From Muji to Sony televisions, our lives are surrounded by Japanese design. We think we know it, whether it reflects calming minimalism, avant-garde catwalk fashion or the cute aesthetic populating Tokyo streets. But these stereotypes do not portray the creativity, generosity and sheer hard work that has gone into creating design industries in Japan.

Key to the account is how design was seen as a strategy to help the nation thrive during turbulent times, and for making life better along the way. Superbly illustrated, Designing Modern Japan appeals to the wide audience for Japanese design, history and culture.

Author: Sarah Teasley

Publisher: Reaktion Books

ISBN: 9781780232027