled balloons and airy fabric. This installation not only challenges conventional notions of space and stability but also embodies the quintessence of modern 'wrapping' in architectural form.
3. The Tsu-tsu-mu Café Experience: Enhancing the exhibition is the 'Tsu-tsu-mu Café by Ogaki Bookstore', a temporary café conceived by designer Makoto Koizumi, offering a cozy environment for guests to enjoy specialty drinks and desserts that mirror the exhibit’s themes of wrapping and nurturing.
4. Workshops and Interactive Elements: Engaging workshops hosted by leading designers aim to educate participants about the principles of 'wrapping' in contemporary design, allowing attendees to explore this ethos through hands-on activities.
5. Curated Interviews: The exhibition also features insights from various creators involved in the Japan Design Committee, outlining their thoughts on the essence of ‘Tsu-tsu-mu’ and the philosophy underpinning their work.

Details of the Exhibition

• - Duration: September 26 to October 13
• - Location: Matsuzakaya Ginza, 8th-floor event square, Tokyo
• - Tickets: 2,000 yen for adults, with discounts available for students.
• - Additional Information: Further details can be accessed on the official exhibition website.

With each artwork and interactive experience, the 'Tsu-tsu-mu' exhibition offers a profound perspective on how design serves not only practical needs but also emotional and social connections. It promises to be a reflection of how we can navigate the complexities of modern life through the art of caring designs.