Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2012
![Teacup series by Saito Daisuke of Yard Design for Rivers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rRssGoCRLs4jHLYMFbBjGh-415-80.jpg)
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
'Si' bowl, stand and tray by Motomi Kawakami for +D
Metal shaving set for Twinbird
Silicone 'O-Sealer' for the Open tableware system by Osoro
Lamps by Shima Shima
FE iron-frame poufs by Fumie Shibata for Sugiyama Seisakusho
CH02 bench, CH09 planter and CH07 tissue case by Miyaka Kobayashi Design for Chii
FE iron wall frames by Fumie Shibata for Sugiyama Seisakusho
Ukihashi chopsticks for Good Manners by Mikiya Kobayashi for +D
'Hudson' box-bag by Kazuko Ito
Bell by Koizumiya
Porcelain by Time & Style
Round dining table by Time & Style
A-007 table brush by Koizumi Studio for Asahineko
Butter knife from Japan Style's debut exhibition
'Washi torch' paper torches by Kamimino
Bells in tin, brass and bronze by Nousaku at the Japan Style exhibit
Tea set from Japan Style exhibit
'Genshoku Pipe' glasses by Serumama
'Musui' pot by Hiroshima Aluminium Industry Co
Furnishings by Case Ground, at the Next exhibit
Graphic shoe insoles by Satoshi Umeno/Umeno Design for Soko
'Toygratin' dishes in six colours by Hasami
Candle holders by Time & Style
'Riki' clock by Lemnos
Hexagonal cushions by Takaokaya
'Soil' dehumidifying containers by h concept for Isurugi Co
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