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 Mio Yamada

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Mio Yamada
A freelance arts and lifestyle editor and writer, Mio Yamada focuses on design, crafts and architecture. When she’s not visiting galleries and trade fairs, you'll find her taking photos of everything and being distracted by shiny objects. She's also surprisingly British.
For Mio Yamada's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Oct 21, 2022
Designart Tokyo 2022 envisions a more sustainable future
Through Oct. 30, Tokyo abounds with functional and fantastical designs.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Oct 7, 2022
Go For Kogei: The evolution of Hokuriku's crafts, art and nature
The craft-art festival, which takes place at three historical temples and shrines, showcases how the region's history and artisanal works are closely intertwined.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Sep 30, 2022
Can industrial tourism help revitalize Japan’s manufacturing regions?
From metalworking tours to “washi” paper-making workshops, a number of prefectures are holding events to welcome visitors interested in local businesses and craftspeople.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Sep 24, 2022
The artisans of craft collective Kyoji lift each other up
A collective of craftspeople and manufacturers overcomes global marketing barriers by collaborating on lifestyle goods and sharing the costs associated with overseas promotion.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Aug 20, 2022
World-class crafts from neighborhood presses and lathes
This month, On Design looks at two areas where designers are currently giving the metalworking industry a contemporary edge.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Aug 10, 2022
The fabric of timelessness in the visionary designs of Issey Miyake
A visionary ahead of his time, Japanese designer Issey Miyake was able to not only see the future but shape it.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Jul 23, 2022
Colorful design gets its moment in the sun
The summer heat got you down? Perk up with these vivid designs and materials inspired by the season.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Jun 18, 2022
Sitting pretty at the world’s largest furniture and interior design fair
Looking to spruce up your home? Italy's Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone exhibitions are chock-full of inspiring designs.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
May 22, 2022
A fabricated future: Awards highlight pioneers of material design
Fantastic, futuristic materials may one day become the building blocks of a sustainable present.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Apr 16, 2022
A window of opportunity for Japanese glassware
Introducing some eye-catching new glassware products that have been made with different Japanese glass-making techniques.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Mar 20, 2022
Japanese designers serve up unusual tableware
With more people spending time at home amid the pandemic, the demand for attractive tableware is creating new design opportunities for Japanese porcelain.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Mar 5, 2022
Evolving Japanese crafts find a home in the U.K.
Artisans are pushing boundaries in the U.K., where a growing popularity of Japanese designs and concepts is being driven in part by increased concerns over sustainability.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Feb 28, 2022
Osaka small businesses with big design ideas
A design fair showcasing products from the Kansai region introduces 20 brands by local makers that range from food factories to manufacturers and traditional craftspeople.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Dec 18, 2021
Japanese creators step into the light with candle designs
Give your living space a warm, ambient touch with these three innovative lighting products.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Nov 20, 2021
Hide and seek: New looks for Japan’s leather industry
Three creators who are using the classic material in innovative and modern ways.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Oct 17, 2021
Designart 2021 is all about getting lucky
Ahead of its opening on Oct. 22, “On: Design” has picked a few standout events from this massive design showcase to help you make the most of the festival.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Sep 19, 2021
The latest Japanese interior design brings origami into the fold
The art of paper folding has been inspiring kids and adults for generations. “On: Design” looks at a few contemporary goods inspired by the aesthetics and utility of the time-honored craft.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Aug 29, 2021
Deck out your home with goods from these Olympic-level designers
Two major creators who enjoyed the limelight during the 2020 Tokyo Games, Nendo and Kengo Kuma, have recently released affordable, elegant items for the home.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Aug 13, 2021
Kengo Kuma on the future of urban architecture … and cats
The architect's first major solo exhibition showcases 74 public spaces and facilities, and an installation featuring CGI cats that reveals a deeper contemplation of urban landscapes.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / ON: DESIGN
Aug 12, 2021
Liberty London shares a deep love for Japan
Liberty's rollout of its From Japan With Love collection of textiles, a collaboration with eight contemporary Japanese artists, includes a capsule collection of clothing and stationery.

Longform

Rows of irises resemble a rice field at the Peter Walker-designed Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.
The 'outsiders' creating some of Japan's greenest spaces