Trend

The Showa era, spanning from 1926 to 1989, is often referred to as Japan’s Golden Age. This period, encompassing the entire reign of Emperor Hirohito, witnessed profound cultural and societal transformations. Showa Retro, a term reflecting the nostalgia and charm of this bygone era, has experienced a resurgence in recent years, captivating contemporary audiences. This trend highlights various aspects of Japanese life, from fashion and design to culinary arts and entertainment, offering a rich cultural tapestry that continues to inspire.

What is Showa Retro?

Showa Retro encapsulates the atmosphere and phenomena of the Showa era, characterized by a blend of simplicity and vibrancy in design. This aesthetic is evident in fashion, architecture, and everyday objects, reflecting the period’s mix of traditional and modern influences. The appeal lies in its nostalgic charm, evoking a sense of longing for a time when life was perceived as more straightforward and community focused. Historical Context and Evolution

The Showa era was a time of significant transformation for Japan. It saw the lead-up to WWII, the devastation and hardships of the war, followed by a dramatic period of economic growth and modernization in the post-war years. This period, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s, is often the focus of the Showa Retro revival. During these years, Japan experienced a burst of technological advancement and prosperity, leading to a lifestyle marked by modern luxuries and convenience.

Despite the challenges, the era was also marked by a sense of community spirit and resilience. As Japan transitioned into the digital age, the everyday items and cultural artifacts from this time gradually faded. However, the recent resurgence in interest highlights a collective desire to reconnect with the tangible simplicity and craftsmanship of the past.

Showa Revival in Popular Culture

Over the last decade, there has been a steady growth in interest in the Showa period. What was once considered tacky（dasai) is now embraced as retro chic. This wave of nostalgia has permeated every aspect of modern culture, from fashion and media to travel. The 2005 movie “Always: Sunset on Third Street” and its sequel captured the romanticized essence of the Showa era, resonating deeply with audiences. More recently, NHK’s morning drama “Toto Nee Chan” evoked a similar sentiment, highlighting the era’s sense of possibility and drive.

Businesses Capitalizing on Showa Nostalgia

Businesses have capitalized on this nostalgic interest with Showa-themed parks and shops. In Odaiba and Shibamata, Showa 30s theme parks draw visitors eager to experience the past. Showa-styled sweet shops in Ikebukuro and Yokohama, as well as retro bars and cafes, offer authentic tastes of the era. Regional areas like Atami and Ome have benefited from promoting their Showa heritage, attracting tourists with their preserved cultural landmarks and nostalgic atmosphere.

 The Contemporary Appeal of Showa Retro

The resurgence of Showa Retro can be seen as a reaction to the fast-paced, technology-driven modern world. It offers a sense of stability and familiarity, providing an escape to a time perceived as simpler and more community-oriented. Younger generations, facing economic stagnation and uncertain futures, find solace in looking back at a time of optimism and collective effort. This trend resonates with those who yearn for the tactile and tangible in an increasingly digital age.

Comparative Retrospectives: Taisho Romance and Heisei Retro

Showa Retro is part of a broader trend of exploring Japan’s past through different eras. Taisho Romance, which covers the Taisho period (1912-1926), is noted for its fusion of Western and Japanese aesthetics, reflecting a time of cultural experimentation and romanticism. The era’s desaturated color palette and intricate designs offer a nostalgic yet sophisticated charm.

Heisei Retro, on the other hand, focuses on the period from 1989 to 2019. This era saw significant technological advancements and cultural shifts. Comparavle to the widening popularity of “y2k” styles and fashion in the west, Heisei Retro celebrates the cultural trends and technological innovations that defined this time, such as Harajuku Girls, gyaru, and visual kei, providing a recent yet distinct retrospective on Japan’s rapid evolution. Together, these genres offer a rich tapestry of Japan’s cultural landscape, each with its unique flavor and significance.

Showa Retro serves as a bridge to Japan’s past, offering a nostalgic yet vibrant window into a bygone era. Its growing popularity underscores a collective yearning for the simplicity and authenticity of earlier times. By embracing the aesthetics and values of the Showa era, contemporary society can find inspiration and solace, reconnecting with a cultural heritage that continues to influence and enchant. This revival not only celebrates Japan’s rich history but also provides a meaningful counterbalance to the complexities of modern life.

