Zelkova wood furniture. Underwater-inspired lighting. Tree-inspired textiles. Minimalist iron chairs. Japanese taiko drum-like terrazzo tables. Modern expressions of ancient hemp. Vivid abstractions from thousands of wood skewers. Japanese design left its own unique creative imprint on Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile 2024, with a raft of brands projects across the spectrum – from furniture and art installations to lighting and textiles – in the spotlight across the city.
Furniture was particularly high-profile, with several big name brands unveiling new collections at Salone in addition to a string of Japanese companies staging special exhibitions at sites across the wider city. Here is a round-up of highlights of Japanese brands in the creative spotlight in Milan this year.
