What is ‘Hyakkō’? A deep dive into Japan’s thriving craft scene with curator Nagata Takahiro

In this episode of Monocle on Design, host Nick Manese and Grace Charlton explore the vibrant contemporary craft scene in Japan through a deep dive into curator Takehiro Nagata's exhibition 'Hayako: 100 Plus Makers from Japan' at Japan House in London. The show begins with a critique of hotel hospitality design, highlighting how over-the-top welcome gestures can disrupt the user experience, underscoring the importance of designing for actual human needs rather than performative luxury. This theme transitions into a broader discussion on design’s role in fostering human flourishing, referencing the Greek concept of eudaimonia and the work of designers like Rina Dumas and SRA. The core of the episode centers on Nagata’s two-year journey to define modern Japanese craft, culminating in an exhibition featuring over 2,000 handmade objects from 123 makers across Japan. Nagata’s new term 'Hyakko'—a blend of 'hundred' and 'making'—serves as a deliberate, inclusive umbrella for diverse practices that blur the lines between craft, design, and art. The episode emphasizes the cultural, linguistic, and philosophical depth behind Japanese craftsmanship, including the nuanced use of terms like 'kawaii' and 'fukan senza,' and reflects on how these traditions offer a counterbalance to automation and mass production. Ultimately, the show celebrates craft as a living, relational practice rooted in place, material, and meaning. Key takeaways include: 1) Design should prioritize human experience and emotional resonance over performative gestures; 2) The term 'Hyakko' exemplifies how language can evolve to capture complex cultural practices; 3) Craft is not just about objects but about relationships—between maker, material, place, and user; 4) Japanese craft traditions like sashiko, hinoki woodworking, and pottery embody values of repair, sustainability, and mindfulness; 5) Cross-cultural influences, such as Yanagi Soetsu’s inspiration from Korea, highlight the global interconnectedness of craft movements; 6) Reviving mingei principles—beauty in utility, anonymity of the maker, and harmony with nature—can inspire more meaningful design; 7) The exhibition 'Hayako' invites visitors to see craft as a living, evolving dialogue rather than a static tradition; 8) True design innovation lies in creating new values and social connections, not just aesthetics. The episode closes with a call to experience the exhibition firsthand, framing craft as a vital, human-centered counterpoint to a rapidly automated world.