Gianfranco, a European Designer, Reflects on Japanese Craft and Its Future
Introduction
Why does Japanese craftsmanship embody such deep spirituality?
In this interview, Gianfranco, a designer based in Europe, shares his reflections on how Japanese materials, aesthetics, and craft culture deeply influence daily life.
Using the key themes of Resilience, Regeneration, and Reverence, he speaks with quiet passion about the essential value that Japanese craft holds for the future.
Each word offers profound insight into how craftsmanship can connect cultures and transcend time.
Q1. Material as Time
Q. How do you see differences in materials between Japan and Europe?
I believe material is not just substance — it’s time.
Many materials like ceramics, wood, glass, or metal are used both in Europe and Japan. There’s a common language in how we approach them. But take something like urushi (lacquer) — in the West, it’s unfamiliar. People might touch it and think it’s plastic. But once you learn about the time and care involved, you see it differently.
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