What is a Rose Quartz Infused Aroma Massage Candle?

Rose quartz is a pink-colored quartz, known in Japanese as “kōsui-shō,” “kōsekiei,” or “bara-sekiei.” It is the birthstone for October, symbolizing beauty and love. In Western countries, it is often called the “love stone” and is popular as a power stone, believed to foster love and serve as a charm for romantic success.

It is also said to enhance affectionate relationships and good interpersonal connections, which can lead to improved communication in the workplace and, consequently, better career prospects. The rose quartz is ground to a fine powder and blended with organic oils and waxes. This blend can be enjoyed as an aroma candle or used as a massage oil. Wearing semi-precious stones directly on your skin and enjoying the rich fragrance and flickering flames can become an irreplaceable experience and a special ritual. Another characteristic is that, unlike general aromas that contain alcohol or water, these candles use 100% natural essential oils.

Currently, the lineup includes combinations such as rose-based essential oils with rose quartz, lavender-based essential oils with moonstone, and mandarin (citrus) based essential oils with fluorite power stones. Among these, the rose combination discussed in this article is the most popular.

The glimmer of glass, which reflects the flame in a kaleidoscope of light, and the octagram (eight-pointed star) motif of the inner lid create an enchanting interplay of light and shadow that is captivating enough to make you lose track of time.

※ The octagram, an eight-sided figure, symbolizes completeness, regeneration, and infinite cycles, and is believed to bring good fortune.

Enhancing Your Space to Create a True “Sanctuary”

The role of interior design in our daily lives is significant, whether during work or leisure. By incorporating highly aesthetic elements like the aroma candles introduced here into the inherent functionality of interior design, which enhances efficiency and provides a sense of security, a space can truly transform into a “sanctuary.”

Source
i-store; i-life-steering.shop

GARDE Official Website:https://garde-intl.com/
GARDE Design Magazine:https://www.gardedesignmagazine.com/

Discovering the Added Charm of the Facility Through “Art Appreciation “

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya, the first entry of Hyatt’s hotel brand “Hyatt House” in Tokyo, opened its doors in February 2024 within the “Shibuya Sakura Stage,” one of the key facilities in the redevelopment project of the Shibuya Station area, often referred to as a once-in-a-century project. GARDE has been responsible for the overall planning, basic design, detailed design, design supervision, art coordination, procurement and installation, as well as the sign basic plan for the hotel, starting from the shared spaces to the guest rooms.

With a total of 125 rooms, each equipped with a kitchen, oven microwave, tableware, cutlery, and a washer-dryer, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to live as if in a residence, complemented by art inspired by the diversity of Shibuya’s streets, all within the latest facilities.

In this article, we will primarily showcase the art displayed in the common areas such as the entrance, inviting guests to experience a creative and enriching time akin to visiting an art museum.

First up is “Into Time 14 06 06” by Raphael Rosenthal, located in the entrance area on the third floor. This lenticular artwork (a sheet with a special lens processing that gives different appearances depending on the viewing angle, often creating a 3D effect) has been a series since its debut in New York in 2013. Showing changes according to the viewer’s movement, it is an ideal piece for the bustling entrance area where people come and go.

Continuing towards the elevator hall on the right-hand side, you’ll find a series of photographic artworks by Fumiko Imano, who has gained attention for her collaboration with the luxury brand “Loewe”, adorning the walls of the hallway. These artworks feature a series of photo montages where the artist herself appears as if she has a twin, created by cutting and pasting self-portraits taken with a 35mm camera. While it may be difficult to see in the image below, please enjoy her charming and fashionable artworks during your stay at the facility.

Upon arriving at the elevator hall from the entrance area on the second floor, you’ll encounter the mixed-media artwork “TRACE-SKY-Floating Clouds 08” by the sibling duo “SHIMURAbros”. This piece replicates the “sky” depicted in the movie “Floating Clouds” using Google Maps’ street view images as its source material, visualizing distortions such as power lines and seams between panoramic images. It’s captivating, so please be mindful not to miss your elevator stop while admiring it.

