Opening on 6 November at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design, the international exhibition “Japanese Design Today” presents nearly one hundred examples of Japanese design, ranging from everyday objects and iconic design classics to contemporary technological innovations. Through design, the exhibition explores changes in Japanese society, culture and lifestyles, inviting visitors to discover how thoughtful design shapes our everyday surroundings.

The exhibition brings together works from different eras and generations. Visitors can discover such iconic objects as Toshiba’s legendary rice cooker (1959), Kikkoman’s soy sauce dispenser (1961) and Sori Yanagi’s Butterfly Stool (1956), alongside the phenomenon of Muji, which emerged in 1980, Issey Miyake’s pleated shirt (2013) and more recent electronic devices.

At the heart of the exhibition is the question of what makes Japanese design distinctive and how objects reflect the values of the society in which they were created. Masafumi Fukagawa, one of the exhibition’s curators, identifies human-centredness and environmental sustainability as key characteristics of Japanese design in the 21st century. Other defining qualities include craftsmanship, sensitivity to materials, ingenuity, openness to new technologies and the ability to connect tradition with contemporary life.

The exhibition “Japanese Design Today” will remain open at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design until 31 January 2027.

The exhibition was organised in cooperation with the Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan in Estonia.