Like many industries, design, art and fashion has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic — from major exhibitions and trade fair cancellations to drops in consumer sales.
But in Japan, there could be a fine silver lining to the disruptions. Not only has innovative design emerged from creators rethinking their roles in the evolving socially and environmentally responsible society, but Tokyo has also benefitted from becoming a show space for homegrown creations that would otherwise have debuted overseas.
This year, Designart Tokyo took a hybrid approach to its celebration of Japanese and international creators. While venues spread out across Tokyo are practicing the required COVID-19 precautionary protocols, the event’s talks and presentations and even a few exhibitions are being held online. (Note: The live events have already concluded but the exhibitions continue until Nov. 3.)