Teacup series by Saito Daisuke of Yard Design for Rivers
Teacup series by Saito Daisuke of Yard Design for Rivers
(Image credit: press)

The design fair Interior Lifestyle Tokyo may have suffered from the earthquake fallout last year, but it's back with fresh vigour for its 22nd outing. Serving up kitchen and tableware, interior accessories, textiles and more, the exhibition has been reimagined, refocused and bolstered by a stronger offering of homegrown design - thanks to a panel of creative directors.

Last week we journeyed to the Tokyo Big Sight fairgrounds, lured by the prospect of being surrounded with what Japan does best: time-honoured craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibility. We were more than rewarded for our travels. Aside from bringing together other Messe Frankfurt ventures - textile fair Heimtextil and consumer goods showcase Ambiente - Interior Lifestyle Japan debuted Japan Style, a touring exhibition of home collections that give classic production techniques a modern spin.

Handcrafted design and quality of materials was emphasised time and again throughout the fair. A big highlight came in the form of Kazuko Ito's series of cardboard bags for designers and architects, conceived in collaboration with paper producer Earthwork. Ito's collection is part of an initiative by the Niigata Industrial Creation Organization (NICO), which aims to make an art out of using traditional skills to modern ends.

Meanwhile fledgling manufacturer Case Ground caught our eye with its series of furniture with a 1960s feel (as well as its collection of vintage Braun products). Case Ground's display was part of the Next exhibition, a launch pad for young design talent.

Taking a different, but no less interesting, tack was the Movement exhibition, which showcased manufacturers that once specialised in industrial products but now focus their expertise on interior design. Among these was a company called Tidy, once known for its hospital cleaning products, which now produces a collection of pleasingly packaged solutions for domestic use. It may not have been one of the fair's most glamorous offerings, but it serves as a good example for a fair that takes practical design seriously.

'Soil' Soap dishes by H Concept for Isurugi Co

'Soil' Soap dishes by H Concept for Isurugi Co

(Image credit: press)

'Si' bowl, stand and tray by Motomi Kawakami for +D

'Si' bowl, stand and tray by Motomi Kawakami for +D

(Image credit: press)

Metal shaving set for Twinbird

Metal shaving set for Twinbird

(Image credit: press)

Silicone 'O-Sealer' for the Open tableware system by Osoro

Silicone 'O-Sealer' for the Open tableware system by Osoro

(Image credit: press)

Lamps by Shima Shima

Lamps by Shima Shima

(Image credit: press)

FE iron-frame poufs by Fumie Shibata for Sugiyama Seisakusho

FE iron-frame poufs by Fumie Shibata for Sugiyama Seisakusho

(Image credit: press)

CH02 bench, CH09 planter and CH07 tissue case by Miyaka Kobayashi Design for Chii

CH02 bench, CH09 planter and CH07 tissue case by Miyaka Kobayashi Design for Chii

(Image credit: press)

FE iron wall frames by Fumie Shibata for Sugiyama Seisakusho

FE iron wall frames by Fumie Shibata for Sugiyama Seisakusho

(Image credit: press)

Ukihashi chopsticks for Good Manners by Mikiya Kobayashi for +D

Ukihashi chopsticks for Good Manners by Mikiya Kobayashi for +D

(Image credit: press)

'Hudson' box-bag by Kazuko Ito

'Hudson' box-bag by Kazuko Ito

(Image credit: press)

Bell by Koizumiya

Bell by Koizumiya

(Image credit: press)

Porcelain by Time & Style

Porcelain by Time & Style

(Image credit: press)

Round dining table by Time & Style

Round dining table by Time & Style

(Image credit: press)

A-007 table brush by Koizumi Studio for Asahineko

A-007 table brush by Koizumi Studio for Asahineko

(Image credit: press)

Butter knife from Japan Style's debut exhibition

Butter knife from Japan Style's debut exhibition

(Image credit: press)

'Washi torch' paper torches by Kamimino

'Washi torch' paper torches by Kamimino

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Bells in tin, brass and bronze by Nousaku at the Japan Style exhibit

Bells in tin, brass and bronze by Nousaku at the Japan Style exhibit

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Tea set from Japan Style exhibit

Tea set from Japan Style exhibit

(Image credit: press)

'Genshoku Pipe' glasses by Serumama

'Genshoku Pipe' glasses by Serumama

(Image credit: press)

'Musui' pot by Hiroshima Aluminium Industry Co

'Musui' pot by Hiroshima Aluminium Industry Co

(Image credit: press)

Furnishings by Case Ground, at the Next exhibit

Furnishings by Case Ground, at the Next exhibit

(Image credit: press)

Graphic shoe insoles by Satoshi Umeno/Umeno Design for Soko

Graphic shoe insoles by Satoshi Umeno/Umeno Design for Soko

(Image credit: press)

'Toygratin' dishes in six colours by Hasami

'Toygratin' dishes in six colours by Hasami

(Image credit: press)

Candle holders by Time & Style

Candle holders by Time & Style

(Image credit: press)

'Riki' clock by Lemnos

'Riki' clock by Lemnos

(Image credit: press)

Hexagonal cushions by Takaokaya

Hexagonal cushions by Takaokaya

(Image credit: press)

'Soil' dehumidifying containers by h concept for Isurugi Co

'Soil' dehumidifying containers by h concept for Isurugi Co

(Image credit: press)