How many Japanese design principles are there?

"There isn't one single master list of rules, but Japanese design is deeply rooted in traditional Zen Buddhist aesthetics which are traditionally expressed in practices such as the tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, and calligraphy. These aesthetics share a number of key principles such as simplicity, harmony, an intuitive connection to nature, and negative space, and these core values play an elemental role in shaping modern design in Japan. The imprint of these values can be seen across the creative spectrum—from architecture and interior design to crafts and art—as well as in homes and the rituals of daily life."

What are some famous examples of this concept?

"These ideas are expressed in the masterful woodturning creations of Shinichi and Yaesu Iida, whose abstractions are rooted in an elemental harmony with nature and mirrored in the organic forms and textured surfaces spotlighting the natural beauty of the aging wood. Ri Sanpei’s 13th-generation creations of sometsuke blue and white porcelain in Arita are a further reflection of these ideals, with the beauty of the pieces rooted in a balance between centuries-old human craftsmanship and a reverence for natural imperfection."

What other key ideas are there?

"Ma, the idea of negative space, is another important concept. This can refer to the spaces between musical notes, the unpainted white on a canvas, the silence in a conversation and more. It’s almost subconsciously incorporated into the essence of Japanese design and architecture—whether that’s a minimalist kettle design by Naoto Fukasawa or the serene play of light and shadows on the concrete lines in a Tadao Ando-designed building."

What is the most important element of this?

"An overall sense of wa—or harmony. A harmony not only between objects, humans, and space, but between the lightness of the structure and the surrounding nature. The invisible is also key, with the atmosphere—through lighting or scent—also playing a key spatial role. In terms of modern Japanese life, it’s of course not always realistic to create such top-to-bottom havens of serenity in contemporary city apartments. But there are countless touches that can hint at this, from the objects people choose to use and treasure in daily life to the presence of flowers and plants from nature."