Japan: The Most Innovative Design Capital?

I continue to be amazed by Japanese architecture and interior design. I would even venture to say that Japan is home to some of the most innovative achitects and designers the world over. I think it stems from the Japanese infatuation with radical simplicity. Clean geometric shapes, simple modern colors, and minimalist decoration is at the paragon of Japanese design. That along with the need for space-saving buildings in one of the worlds most populated metropolises, Tokyo, combine to make for the most style and space conscious designs.

Origami inspired house in Tokyo. Space consciousness to the extreme.

An apartment building in Tokyo

The Japanese also have an eye for aesthetics and the beauty of the natural environment. So much so that gardens are popular inside the home and out. Nature is incorporated with the architecture as much as possible. Nature extends to natural light and many Japanese homes try to include natural light as much as possible through the unique placement of windows and through open areas in the home.

Shell houses in Japan that incorporate both light and nature

Nature is brought into the home with this indoor rock garden

Since the typical Japanese person is averse to clutter, measures are taken to alleviate the bother. Hidden drawers, trap doors, and multipurpose furniture are ways in which Japanese interior design handle this need for less clutter and more minimalism. This makes for very smart homes where a staircase can double as a bookshelf or a wall can become a bed. modern bedroom with minimalistic features
traditional mixes with modern in this living room space
"Reversible Destiny Lofts" in Tokyo

Asian Invasion

Confession: I am obsessed with Japanese and Korean dramas! Like obsessed to the point of no return. Some days, I spend the whole day locked in my room watching them. Yes, it's that bad. They are just too good.

My current watch:

One thing I am learning from these dramas is that Asian street fashion is sensational! I don't think I've watched one series where I wasn't enthralled by the clothes the actors were wearing. In my opinion, it seems that young Asians (particularly Koreans and Japanese) are way more creative when it comes to fashion, and everyone goes to great lengths to look different from the crowd. Some of it may be a little over the top for me, but most of it is simply genious!

The length of the plaid jacket paired with the tightness of the jeans sits well with me.

I LOVE her top! She (as many other Asians) has the body type to pull off such a loose fitting, free flowing top.

Denim bloomers! I haven't seen harem style pants in denim but she rocks them confidently.

Those pants! What a statement.

I like the put together top half and the baggy boyfriend pant bottom.

Those shoes add a pop of color that livens up the whole outfit. Sometimes only one wow item is needed to sell a great outfit.

Safari in the city?

Give me those boots. And while you're at it, throw the jacket in. kthanxbye

Photos via Streetpeeper and The Tokyo Modernistas