Miki Asai

Miki Asai’s pieces seek beauty through imperfection, exploring and exemplifying the concept of wabi sabi. For this, she uses materials such as eggshells, small pieces of metal, Japanese lacquer, and even small pieces of shells and paper to create surfaces made of powdered mineral stones, whose effects contrast with their solidity and permanence.

Her production has already been awarded by the Japan Jewellery Designers Association (JJDA) in Tokyo, and by The Goldsmith’s Centre (London), one of the most important institutions in the field of artistic production on a global level.

Naho Okamoto (SIRI SIRI)

Creator and owner of SIRI SIRI, a brand that is currently considered one of the most important in the fashion and design industry in Japan, Okamoto works in collaboration with artisans and produces pieces with the utmost care and attention to traditional Japanese techniques, such as the Kiriko facet style, and the wicker works that will be exhibited at Japan House São Paulo.

In addition to its commercial relevance, quality, and distinctive designs, the Tokyo-based company has sustainability policies linked to the use of natural materials and preservation of local crafts, in addition to a development and training program for young artisans.

Mariko Kusumoto

Working primarily with fabrics, fibers, resin, and metal, Kusumoto produces ethereal pieces, merging Japanese and Western references to create light, delicate, and nature-inspired jewelry and artwork. Her production is entirely handmade and stands out for its playful aspect that comes from the exuberant colors, textures, and shapes. Using thermosetting techniques, she gives the fabric a new identity, reshaping it into three-dimensional shapes with a playful delicacy.

During this process, the designer is attentive to chance and possible imperfections that may appear, incorporating them into her creations, a posture remarkably similar to the wabi-sabi concept. The highlights of her work include a collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier for the 2019 Paris Fashion Week, as well as exhibitions in the United States, Portugal, and Germany.

Emiko Suo

Emiko Suo excels at working with metal, using extra-fine metallic threads, mesh materials, and more to explore their tension and lightness. The proficiency in sophisticated and complex metallurgy techniques, learned from her father during childhood, and later perfected at the Tokyo University of the Arts, have made her work recognized both in Japan and internationally since the 1990s.

Nahoko Fujimoto

Her pieces show an interest in three-dimensionality, explore using delicate papers and magnets, which allow the pieces, usually organic and with direct references to elements of nature, such as birds, shells, or leaves, to gain movement.