Japanese Design, Craftware & Food | Yuki Aima | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Aiba from D&DEPARTMENT discusses long-lasting design, regional partnerships, and sustainable practices in retail stores.

Transcript

Hi everyone, my name is Aiba from D& DEPARTMENT. I'd like to give a brief introduction of myself. I was born in Shiga prefecture and grew up in Osaka There was also a S&DEPARTMENT store in Osaka But it closed this year After this store, I came to Tokyo to be in charge of the company. We create carious stores in different areas including Tokyo Is th... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎨 D&DEPARTMENT focuses on design longevity, craftsmanship stories, and regional partnerships for sustainable retail practices.
• 💁 They prioritize selecting products with longevity criteria, embracing reuse, repair, and forming lasting relationships with manufacturers.
• ❓ Collaboration with local partners and involvement in regional issues enhances consumer awareness and support for sustainable practices.
• ❓ D&DEPARTMENT's museums showcase products from 47 prefectures, emphasizing heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
• 😫 Events, workshops, and set meals at D&DEPARTMENT stores engage visitors in regional culture, traditional crafts, and sustainable practices.
• 🌗 Their focus on long-lasting design principles, regional partnerships, and community engagement highlights sustainable retail strategies.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does D&DEPARTMENT emphasize the longevity of design in their stores?

D&DEPARTMENT selects products based on five criteria, ensures staff actually use the items, and focuses on forming long-term relationships with manufacturers for continuous production.

Q: Why does D&DEPARTMENT collaborate with local partners for store operations?

D&DEPARTMENT believes local involvement is crucial for sustainable business longevity and to convey a genuine message about the region's products and culture.

Q: How does D&DEPARTMENT promote sustainable practices beyond product selection?

D&DEPARTMENT organizes workshops, reuses materials like shopping bags, hosts events to educate consumers on product maintenance, and revives traditional crafts through innovative approaches.

Q: How does D&DEPARTMENT engage visitors in understanding regional issues through their P to P store?

Through the Problem to Product concept, D&DEPARTMENT connects consumers to regional problems by designing products that address these issues, fostering awareness and support through product purchases.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Aiba focuses on showcasing design that lasts long and the craftsmanship behind it in D&DEPARTMENT stores.

• They create museums for products from 47 prefectures and emphasize field work and realizations for societal perspectives.

• The stores prioritize selecting products based on five criteria for longevity and emphasize reuse, repair, and partnerships with local producers.