Geeta Mehta

Marcia Iwatate

Gain insight into both modern and Japanese styles with this stunning Japanese interior design book. Japan Living presents thirty exceptional houses that transcend function and resonate with spirit. Chosen for their inspiring and innovative designs, these new Japanese homes are special places to dream in. The owners and architects, working as collaborative teams, have created homes that are quintessentially Japanese. Crisp, sharp, transparent and light—these new designs represent a new burst in creativity over the past decade. Many reflect changes in the dynamics of Japanese society, while others represent self-expression and individuality. All of them are marked by a return to traditional Japanese materials and design elements married with such present-day requirements as flexibility, modern kitchens and bathrooms, energy efficiency and electronic gadgetry.

Form and Function at the Cutting Edge

Japan Living

This Japanese architecture and design book is a wonderful source of new styles and ideas for those looking to add a distinctively Zen flair to their home. Limited spaces, unlimited technology, a tradition of innovation, and sheer Japanese panache have combined to inspire the 26 stunning homes featured in Japan Houses. Conceived by 24 of Japan's leading architects and designers, each of the houses forecasts and defines a new trend in residential architecture, reinventing the meaning and use of space, material, and function. Traditional lifestyles are challenged, domestic functions such as cooking and entertaining are moved out of the house into the public domain, while laptops bring work back in. Zen minimalist is juxtaposed with comfortable opulence, time-honored workmanship is coupled with exciting new materials, resulting in a recognizable style that belongs to Japan, reflecting its culture and craftsmanship, while at the same time being avant-garde and international. The spirit of each of these astonishing houses is captured in beautiful photographs, plans and commentary.

Ideas for the 21st Century

Japan Houses

Eat. Work. Shop. presents a striking collection of cutting-edge commercial sites in Japan. Vibrant color photography and compelling text make this the ultimate guide to modern Japanese life. Seven of the country's foremost architects showcase their ideas in 34 shops, restaurants, salons, bars and spas. The architecture and interior designs are uniquely Japanese and will add a distinctive flair to any retail, office or retail design project. In collaboration with a new generation of entrepreneurs, these designers are reshaping basic concepts of how contemporary Japanese eat, work and shop. Beautifully illustrated with over 250 photos, the locations in this book reflect everything from postmodern industrialism to suggestive eroticism. A whole new language of design, propelled by the Japanese penchants for innovation, has given this generation a carte blanche to redefine Japan as the world's next cultural superpower, unhindered by the barriers of tradition.

Marcia Iwatate

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