One of Japan’s leading interior and design events, which took place from 14 – 16 November 2018 at Tokyo Big Sight’s West halls, closed with great success. IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living attracted a total of 17,574 visitors – a six per cent increase on the previous year. 424 exhibitors (Japan 342, Overseas 82) from 15 countries and regions displayed their latest products and trend information across the show.
Atrium zone, ‘A Story of Beginning’
The special exhibition area, titled ‘A Story of Beginning’ in the Atrium of Tokyo Big Sight, under the direction of Kenta Nakamura, President of Shigotohito Inc. was very wellreceived. A total of 84 products from exhibitors at the show were presented on specific stands, which were arranged with cards describing how each of the products was created. Visitors were able to collect their favourite cards. These cards were well-used in order to help participants detect and visit exhibitors’ booths.
Talk show events received increased attention by visitors
The ‘LIFE STYLE SALON 2018’ was full of visitors who were inspired by trend information and new business ideas. Finnish designer Halli Koskinen spoke about the case of ‘Found MUJI Suomi Finland’ with Naoko Yano of Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd., where the audience could learn about the shared culture as well as differences when it comes to design in Japan and Finland. Moreover, both speakers outlined future perspectives in design.
On the first day of the show, 14 November, the winners of the IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living Awards were announced. The awards comprised of the ‘Young Designer Award’ and the ‘Best Buyer’s Choice’. The Young Designer Award promotes the next-generation of the interior design industry, with the two elected companies invited to exhibit at Ambiente 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Best Buyer’s Choice 2018
Keita Kanda and Kohei Maehara of ‘BP’
One of BP’s products, a table mirror which features a flexibly movable part by using a magnet. The BP series distinguishes itself by a very simple shape, but is appreciated for enriching purchasers’ daily life with a little ingenuity. Kanda commented, “We are very pleased to get the award. We usually design interior decorations for the house, but also would like to keep making original items that people simply want.”
Young Designer Award 2018
Keisuke Ishii of ‘nooca’
This designer develops jewellery based on resin with petals and bamboo. Accessories which incorporate natural plants are for example rare in Europe or the USA, and nooca keeps elegance and familiarity in this field. “This is caused by my family who are flower famers,” smiled Ishii. In the next year, he plans to expand overseas, for which Ambiente would be the perfect starting point. Ishii is very enthusiastic as he will be creating a new series using flowers popular in Germany.
Yuki Ishiguro of “ASEMI CO.”
This ceramics cup series is the same basic design, but finished in various kilns across Japan. It gives cups a completely different look and feel despite being the very same design. The idea is unique and results in an appearance which is beautiful and it will be popular in the European market as well. Ishiguro, born in Germany said, “This is the first time to join IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living and it’s a big opportunity to expand our project which started only two years ago with our German partner”.
