why:
To securely connect Japan's present leading wood industry to the future.
The craftsmanship of shipwright technology that supported the "Awahan" naval forces of Tokushima Prefecture was handed down from the Edo period. This technology developed from the Meiji to the Showa period as a major production area for box furniture that mainly focused on chest drawers, mirrors, and altars. However, Japan's traditional industrial value of production had fallen to 1/5 in the past 40 years. Tokushima's wood industry has been declining year by year, due to changes in modern lifestyle. Along with the rise of cheaper overseas products, Japan's leading box furniture production drove into prosperity. Where the wood industry was going out of business, we questioned what kind of design could revive the industry to create new opportunities for highly skilled carpenters of Tokushima.
Changes in production value of
traditional craft industry.
how:
A furniture series holding the same "unit."
Together with the craftsmen of furniture manufacturer "MOTOBAYASHI kagu " in Tokushima Prefecture, we produced a furniture series called "UNIT." It is made with the same standard dimensions, from the concept of making legged furniture, by woodwork craftsmen who specialize in creating this furniture in Tokushima. As by the product name, we connected chairs and low tables that became a bench, also connecting stools and chairs to low tables. It became a flexible design, able to easily change in shape and usage according to the lifestyle scenery and space.
now:
Although the design was highly appreciated, the original purpose still needs to be reached.
Although "UNIT" was acclaimed within various fields, we realized once again that it was impossible to compete with only one good design in a production area in a situation of crisis. Our purpose is to create new markets, movements, and relationships through branding and communication strategies, to save as many artisans and production areas as possible. These designs were a part of a series of projects NOSIGNER and Eisuke Tachikawa worked on, as a traditional industrial producer in Tokushima prefecture from 2007 to 2009. This series brought about valuable experiences that would determine our future missions.
what:
UNIT
when:
2009
where:
Tokushima, Japan
who:
Product Design
Product Design
NOSIGNER (Eisuke Tachikawa)
Manufacture
Manufacture
Masaharu Hatta