During Edo period, fire broke out frequently in Japan, requiring its citizens to move. Living in a situation where sudden need to move was unavoidable, belongings such as heavy furniture became a burden. It was only natural for people to prioritise the idea of living with minimal things, eventually developing this idea into mobility culture.
Like “Zen”, value of minimalism is rooted in Japan. In spite of strict limitations such as having only three phrases of five, seven and five, Haiku, Japanese poetry, has achieved to prove its unlimited possibility in expression. Even without consciousness, Japanese people have been practicing “Less is more” style to this day.
ONFAdd looks at Japanese mobility culture and the context of minimalism, reinterpret the possibility of Japanese original products, and transform them into products through modern technology.
Japanese mobility culture and
the context of minimalism
FUTOKORO
FUTON
FUROSHIKI
SAMUE
In old Japan, there was a custom to store things in the sleeves of kimonos. The concept of "FUTOKORO" is to create a discreet storage space that can be worn under clothes. These minimalist pieces which allow free movement of the body embody a light and casual style.
The Japanese futon, which was designed for easy storage and carrying, is of a different nature to the western bed. Mobile, space-saving and low maintenanceー that is the "FUTON". Now that the boundaries between home and work are becoming less pronounced, the design of our bedding must become lighter.
"FUROSHIKI" is an ultra-flexible bag which can wrap around anything. Originally one piece of wrapping cloth, the Japanese furoshiki has been reinvented to provide greater mobility in everyday life.
Fusing traditional Japanese work clothes with modern materials and patterns, "SAMUE" is low maintenance, easy to wear and smart. Uniquely versatile, it can be worn at the office, during manual work, for leisure, and even special occasions.