Japanese Craftsmanship Revealed Through "Form": Insights From The Conran Shop's "Katachi"

Through October 18, The Conran Shop is hosting an event titled "Katachi" across its store locations. The exhibition focuses on "form" born from local climates, materials, and time-honored techniques from across Japan. Rather than categorizing items by function—such as furniture or tableware—it reexamines Japanese craftsmanship through eight distinct perspectives: "Forms of Tone," "Forms of Light," "Forms of Glaze," "Forms of Utility," "Forms of the Forest," "Forms of Succession," "Forms of Mystery," and "Forms of Bearing."

Why is The Conran Shop—a UK-founded home furnishings brand known for showcasing global furniture and lifestyle items through its discerning eye—turning its focus to Japanese craftsmanship now, centering the concept on the word "form"? We spoke with Emi Koizumi, Press Representative in the Marketing Department at Conran Shop Japan, about the background of this project and the philosophy underpinning the curation.

What Is the "Katachi" Exhibition? An Initiative Reexamining Japanese Craftsmanship

The starting point for "Katachi" was not simply gathering quintessentially Japanese designs. Rather, the word "form" was chosen to focus on how objects take shape through the interplay of materials, techniques, utility, local climate, and artisan concepts. It serves as a lens through which to explore how these creations come to be.

"Initially, we were considering themes like 'Wanomono' (Japanese goods). However, in an era where we frequently share content on social media, we felt it was important to convey the essence simply rather than using overly intricate wording. Ultimately, 'Katachi' felt like the clearest and most accessible choice."

Here, "form" refers to much more than mere visible outlines. "Forms of Tone" captures the sound and resonance produced by speakers, while "Forms of Light" encompasses not just lighting fixtures but the play of light and shadow they cast. "Forms of Succession" illustrates the process by which inherited techniques merge with contemporary design to be passed on to future generations. By viewing intangible sensations and time as forms in themselves, the exhibition enables a cross-category exploration of products.

Conveying the Artisan's Story: "Katachi" Traces Its Roots to the Daikanyama Store

The origin of this project lies in the Daikanyama store, which opened in April 2023. The location features an independently curated retail space focused on Japanese and Asian crafts. Koizumi shares the encouraging response they experienced there:

"At the Daikanyama store, our staff members meet directly with artisans. Rather than simply selecting items, we strive to share the artisans' stories and passions with our customers. That positive experience inspired us to share Japan's exceptional craftsmanship across all our locations, leading to this current exhibition."

Koizumi notes a growing interest in Japanese handcrafts and folk arts (mingei), observing that different generations appreciate the same items in distinct ways.

"Items that evoke nostalgia for older generations feel fresh and exciting to younger audiences. As these varied perspectives intersect, people are rediscovering the delicacy of Japanese craftsmanship and its thoughtful consideration for the user."

Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Curation Beyond Boundaries

"Katachi" goes beyond standard categories like "traditional craft" or "Japanese goods." The lineup features lighting utilizing Gifu lantern crafting techniques, Arita porcelain, and Hakata bentwood (magemono), along with furniture crafted from domestic timber, tableware combining lacquer with heat-resistant resin, fragrances, zabuton cushions, and eyewear.

One example of this is "URUSHICA" by Shitsurindo and ZOZO NEXT. While preserving the charm of lacquerware, it is designed to be easily incorporated into modern living—such as being dishwasher and microwave safe—which led to its selection for the "Katachi" lineup. Connecting traditional lacquer craftsmanship to new forms of expression, it is categorized under "継ぐ形" among the eight themes.

"When we think of 'Japanese items,' being traditional is not the only requirement. What we value is the choice of materials, a background rooted in the region, and above all, how seamlessly they blend into modern living so they can be used effortlessly for years to come."

Underpinning The Conran Shop's selection is founder Terence Conran's philosophy of "Plain, Simple, Useful." This criterion forms the common thread behind the selection for "Katachi."

"We believe that truly great items are those that transcend trends and remain a part of daily life for a long time. Simple designs that don't resist the flow of their times unnecessarily will resonate with people across any era."

However, "long-lasting" does not mean remaining unchanged. To pass traditions down, updates that make the next generation want to pick them up are sometimes necessary.

A prime example of this is WOODWORK's "B-KOKESHI," presented under "妙の形". By pairing the traditional kokeshi doll popular in the Showa period with a wooden cap to give it a fresh expression, it creates an inviting entry point for younger generations to find it "fun" or "cute." Passing craftsmanship and culture into the future requires not just preserving tradition, but also reconnecting it with modern sensibilities.

More than just selling products: The role of a shop as an "industry adapting to the times"

In an era where almost anything can be easily purchased online, what role do physical stores play? Koizumi expresses the store's role using her own unique phrase: an "industry adapting to the times."

"I believe one of our key roles as a shop is to propose traditional techniques in ways that fit modern living, passing them on to the next generation. To do that, we need to properly communicate the story behind each item so customers can appreciate its true value before making it their own."

Supporting this role of the store is the communication provided by the staff.

"When our staff genuinely love the products and share their appeal in their own words, that passion naturally reaches the customer. Every price tag has a backstory—the materials, the craftsmanship, and the artisan's ingenuity. Discovering that context and making a choice you feel confident in is an experience unique to a physical store."

To foster this, the store actively conducts study sessions for staff. Staff members first connect with the makers' philosophies and learn the stories behind the products. By conveying the value of each item—its materials, techniques, and thoughtful details—they deepen customer appreciation and foster a desire to cherish products for years to come.

What emerges through The Conran Shop's "Katachi" is that the criteria for choosing good products cannot be measured by appearance or trends alone. It is about how materials, craftsmanship, and local heritage take shape, and how that shape breathes life into modern living. The simple word "Katachi" serves as a guiding line to direct our gaze toward how products come to be and the underlying philosophy behind them.