Kenya Hara is Japan’s most respected thinker and prolific designer. As the Art Director in communication and Board Member of MUJI, Kenya Hara is synonymous with its acclaimed art direction. He is devoted to developing design deeply rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy. Come spend a day with Kenya Hara and all his greatest works: HAPTIC, SENSEWARE, MUJI and Emptiness, in his inaugural lecture in Singapore.
HAPTIC = Stimulating or pleasant to the sense or touch
A human being is a bundle of senses working hard to perceive the world. Abundance means enjoying the world with physical senses wide open. A rich and delicate awakening of human senses must be the goal for both design and technology. These examples were created with the intention of awakening those delicate senses. Searching for new, unexplored fields of design.
SENSEWARE = Medium that intrigues Man
Tools from the Stone Age and the white paper that underlies printed word culture are both SENSEWARE. Here, we call a medium that arouses and motivates people SENSEWARE. These examples see man-made fiber as a new SENSEWARE for humans. Seeking a new field of creation in the relationship between people, fabric, and the environment.
MUJI = This is enough
MUJI products outstrips luxury brands through their simplicity. MUJI products stand on their combination of beauty and value. Attempting to find beauty in simplicity is a unique product concept rooted in Japan’s traditions. Japanese ‘simple’ is not the same as Western ‘simple’, but here it is easy to understand. Examined alongside the concept of ‘emptiness.’
