Tokyo (SCCIJ) – More than 300 people attended the opening party of the exhibition “Swiss Design / Made in Japan” about the fusion of Swiss advanced product design with Japanese traditional craft techniques. This introduction to Swiss design viewed from a new perspective was one highlight of the campaign “Doors to Switzerland” by the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan on the road to the 2020 Olympic Summer Games.
Opening party of the exhibition “Swiss Design / Made in Japan”
Different design cultures
“This exhibition is another outstanding illustration of the dialogue of creators between Switzerland and Japan,” Jean-François Paroz, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, said in his opening remarks. “This exhibition is also an important landmark of our presence in Shibuya, as the future “House of Switzerland” will open its doors in July next year in this precise location, namely this space and four others all around,” he added.
Exhibition “Swiss Design / Made in Japan”, large room
Embodiment of values
According to the exhibition website, the design cultures of both countries would share a perception of essence, quality, functionality, and modesty. The difference is that while Swiss design presents a very rational point of view, Japanese design embodies ideas challenging to express in words. This exhibition would explore how meaningful, sustainable product design looks in today’s globalized world.
Swiss designers or art directors collaborated with Japanese manufacturers and artisans to create the exhibited products. Among the displayed items were also selected products designed in Japan and manufactured in Switzerland. The Swiss designer David Glaettli who lives and works in Japan curated the works which embodied the values of both countries.
Exhibition “Swiss Design / Made in Japan”, extension room
Reflection of common values
“It is an exhibition about objects, specifically daily items, designed by Swiss designers but made locally in Japan,” Glaettli says. “In a broader sense, it is about close collaborations between cultures and what each has to offer.” As a result, the created objects reflect many of the values for which Switzerland and Japan stand. “First among these values are quality, the aim for beauty and excellence, sustainability and functionality,” the curator said.
Set of bowls and platters designed by Kueng Caputo, porcelain made in Arita, Saga
Unrivaled know-how and skills
A designer and design consultant himself, Glaettli collaborates with Japanese companies to help them reach the younger generation and international markets with attractive and innovative products. “Many Japanese manufacturers and craftsmen have unrivaled know-how and skills. The collaboration with international designers can help companies innovate, attract attention, communicate their values, and ultimately create successful products,” Glaettli thinks.
The exhibition demonstrated the common points and differences between Swiss and Japanese design cultures. “I think there is a common perception of the essential in design, of quality, functionality, and unobtrusiveness,” the curator says. At the same time, Swiss rationality and logic and the Japanese capacity to materialize ideas and feelings of beauty would complement each other.
Text: SCCIJ based on the material of Swiss Design / Made in Japan; Top photo: Martin Fritz for SCCIJ; Other photos: © Kenta Hasegawa
