Intercultural Design - Project 2 | Field Study

on

26/02/2024- 10/03/2024 (Week 4-Week 5)
Lizzie Tanaka (0362065)
Typography | BDCM | Taylor's University
Project 2: Field Study 

INSTRUCTIONS


Instructions: 
- Collect visual, oral, textual and/or tactile artefacts that could contribute to research materials for the concept in Project 1. 
- All data and materials gathered should be recorded, kept, and documented, alongside necessary information (type, purpose, symbolism, cultural/historical background)
- Collect data with these methods: 
a. Observation study
b. Interview of relevant stakeholders
c. Online and/or physical material

For task 2, we had one week to do our research and to gather our data through on-site research and/or interviews. Our group went to Japan to do on-site research. We decided to explore the Kansai perfecture; Osaka, Kyoto, Nara. 

Osaka is a bustling metropolitan, modern city, while Kyoto and Nara keeps more historical and cultural aspects of Japan engraved within them. All three cities also had convenient travel routes, accessible via the metro from Osaka. 

A. OSAKA

1. OSAKA CASTLE
We went to Osaka Castle which opened in 1597 and was in use up until the 1800s. To gain more knowledge, we went inside the museum. Unfortunately, most floors didn't allow photography at all so we had very limited photos. The museums told stories about the soldiers that were at war, displayed many old letters from the king, and more. 

Fig 1.1 Osaka Castle
(28/02/2024)

Fig 1.2 Artwork; The Fall of Osaka Castle
Taken by Velicia
(28/02/2024)
2. OSAKA MUSEUM OF HOUSING AND LIVING
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living was interesting to me as I could experience a bit of how traditional shops and houses looked like and functioned in Japan. There was also a section where there were miniatures of different housing eras throughout Japan. 


Fig 1.3 Miniature of older Japanese housing/neighborhood
(28/02/2024)

Fig 1.4 Goten-Kazari
(28/02/2024)

Fig 1.5 Traditional Japanese fabrics
(28/02/2024)

Fig 1.6 Japanese hair accessories
Taken by Ying Ying 
(28/02/2024)


3. KUROMON ICHIBA MARKET, NAMBA 
We went to Kuromon Ichiba Market in the Namba area to look for souvenir shops. We did find very few shops selling souvenirs but we found some kanzashi. We also bought some leftover fabric for our project. 

Fig 1.7 Kuromon Ichiba Market
(26/02/2024)

Fig 1.8 Fabric Shop 
(26/02/2024)

Fig 1.9 Fabrics bought
Taken by Emily
(26/02/2024)

Fig 1.10 Hairpins
(26/02/2024)

Fig 1.11 More hairpins
(26/02/2024)

Fig 1.12 Tsumami Kanzashi
(26/02/2024)

4. DOTONBORI STREET 
There was a lot to look at, however it's mostly street foods and shopping streets, not many traditional souvenirs. It was cool at nighttime. 

Fig 1.13 Dotonbori Street at night
(25/02/2024)

5. TEAMLAB BOTANICAL GARDEN
A night garden that explores how nature such as movement from birds can create art, making the environment and the people around it a part of the art. 


Fig 1.14 Color change triggered by movement
(28/02/2024)

Fig 1.15 Color change triggered by movement
(28/02/2024)

B. KYOTO | 27 February 2024

1. CULTURAL MUSEUM OF KYOTO

Our first destination was the Museum of Kyoto since most museums were quite far and closed. Sadly, we weren't allowed to take photos but the main exhibition was the history of Kyoto, the kingdoms in the past such as Heian-kyo. There was also a section where they displayed folk dolls; Hina-dolls where it is used to celebrate Girl's day every March 3rd in Japan. The museum also exhibits the famous Tale of Genji with its original copies. 

Fig 1.16 Cultural Museum of Kyoto
(27/02/2024)

2. FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA

We sadly went to the Fushimi Inari Taisha when it was almost sun-down, so it wasn't too crowded but didn't have the best views. It's a famous tourist spot for the amount of torii gates.

Fig 1.17 Torii Gates
(27/02/2024)

Fig 1.18 Entrance
(27/02/2024)

Fig 1.19  Praying altar in Fushimi Inari Taisha
Taken by Ying Ying
(27/02/2024)

3. ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST
The bamboo forest had a temple inside it but it's mostly just bamboo trees. 

Fig 1.20 Bamboo Forest
(27/02/2024)

Fig 1.21 Shrine in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Taken by Ying Ying
(27/02/2024)

C. NARA | 29 February 2024

1. NARA DEER PARK
Visited the deer park where there were numerous deers wandering around and we get to feed them with snacks that can be purchased there. 

Fig 1.22 Nara Deer Park

2. KOFUKU-JI TEMPLE
This temple was located further within the deer park. There were three areas we visited; Kofuku-ji Gojunta, Nan'endo, and Central Golden Hall.
Fig 1.23 Kofuku-ji Temple - Central Golden Hall

Fig 1.24 Kofuku-ji Temple


3. NARAMACHI NEIGHBORHOOD
We ended up exploring the Naramachi neighborhood when we were trying to find a lunch spot. We stumbled upon a small souvenir shop selling traditional Japanese items. Sadly, it rained badly after we had our meal.

Fig 1.25 Modern style hairpin

Fig 1.26 Traditional hairpins

Fig 1.27 Tsumami kanzashi

Fig 1.28 Paper (wax) crane with traditional fabric

We compiled all our data gathering in this powerpoint: 
Fig 1.29 Final analysis of data gathered (Week 5)

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FEEDBACKS

Week 4
Explore more about kanzashi. For the final outcome, maybe try making a collection of hair ornaments inspired by Japanese kanzashi elements. 

Week 5
Our sketch was looking more of a replicated product. Try to find why people no longer wear traditional kanzashi anymore, find more about kanzashi being a 'dying tradition'. We should be able to create something more subtle. 
REFLECTION
 
Going to Japan itself was a very incredible experience but going there and having to explore Japan with people you just knew a few weeks before was interesting. We got lost so many times while exploring Japan, our only help was Google Maps which had different routes on different phones. It rained quite often so it was a hassle to be honest. However, I'm glad I got on this trip because I ended up learning so much about Japanese culture itself and experienced it firsthand.

I find that good teamwork really helps in the smooth running of our itinerary. I also find that flexibility is a must and we must be able to prioritize places. There were many places we wanted to visit but we ended up only going to very few places. Thankfully, most of my group members were very active and we were able to discuss where we should go and arrange our route to avoid wasting time. 

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