For the Japanese, the concept of design is not limited to functionality and materiality--it is deeply connected with culture and tradition. In this sense, everyday objects become more than their function: they are to be reflected upon, to be touched and cherished. As mass manufacture became widespread in the postwar period, fascinating cross-cultural exchanges began to take place between Japan and the West. And in recent years, a new generation of designers has taken Japanese creativity into entirely new territory, reconceptualizing the very meaning of design. Showcasing hundreds of objects and contributions from both Japanese and Western designers inspired by Japan, this volume will remain the definitive work on the subject for many years to come.