Reflecting Local Voices Through Workshops and Facebook

The 'D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT' unearths and introduces the 'long-lasting, region-specific designs' of Japan's 47 prefectures. Last April, embodying this concept, they opened a museum, store, and restaurant in Shibuya Hikarie, fostering a re-evaluation of regional distinctiveness across Japan.



'd design travel' selects and presents items with 'region-specific character' and 'individuality' that have endured over time, viewed through the prism of design. By integrating a design perspective into tourism, this new style of guidebook, launched in 2009, aims to revitalize travel and foster interaction between locals and creators. To date, nine volumes have been published, covering regions such as Hokkaido, Kagoshima, Osaka, and Nagano.


The Yamaguchi volume was produced with the cooperation of the Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media (YCAM), known for its pioneering activities and celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the city of Yamaguchi. It was edited to reflect local voices, incorporating input from workshops attended by approximately 70 prefectural residents and through the use of Facebook.



The book features places like the 'Chuya Nakahara Memorial Museum' and 'Harada Shuhou', selected based on 'd design travel's' unique criteria: 'region-specific characteristics' and 'conveying the region's important messages'. Editor-in-chief Kenmei Nagaoka and the editorial team personally visited and verified these locations, featuring only those that left a profound impression.



To commemorate the release of the Yamaguchi volume, numerous events will be held in Yamaguchi Prefecture and at Shibuya Hikarie. From Friday, February 1st to Sunday, March 3rd, the 'd design travel YAMAGUCHI EXHIBITION' will take place at the 'd47 MUSEUM' in Shibuya Hikarie, showcasing spots featured in the book and Yamaguchi's unique activities on 90cm square display platforms. Additionally, the 'd47 design travel store' will offer crafts and local specialties discovered by the editorial team during their research.




Furthermore, on Friday, March 8th, Rakugo performer Karyoku Yanagiya will present a new Rakugo piece themed around Yamaguchi Prefecture. On Sunday, February 17th, YCAM's highly acclaimed workshops, recognized both domestically and internationally, will be held at Shibuya Hikarie.




The 'd design travel Yamaguchi' offers a multifaceted portrayal of Yamaguchi's charm. Holding it is sure to inspire a journey to Yamaguchi, allowing you to experience the prefecture in a way that transcends its conventional image.




d design travel Yamaguchi


Release Date: Friday, February 1st

Pages: 192 pages

Publisher: D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT

Price: 1,470 yen



『d design travel YAMAGUCHI EXHIBITION』


Period: Friday, February 1st - Sunday, March 3rd

Hours: 11:00 - 20:00

Venue: d47 MUSEUM

8F, Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-6427-2301

Admission: Free



Karyoku Yanagiya's 'Long-Lasting Rakugo Performance'

Date: Friday, March 8th

Time: 19:00 onwards

Venue: 8F COURT, Shibuya Hikarie

Fee: 3,500 yen (General seating)

Capacity: 120 people



Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media 'YCAM' Talk & Workshop in Shibuya Hikarie


Date: Sunday, February 17th

Time: Talk 15:00 onwards; Workshops: Sensory Athletics 13:00-14:30 / Pasta Architecture 17:00-19:00

Venue: 8F COURT, Shibuya Hikarie

Fee: Free

Reservations: Talk requires no reservation; workshops have a capacity of 10 people per session and require advance booking.