"Japanese Design Today": Japan brings innovation and tradition in design to Chisinau
Visitors to the National Museum of History of Moldova can look forward to a remarkable exploration of contemporary Japanese design. The exhibition "Japanese Design Today," held as part of Japan Days, offers the public an opportunity to discover innovative objects, reinterpreted traditions, and modern technologies, all presented in an interactive format.
The Japanese Ambassador to Chisinau, Yamada Yoichiro, shared with Moldova 1 TV that the highlight of the exhibition is the Kumamon mascot, which represents Kumamoto Prefecture.
"This mascot, Kumamon, plays a role in the public sector and is involved in campaigns to promote Kumamoto. Other prefectures in Japan also create similar mascots to showcase their local gastronomy and traditional products," the ambassador explained.
Livia Ermurache, the deputy director of the National Museum of History, expressed the significance of cultural collaboration with the Embassy of Japan.
"This is our second major collaboration with the Embassy of Japan; the first was 'Dialogue Sushi,' and now we have the exhibition dedicated to Japanese design. It's interesting to see how we have evolved over the last 100 years," Ermurache stated.
She mentioned that the exhibition includes an interactive element through tablets, which provide detailed explanations of the exhibits, covering everything from trains and furniture to electronic devices. "We ask everyone who visits not to touch the exhibits; however, the tablet can be used to scroll through and view explanatory videos," she added.
The exhibition showcases a wide array of objects, including furniture, electronics, tableware, health products, communication devices, and innovations in transportation, such as bus trains and buses on rails.
Ambassador Yamada Yoichiro provided an example of Japanese creativity: "An emblematic aspect of our culture is the QR code, which is widely used today. It was invented by a Japanese engineer who was inspired by the traditional game Igo—a strategic game that served as the basis for creating the QR code we use globally today."
The diplomat also discussed the connection between tradition and technology: "There is a container made from a single sheet of paper. The folds along the paper's edges create its final shape. Traditional origami techniques are still in use today; for instance, they are used to package solar panels that open in space to supply energy to satellites."
Visitors can discover other innovative items, such as tents that can be assembled in under a minute and multifunctional bags inspired by origami art. The cultural attaché of the Japanese Embassy, Naito Yoshino, explained: "This bag utilizes origami technology, allowing it to be compact and easy to carry. Instead of relying on plastic bags, we promote the use of these reusable bags."
The exhibition "Japanese Design Today" has attracted over 5,000 visitors, setting a museum record. It will be available for viewing until November 23 at the National Museum of History of Moldova.
