Making physical connections with people, whether via large-scale events and spaces or design concepts, and a continued celebration of traditional crafts, appeared to be a key direction for design in Japan this year.
"2018 was the year Japan embraced the idea of 'shared space' — designer shared space. WeWork has popped up in many obvious locations, but lots of other amazing shared spaces opened quickly, even in other parts of the country, such as Salt in Fukuoka," says Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham architecture, one of the founders of Designart, Tokyo's annual design and art festival.
"New hotels and hostels that embraced the idea of shared spaces and facilities have also opened, like The Millennials 'hotel' in Shibuya. Across the road, Hotel Koe Tokyo opened with a shared restaurant and cafe. A kind of first for Japan. Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu, which opened in October, has continued this trend, where its lobby and restaurant are a part of the overall bustling retail experience."