September 6, 2006

Fu-rin [wind-chime]

In Japanese, wind-chime made of glass is called Fu-rin. It exactly means wind bells.
During summer, people set the wind-chime at the top of windows, and let wind them chink.
Wind-chime is one of seasonal tradition of summer, it is very old custom in Japan.
People listen to the sounds of wind-chime and they can feel a little coolness.

Wind-chime has a long history. It seems to begin in China, but Chinese used wind-chime by a different way. They used it for fortune-telling and expel, because they believe wind tells destiny. Also, the bell sounds secure people from evil. Later, wind-chime comes to Japan with Buddhism. So there are wind-chimes at temples in Japan and the areas around the temple which people can hear the bell ringing are secured.

Here is how to make a wind-chime made of glass which is the most popular type.
First, there is a fire pot melt glass inside is put in a furnace.
Take a little amount of melting glass by a long glass stick.

Blow up the glass until it shapes round, and make a tiny hole on the top as thread can through it.

Let the glass cool down, then cut out the part connecting to the stick.
Draw picture on it, put a thread and a strip of paper.

Nowadays, many kinds of wind-chimes are sold, so you can find your favorite one.
Let’s set Fu-rin at the window, and feel the coolness which wind-chime produces.

entry dj : 10:09 AM

August 15, 2006

Hanabi [fireworks]

“Feature Designs” introduces Japanese commercial designs, traditional artworks, and culture.
And today's theme is fireworks.
Fireworks are called feature of summer in Japan. It is seasonal tradition of summer.
The event which tons of fireworks are launched is called "fireworks displays" in Japan.
There are many exhibitions of fireworks during summer not only in a big city as Tokyo but in a small town in a country side.
Still now, fireworks are loved by people.
Various passions and technologies are put together for the moment of only a few seconds that fireworks shine.
In fact, Japanese culture of fireworks that is known as the most wonderful technology in the world.

Most people do not know how fireworks appear.
To tell the truth, the root of fireworks is not Japan.
In ancient China, signal fire was used for emergency sign in third century B.C. and it was the origin of fireworks.
After that, gunpowder was spread to Rome through the Silk Road.
Then Ornamental fireworks have started from Florence in Italy.
Later fireworks come to Japan, and they were developed rapidly.
Various chemicals are introduced, and it developed in the distinctive style of Japan like changing color.
Especially the technology of changing colors several times can be seen in only Japan.
Because Japanese are dexterity, a variety of fireworks such as huge fireworks and toy fireworks, are produced.
Then fireworks made in Japan have been exported.
And, fireworks of Japan have grown up to the best fireworks in the world.

Here, we introduce how a master makes a firework.
First, he put gunpowder called “star” into the globe called “ball” which is made of paper.
Next, he lights a fuse and launches the ball.
When the “ball” reaches at a point that the fuse burns out and gunpowder begins to burn.
Then “ball” bursts and “star” flies asunder.
There are various types like the one burns while pulling the trail of light, the one explodes while falling and changes the color at that time.
However, the detail of the technology is secret.

Nowadays, a variety of kinds of fireworks, from big fireworks to toy fireworks like Japanese sparkler, has been made.
There are hundreds of kinds for each type of fireworks.
Here are some examples of famous fireworks.

Japanese soul and passion are put in the moment that fireworks shine in the sky.
They make one firework for only the several seconds.
You should see the fireworks and feel the eternal passion.

entry dj : 3:05 PM

March 10, 2006

OMOTESANDO HILLS OPEN

SHOPS

The independent, style-conscious urbanites who gravitate to Omotesando will find in Omotesando Hills a new benchmark in creativity: the place to go for insights into the latest trends and the most up-to-date lifestyles. Omotesando Hills will bring additional refinement to tradition, authenticity, and quality by reinterpreting and revitalizing fashion, art, artisanship, and the traditional Japanese aesthetic of wa. The creative space formed through this approach will stand for the first expression of a new era in style.

RESIDENCE

The world-renowned architect Tadao Ando designed the complex, to realize an ideal conception of urban living. The design is almost severe in its simplicity, with contrasting concrete and glass with pebble floors. The use of natural hues and organic curves blends the man-made elements of the design into the soon-to-be leafy surroundings. The concrete modules form a gracefully lit grid, and the exterior - at first glance somewhat stark - will radiate vitality once the trees grow and the essential human element is added: people, enjoying the space and living their daily lives.

go to OMOTESANDO HILLS Official web site

entry dj : 6:08 PM