Exhaustion and stress are taking their toll as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Supportive, relaxing designs are beginning to attract notice. Meet a pet-style robot designed to have no practical purpose, discover humorous gifts, and charming signs. Product designer Nezu Kota explores the world of compassionate design.

The Mingei movement began in 1926 but still has an enormous impact on Japanese product design today. As we all re-evaluate our lifestyles in the midst of a pandemic, explore how Mingei helped shape the design of ordinary items around Japan. Guest Takaki Takao runs a craftwork shop in Fukuoka and explores what lies ahead for our everyday lives.

Our topic this time is Part of the Whole. Our guests are up-and-coming architectural duo Masuda Shingo and Otsubo Katsuhisa. By focusing on which elements really need to change, they examine windows, walls and foundations. Their work creates new relationships between architecture and the surrounding environment. As we stand at a turning point for new lifestyles, explore potential futures.