British Design in Japan

In an attempt to boost Japanese interest in British design and creativity, the British Embassy and British Council are organizing Design U.K., a festival to be held across the country from the end of September throughout October, according to the embassy.

The festival of British design will comprise a wide range of events, some of which will also be part of Tokyo Designers Week and Tokyo Designers Block, events that cover all kinds of designs: interiors, furniture, textiles and even semiconductors.

British design is recognized worldwide, particularly for its diversity and high quality, according to Jane Owen, director of trade promotion at the British Embassy.

More than 30 events will take place between Sept. 27 and Oct. 30 in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Sapporo, Shizuoka and Fukuoka, and about 400,000 people are expected to participate in the festival.

Among scheduled events are First Hand 2, an exhibition featuring the latest products in the British interior and furniture industry, and Twinkle Twinkle, which will focus on lights created by British designers, such as Ron Arad and Tom Dixon.

A multimedia festival, dubbed onedotzero-nippon 2004–moving image festival, will feature award-winning motion graphic design, animation and short films. In Stylish Britain Seminar, scheduled for Oct. 7 at Roppongi Hills in Roppongi, Tokyo, Sir Terence Conran will talk about British design and his expectations for young designers in his country.

For more information on the event, visit www.uknow.or.jp. (DAILY YOMIURI)