Upon arriving at the lobby floor on the 16th floor and descending from the elevator, you will be greeted by two pieces of Yukihiro Fujimoto’s organ works; V.-6-GREEN” and “V.-9-GREEN,” displayed side by side in the multi-functional room. On the right side, there are nine music boxes, each playing a single note, while on the left side, six music boxes, including one that plays “Wish Upon a Star,” are installed. Visitors can enjoy creating original melodies of serendipity by simultaneously winding each of the music boxes and playing them.

As you proceed towards the front side of the lobby floor, you’ll notice artwork by Dave Muller, an artist based in Los Angeles, on your left. Inspired by designs from old records owned by the artist, his works meticulously reproduce everything from price tags to labels of discontinued records, each with a unique flavor. The fact that the collection isn’t solely comprised of Japanese artists allows visitors to sense the international diversity characteristic of Shibuya.

Looking to the opposite side of Dave Muller’s work, two ceramic works by Kimiyo Mishima—a trend that is on the rise again—are placed on the front counter, as if blending into the landscape. In the foreground, Box Coca Cola Zero 22-3, a ceramic work in the shape of a Coca Cola Zero in a cardboard box, and Newspaper 20-6, a silk-screened transfer of a newspaper onto ceramic material, are elegantly and humorously natural, providing exquisite yet playful artistic entertainment perceivable to only the most discerning of guests.

Moving further in, in the interior of the main dining room, is MOSS CROSS TOKYO. The embroidered works by Mexico-based Gabriel Rico are detailed and bold, with a gentle sophistication that evokes a sense of folkloric nostalgia.

On each elevator hall of the floor where the accommodation rooms are located, a series of artworks by Fumiko Ishiba titled “2.5” is exhibited, featuring photographs of objects with lines drawn directly on their surfaces using a water-based pen. These works allow for the enjoyment of the unique presence of the objects by enclosing three-dimensional subjects with two-dimensional lines before photographing them.

While this area is not freely accessible to those other than users of the respective floor, it serves as a clever device that enhances the service with the uniqueness of art. It can be enjoyed as a recurring delight for those who use the floor multiple times and also acts as a subtle reminder of one’s floor when disembarking from the elevator.

The “2.5” series by Fumiko Ishiba also evokes fascination with its peculiar sensation between two and three dimensions, and the illusion of distance created by the advancing orange color as a background.

A personalized, culturally rich experience that transcends just staying, dining, and shopping.

The allure of Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya lies in guests integrating with the city, becoming intertwined with its culture encompassing art, music, fashion, and more. While this article has focused primarily on art, we aim to introduce other unique attractions in the future.

■Hyatt House
https://www.hyatt.com/ja-JP/brands/hyatt-house
■Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
https://hyatthousetokyoshib
■Official link for GARDE
https://www.garde-intl.com/

“Shukubo” is a place where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture while staying at a temple or shrine. In this article, we will explore the attraction of shukubo.

Origin of Shukubo

The history of shukubo dates back to the Heian period (794-1180). It is said that shukubo originated as lodging facilities for aristocrats who made pilgrimages to temples and shrines. Later, through the passage of time from the Kamakura period to the Edo period (1180-1868), they evolved from accommodations for priests and pilgrims to a familiar pastime for the general public. Nowadays, shukubo is not only a place for local people but has also become a popular facility for foreign tourists to experience different cultures.

Highlights of Shukubo

Shukubo is different from ordinary lodging facilities. The attraction of a shukubo lies in the opportunity to engage in extraordinary cultural experiences, such as Buddhist services, ascetic practices, and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

Although the content varies from facility to facility, the following are some examples of experiences offered at a shukubo:

• Otsutome: A ceremony in which a priest reads sutras to pray for ancestral offerings and family safety.
• Meditation: Calming the mind and regulating breathing to create a state of relaxation.
• Zazen: A state of mental unification achieved by sitting in an upright posture.
• Shakyo: Copying sutras. It is important to carefully copy the sutras one by one.
• Shabutsu: Copying a sketch of a Buddhist image.
• Waterfall training: A practice to train the body and mind by exposing the whole body to the waterfall’s current.
• Buddhist vegetarian cuisine: A vegetarian diet based on Buddhist teachings that does not contain meat or fish.

These experiences are not only extraordinary and special but also have a positive effect on the mind and body. Shakyo and shabutsu increase the power of concentration, while meditation and zazen can help calm the mind by reducing stress and anxiety. Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, which is gaining attention worldwide, is known for its vegetable-oriented dishes offering an abundance of nutritious and well-balanced options.

