Great Gear - 2012/11/28

Nov. 28, Wed.
Special Report: Kibiso Silk - Following a New Thread in the Tradition

For this "Special Report" segment, we visit silk producers in Yamagata who attempt to revive a trade that was once the pride of Japan. They came up with exciting new products to bring back the tradition of silk its former luster.

Decades ago, silk products used to be the star performers of Japanese exports. However, the silk industry was hit hard by globalization and it is now on the decline. There are currently only two factories producing silk from silkworm cocoons in Japan. Even so, a new venture has begun to make new silk products, including bags, scarves, book covers and other small accessories. The product line is called "kibiso", a word that refers to the first threads that come out of the cocoon. These threads were once used in cosmetics when production levels of silk were higher. However, with production decreasing over the generations, they just became a waste byproduct. The inspiration for these new creations came when a textile designer looking at a bundle of "kibiso" lying in a corner of the factory decided that it shouldn't go to waste. And now, it is being recycled into secondary silk products with a casual feel and a lightness of weight that are a prefect fit for our times.


On Site: Interior Lifestyle Living 2012

Interior Lifestyle Living is a trade show that is held twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall. Mai Ishikawa reports "On Site" to give us the update on what's new in the world of interior design.

Schedule: Oct 17-19, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

The fall edition of the show features interior products from around the world, including tableware, furniture, lighting, textiles and designer appliances. Many of these products were the results of innovative ideas, such as flexible partitions made of wood, stylish aluminum vases for flower arrangement, door chimes with sweet and soothing sounds and Japanese traditional crafts combined with modern design. It isn't too much to say that the things around us in our homes, our interior design choices, are a representation of who we are. This "On-site" segment will let you discover some of the latest products designed to make your home an even better place.

Gadgets: Paper Airplanes - Analog Toys for the Young and Old

The simple joy of watching paper airplanes glide on the wind has enthralled children and adults around the world for ages. We take a closer look at these lightweight flying machines on this "Gadgets" segment.

In Japan, the number of paper airplane enthusiasts has been increasing in the recent years as an outdoor activity accessible to many people. Even though these are toys, their construction is based on aerodynamics, science, and innovation. How well they fly partially depends on weather conditions like wind direction and velocity, as well as air temperature and humidity. The planes do not always fly the way we want them to. But just by touching a wing with your finger, you can change the way the plane glides. That is part of the fun, and even young children who do not understand the scientific elements are able to fly the planes well. Flying paper airplanes into the clear blue sky makes for a thoroughly enjoyable recreation.


Further Info:

Please note that some of the products or services featured in this program may be prototypes and not be sold at stores. NHK is not responsible for any damages, losses or injuries caused by the usage of these products or services.

On Site : Interior Lifestyle Living 2012
- Mesago Messe Frankfurt Corporation
http://www.ifft-interiorlifestyleliving.com/
Head Office +81-3-3512-3277

- TAKUMI KOHGEI
http://www.takumikohgei.com/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-166-83-4400

- TIME & STYLE / PRESTIGE JAPAN INC.
http://www.timeandstyle.com/plus/product/index.html (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-3-5464-3208

- Sanpo Electrical And Mechanical Engineering Corporation
http://www.seamec.co.jp/English/index_e.htm
Head Office +81-6-6364-1471

- SKINTEX / Coelacanth Restaurant. LLC
http://skintex.c-syoku.com/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-794-63-2265

- ASANO DESIGN STUDIO
http://www1.nisiq.net/~asano/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-3-3490-8681

- HARIO CO., LTD.
http://www.hario.jp/
Head Office +81-3-5614-2110

- BIZENYAKI TOUYUUKAI
http://www.touyuukai.jp/english/bizenware.htm
Head Office +81-869-64-1001

- wa-love / NEOS Co., Ltd.
http://www.wa-love.jp/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-258-33-8836

- Timbre
http://timbre.jp/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-6-6224-4755
Gadgets : Paper Airplanes - Analog Toys for the Young and Old
- AOZORA Corporation
http://www.aozorapark.jp/index.html (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-3-3639-5700

- Japan Paper Airplane Association.
http://www.kamihikouki.jp/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-3-3639-5698
Special Report : Kibiso Silk - Following a New Thread in the Tradition
- KIBISO / Tsuruoka Silk Co., Ltd.
http://www.kibiso.jp/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-235-29-1607

- Matsuoka Co., Ltd.
http://www.matuoka.jp/index.html (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-234-62-2222

- Uzen Silk Scouring Co.,Ltd.
http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~uzscour/ (Japanese only)
Head Office +81-235-24-1300

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