A One-of-a-Kind Space Created by History

The oldest temple in Japan is said to be 1,400 years old. Once constructed, temples and shrines, which are traditional Japanese architecture, can remain in existence for 500 years and are cherished as historical architecture that takes root in the local community. This long history nurtures and creates the unique charm of the temple.

Through shukubo, some temples offer visitors special opportunities to see and experience important cultural properties that are not usually available for public viewing. The experience of eating and sleeping amidst history, architecture, and art at close quarters is an opportunity to sharpen the senses and face oneself.

In Conclusion

Shukubo is a place to heal the body and soul in a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The best part of a shukubo is the opportunity to experience ascetic practices, learn about Japanese culture such as Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, or simply relax and feel the flow of time in the natural surroundings.

The web media “tabiico” works with partner municipalities to discover, nurture, and disseminate local tourism resources.
Feel free to check the following website and Instagram.

Official website: https://www.tabiico.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabiico_adf/

Introducing Two Trends to Watch from the Global Survey Results of Travel Destinations

Expedia Group has unveiled the travel trend report ‘Unpack ’24.’ Drawing from a global survey of 20,000 travelers across 14 regions worldwide, including Japan, and supplemented by data from Expedia Group brands such as Expedia and Hotels.com, ‘Unpack ’24’ presents six travel trends for 2024, encompassing popular destinations to the latest technologies in the travel industry. In this article, we will delve into two of the highlighted trends.

Source: Expedia website https://www.expedia.co.jp/stories/2024-travel-trends/

Trend Highlight 1: Selecting Travel Destinations Influenced by TV Shows and Movies – “Location Touring Trips”

Building on last year’s momentum, the trend of “choosing TV and movie filming locations as travel destinations” is projected to continue in 2024. Surveys indicate that over half (53%) of respondents have either researched travel destinations or booked trips based on the influence of TV shows and movies.

Among Japanese respondents, the primary sources of influence were “TV programs such as variety shows and dramas (49%),” followed by “books (38%)” and “streaming services (16%).” Notably, television programs wield significant influence in Japan compared to the global average.

Japanese films and animations with international fan bases, such as “Golden Kamuy” set in the late Meiji period and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” set in the Taisho era, have captivated many with their distinctive worlds. Consequently, accommodations featuring designs symbolizing these eras have emerged as popular travel destinations. Examples include ARU Hotel Kyoto, a project involving GARDE.

Francesco Ristori, the interior designer, remarks, “Through this project, I encountered Japan’s unique aesthetic and cultural styles, epitomized in the concept of ‘Taisho Romance.'” He adds, “Initially, I perceived it as Western-style emulation, but upon deeper exploration, I was struck by the creation of a distinctive worldview that offers fresh interpretations of Western architecture and art.” Such experiences transcend nationality, illustrating how firsthand encounters in locations frequented by movie protagonists shape travel trends. Movie protagonists have been can become travel trends.

Source: GARDE Co., Ltd. Press Release: “The Emergence of ‘Taisho Romance’ in Sanjo Kiya-machi, Kyoto”
The modernistic worldview crafted by Italian designers is truly embodied in the creation of ‘ARU’.

Trend Highlight 2: The Era of “Generative AI” in Travel

In 2024, the era of “Generative AI” is anticipated to unfold, progressively influencing travel content. While the responses generated by Generative AI hinge on prompts (instructions to the AI), they are poised to impact not only tourist destinations but also the very essence of travel itself. The report reveals that 50% of survey respondents express interest in leveraging Generative AI for travel bookings, with 69% believing it can facilitate travel itinerary planning.

Furthermore, novel forms of “immersive experiences,” such as exploring virtual reality spaces and game worlds like the Metaverse art museum “COCOWARP” created by GARDE, are poised to emerge as new travel trends.

You can find the full Unpack ’24 report here and the Unpack ’24 special site here.

For more information, visit:
GARDE Official Website: https://www.garde-intl.com/
Design Magazine: https://www.gardedesignmagazine.com/

References:
ARU Hotel Kyoto: https://aru-kyoto.com/
GARDE Portfolio: https://www.garde-intl.com/portfolio/por_details.php?ptid=167&img=5&lang=jp
COCOWARP: https://www.cocowarp.com/References: