Fun Link Friday: the art of kintsugi

While many people might think of a broken bowl or cracked ceramic pieces as beyond repair and having lost their beauty as perfect objects, other see opportunity for a different kind of aesthetic.

bowl

Colossal featured an article last year on kintsugi 金継ぎ, or “gold joinery,” which they describe as

a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The philosophy behind the technique is to recognize the history of the object and to visibly incorporate the repair into the new piece instead of disguising it. The process usually results in something more beautiful than the original.

There’s a video from a kintsugi workshop that happened in London which talks about the process and shows the work up close. You can also google kintsugi even in English and find some amazing images of this kind of art. Be sure to check it out!

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Job Opening: Director, East Asian Library, Princeton University

job opening - 5Institution: Princeton University, East Asian Library
Location: New Jersey, United States
Position: Director, Librarian

Director, East Asian Library

The Princeton University Library is one of the world’s leading research libraries, serving a diverse community of 5,200 undergraduates, 2,700 graduate students, 1,200 faculty members, and many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data and images. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9 specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities. More information: http://library.princeton.edu/

Position:

The East Asian Library’s (EAL) collection contains more than 801,000 bound volumes, 38,000 print and electronic serials subscriptions, rich offerings of digital content, and a world-famous collection of rare books and artifacts. About 69% of EAL’s holdings are Chinese, 27% Japanese and 4% Korean. Collections range across all fields of knowledge but focus especially on humanities and social sciences. The EAL is staffed by 4 librarians, 3 support staff, and many student assistants. Another 11.5 FTE of staff are devoted to processing and cataloging East Asian materials. The Director bears primary responsibility for all aspects of administration of the EAL, supervision of staff, providing leadership in planning and implementing collections, liaison and services, and representing the Library in many national and international partnerships with other centers of excellence in East Asian Studies.

The EAL serves students (undergrad and graduate), faculty and visiting researchers associated with the study of East Asia in all disciplines at all levels. In close liaison with the Department and Program of East Asian Studies, and serving the broad East Asian studies constituencies across campus, the Director coordinates the work of Chinese, Japanese and Korean Studies Librarians in developing and managing strong, interdisciplinary digital and print collections, shaping and providing innovative services for all levels of library patrons (via reference, research consultation, instructional programs, exhibits, and production of online guides) in support of learning, teaching and research.

The Director works closely with the Department and Program to ensure the EAL provides outstanding support for their over-arching priorities on classical traditions, history and literature, and the study of the contemporary world of China, Japan and Korea. Liaison with other departments (including Tech Services, Systems, Center for Digital Humanities, and Preservation) forms an important component of the operation of the EAL. The Director’s work is coordinated with that of other area studies units in the Library system, under the oversight of the Associate University Librarian for Collection Development.

In proportion to the East Asian Library’s international stature, the Director provides high-level leadership and initiative, representing Princeton in regional, national, and international organizations and meetings; seeking opportunities to advance inter-institutional initiatives for collaboration in collection development, digitization, preservation and access, and other projects; and helping to identify opportunities for grants to further enhance the Library’s service to this field.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • ALA-accredited Master’s in library science OR equivalent combination of education & professional library experience
  • Minimum 3 years professional library work in an academic or research library
  • Advanced degree in a humanities or social science field; OR at least 4 years relevant library experience in East Asian studies
  • Proficiency in at least one East Asian language; excellent oral & written communication skills
  • A record of successful leadership, management and strategic planning
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully and collegially with a diverse group of colleagues and scholars

Strongly Preferred:

  • Experience in managing a branch library or library department
  • Experience supervising professional staff in an academic setting
  • Demonstrated success working collaboratively with all levels of users and staff, across all functions of the library system
  • Ability to work effectively in a rapidly changing environment

Applications:

Applications will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://jobs.princeton.edu. Click the “Search Open Positions” button on the left, and search Requisition #1500096. Applications must include a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references with full contact information. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.  Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Jobs at Princeton website: http://jobs.princeton.edu

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Job Opening: “Risk and East Asia” PhD and postdoctoral fellowships

job opening - 5Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute of East Asian Studies
Location: Germany
Position: Doctoral Fellow, Post-Doctoral Fellow

The DFG Research Training Group 1613 Risk and East Asia, Institute of East Asian Studies, University of Duisburg-Essen invites applications for

One Postdoc Position (starting June 2015, DFG funded)
Two Doctoral Positions and Three Doctoral Stipends (starting October 2015, DFG funded)
Two Doctoral Stipends (starting in 2016, DAAD-GSSP funded)

The Research Training Group 1613 Risk and East Asia is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and part of the inter-faculty Institute of East Asian Studies (IN-EAST) at the University Duisburg-Essen. The research program of the Research Training Group Risk and East Asia examines how large processes of economic, political and social institutional change play out in East Asian, as compared to European, national and regional contexts. Participating researchers examine the impact of market transformations, social organization, central-local interactions and transnationalization processes on shifts in the responsibility for and governance of risks from states to markets, from public to private bodies, and from collective to individual actors.

Doctoral scholars receive, in accordance with either DFG or DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) guidelines, a basic monthly stipend plus applicable allowances. Remuneration for positions is based on TVL-13 (graduates: part-time position 50%, postdoc: full-time position 100%) of the German Public Service Salary Scale. Additional funding is available to support field research/residencies conducted in East Asia.

PhD candidates must hold an above average Master’s degree (or be very close to completion) in one of the disciplines Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, Sociology or East Asian Studies with a strong social-science component. They must demonstrate advanced language skills in English and either Chinese or Japanese equivalent to B2 or higher. Applications should include a CV, a cover letter/motivation statement, a preliminary dissertation proposal (5–7 pages double spaced), copies of BA/MA transcripts and BA/MA diploma/certificate, certificates of language skills, two letters of recommendation (should be sent separately by persons qualified to evaluate the academic and professional qualifications), and additional documents (further certificates, publications, etc.) if available. DAAD-GSSP scholarship holders must not have stayed in Germany for more than 14 months prior to application and the qualifying degree must not have been awarded more than six years before application. These restrictions are not applicable to the DFG-funded scholarships and positions.

Applicants for the postdoc position must have strong expertise in language- and social science based Chinese Studies or Japanese Studies, with an excellent doctorate and a strong publication record in areas studies, economics or social sciences. Applicants are requested to submit a C.V. including a list of publications, teaching and research experience and contact data of two referees, certification of English and East Asian language competencies, certified copies of all degrees awarded and  transcripts of courses, a short outline of research proposed (five pages), doctoral thesis, and up to two additional important publications.  Post-docs are  expected to contribute to the doctoral training activities and to support the organization of the joint training measures, including a training unit located in either Beijing or Tokyo in September 2015 and 2016.

The University Duisburg-Essen aims at promoting the diversity of its members (see http://www.uni-due.de/diversity). It aims at increasing the share of female faculty members and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Women with equal qualifications will, in accordance with state equality legislation, be given priority. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply (see § 2 Abs. 3 SGB IX).

The application deadline for all vacancies is March 27, 2015, applications should be addressed to phd@in-east.de.  Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview; the letter of acceptance for PhD students will be send out in early May 2015. For detailed information on the application procedures please see our homepage www.risk-and-eastasia.de. Applicants are encouraged to contact one of the Speakers about the preparation of their applications: Prof. Flemming Christiansen, PhD (flemming.christiansen@uni-due.de) and Prof. Karen Shire, PhD (karen.shire@uni-due.de).

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Internships: Summer internships at the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies, Temple University Japan

Since 2007, ICAS at Temple University Japan has hosted summer interns from many universities across the world. These unpaid summer internships for non-TUJ students (undergraduate and graduate) offer a unique opportunity to spend a productive summer in Tokyo.

Below is the summary of the program. You will find the details of the program at http://www.tuj.ac.jp/icas/internship-program/.

The interns to work as research associates with faculty members, help organize conferences, or work on special projects with TUJ administrators. Interns have worked on organizing major academic symposia, assisted faculty in their research (in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, international relations, communications and literature) and co-written articles.

For students who have their own research project (such as writing a senior thesis), programs may be devised that suit their interests while contributing to the research activities of TUJ faculty.

Interns participate in seminars and discussion groups at TUJ, visits to museums, businesses, embassies, and interesting sights in and around Tokyo.

TUJ encourages interns to take advantage of their time in Tokyo by attending conferences and other cultural events. Interns will be provided with networking opportunities in the professional communities of Japanese academia and government, and can participate in tours and other activities both within Tokyo and across Japan, which TUJ sponsors for its own students during its session.

Deadline: April 1, 2015

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Call for Papers: Energy in Modern Japan

call for papers [150-2]CALL FOR PAPERS
VSJF Annual Conference 2015
“Energy in Modern Japan. Past, Present, Future“

The annual conference of the VSJF – German Association for Social Science Research on Japan – will take place on November 20-22, 2015in Leipzig. This year’s topic is “Energy in modern Japan. Past, Present, Future“.

Taking into consideration the conference’s concept (see below), interested researchers are kindly invited to send their topics and abstracts (max. 500 words) in English, German or Japanese language until March 20th 2015 to vsjf2015@uni-leipzig.de.

Details and preliminary program: http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~japan/cms/index.php?id=162

VSJF Annual Conference 2015

The annual conference 2015 of the VSJF – German Association for Social Science Research on Japan – will be held from November 20-22, 2015 under the title “Energy in modern Japan. Past, present, future” at the University of Leipzig. The Institute for Japanese Studies at Leipzig University headed by Prof. Dr. Steffi Richter will organize this conference together with Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs, Director of the Environmental Policy Research Centre and member of the German Ethics Commission for a Safe Energy Supply appointed by chancellor Angela Merkel.

We have planned four panels along a vertical (diachronic) and a horizontal (synchronic) axis. Accordingly, “Energy and Japan” will be discussed in regard to a temporal change from past to present (“Meiji modernity”, “postwar modernity”) and future (“Green capitalism”? De-growth/ post growth society? Scenarios after “Fukushima” and energy reforms). In other words: from a fossil energy-based era of industrial growth societies to a reconstruction of societies and cultures turning “post carbon”. Simultaneously and in line with VSJF’s foundational principle of interdisciplinary work and a comprehensive understanding of society and culture, we aim to combine various methodological and theoretical approaches from different disciplines in a synchronic way: “Black gold” (coal/oil) and the electrical energy it produces are of central importance to Japan’s capitalist-colonialist modernity not only in politico-economic terms. They are also inscribed in the “mental infrastructures” (Harald Welzer), in everyday life, even in language(s), and have become important and perpetually contested topoi in the discourses of Japaneseness (nihon(jin)ron) – just take a new look from this perspective at Tanizaki Jun’ichirō’s In Praise of Shadows, Watsuji Testurō’s climate theory in Climate and Culture or the glorification of a “bright life” (akarui seikatsu) in postwar Japan. The division of the atom as a source of energy has not only seen a differentiation into “good” and “bad” (military vs. peaceful) use, but is also mirrored in society by divided opinions – traumatic memories vis à vis hopeful expectations, advocates of nuclear energy vs. anti-nuclear activism. Furthermore, it divided and continues to divide society along various other lines: e.g. the spatial divide in provinces/ villages mainly producing nuclear energy and cities mainly consuming it; or the class divide within the power generating industry of privileged regular workers in contrast to nomadic (dekasegi) “disposable workers”. Considering possible future scenarios in the face of both the “Fukushima” and imminent global climate catastrophes, we have to ask what types of interplay between economy, politics, nature, everyday life and communities of values are they striving to design and articulate?

These considerations are posed in a trans- and intercultural setting as well as a trans- and international setting. Being an institution that follows a cultural studies approach in teaching and researching on Japan from the early modern era (late 18th century) to the present, the Institute for Japanese Studies in Leipzig applies a broad understanding of culture with two main characteristics: a) including socially and regionally specific everyday cultures as well as culturally determined peculiarities in the various societal subdomains of economics, politics, education etc.; b) regarding Japan’s path to modernity as a local inflection of socio-cultural processes that take place synchronously on a global level. This path, despite its specific historical path dependence, needs to be examined in a transnational and transcultural context – which, of course, also applies to the field of “energy”.

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Job Opening: Head of the Asian Library, University of Michigan

job opening - 5Institution: University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Application open: 3/04/2015 – 4/19/2015
Type: Full Time
Education: MLS/MA: “ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree (in East Asian studies or related field of study) and experience.”

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, include your salary requirements, and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary
The University of Michigan Library is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the Asia Library, a diverse, comprehensive, and globally recognized library with growing collections and a highly talented staff. The Head will have the experience or potential to excel in the following areas of strategic importance:

  • Defining, pursuing, and communicating a clear vision for the future of the Asia Library in a way that moves the Library and campus-wide groups towards a shared purpose.
  • Ensuring that excellent user-centered services meet the constantly evolving needs of the university’s large and diverse user community.
  • Serving as the spokesperson and key leader for the Asia Library; engaging with the campus and broader community; promoting the vast resources and services designed to support the research, teaching, and learning mission of the university.
  • Providing executive and strategic oversight of substantial collections, endowments, gifts, and various budgets.

The Head manages a staff of ten, including four librarians, and manages services and programs of the Asia Library in partnership with library-wide services and programs. This position reports to the Associate University Librarian for Research.

This position may include an appointment in an academic department that includes undergraduate and graduate teaching responsibilities depending upon academic credentials and teaching experience.

The University of Michigan’s Asia Library has a long and distinguished tradition of building and providing access to comprehensive collections relevant to East Asian Studies. The Asia Library holds approximately one million physical volumes of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean monographs, serials, microforms, and other media. The library also provides access to thousands of electronic databases, books, and serials in East Asian languages. The collection of East Asia materials in western languages is also quite strong. The Head directs the work of the librarians who are responsible for collection development budgets totaling more than $1,000,000 annually.

These collections are particularly strong in the humanities and social sciences and support doctoral level studies. The Asia Library has a strong history of successful partnerships with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the International Institute, the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, the Center for Japanese Studies, and the Nam Center for Korean Studies. The long-standing partnerships are essential for sustaining the entire range of research needs of faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff; fostering and innovating scholarly communication; effectively using instructional technologies; embracing new research resources while supporting traditional research methods; and encouraging interdisciplinary research and collaboration across campus and beyond. This collection not only serves the faculty and students of the university but also scholars throughout North America. The Asia Library belongs to a number of cooperative programs such as the Council on East Asian Libraries, the North American Coordinating Council on Japanese Library Resources, and the Korean Collections Consortium of North America. The Asia Library is considered to be among the top five libraries of its kind in the United States.

Responsibilities*

  • Positions the Asia Library as a recognized leader in the delivery of scholarly content through an appropriate array of services, programs, and creative applications of technology.
  • Fosters productive and collaborative relationships with directors, chairs, faculty, and administrators in the relevant Centers and programs and within the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts, as well as across campus.
  • Fosters productive and collaborative relationships with library staff in departments and units within the the University of Michigan Library.
  • Serves as the Collection Coordinator for Asia Library by managing acquisitions budgets, gifts, and endowments.
  • Represents the Asia Library and the University of Michigan Library through professional service and affiliations, including: engagement in scholarly activities; professional affiliations and involvement at national and international levels; developing and maintaining collegial relationships with East Asian librarians and researchers from peer institutions.
  • Initiates and cultivates close relations with donors of funds and materials relating to Asia Library collections; collaborates with teaching faculty, the Director of Library Development and the Associate University Librarian for Collections, as appropriate, on fundraising activities.

Required Qualifications*

  • ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree (in East Asian studies or related field of study) and experience.
  • Proficiency (speaking, writing, and reading) in one of the following languages (Chinese, Korean, Japanese) in support of East Asian scholarly programs.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students of culturally diverse backgrounds.
  • Record of scholarly or professional achievement, e.g. publications, presentations, service, or teaching experience.
  • Familiarity with scholarly communication and academic publishing practices throughout East Asia.
  • Understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Advanced degree in East Asian Studies or related field, or equivalent knowledge in a related field of study combined with library experience.
  • Demonstrated potential for successful teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.
  • Three years of management experience in an academic library or the broader scholarly community.
  • Experience in successfully leading collaborative efforts to enhance user services and to develop innovative initiatives and programs.
  • Demonstrated ability in the writing, management, and reporting of grants.
  • Proficiency with two or more of the following languages: Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
  • Strong user-centered commitment to outreach and service excellence.

See original posting on UM website; via HigherEdJobs.com

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Job Opening: Programs Coordinator and Editorial Assistant, Pacific Basin Research Center

job opening - 5Institution: Soka University of America
Location: Aliso Viejo, CA
Application Due: Open Until Filled (posted 3/6/2015)
Tentative Start Date: April 1, 2015
Type: Full Time
Education: MA preferred

Programs Coordinator and Editorial Assistant
Pacific Basin Research Center (PBRC), Soka University of America

Job Description:
The Pacific Basin Research Center (PBRC) seeks a Programs Coordinator and Editorial Assistant to manage the Center’s main office at Soka University of America, coordinate new and ongoing programs of the Center, and assist in the editing and production of the Center’s publications. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of the Center.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Participation with the Director and Associate Director in the planning and execution of PBRC research initiatives, public policy task forces, conferences, and workshops;
  • The disbursement of grants and awards, including any necessary travel arrangements for campus speakers and other PBRC grantees;
  • Editing, production, and distribution of the Center’s publications, including web-site development and maintenance;
  • Working with Soka University of America students in various programs, awards, and conferences
  • Files and records management.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have proven organizational and communications skills, some background in business accounting, solid editing and web-site development skills, and the ability to work under deadlines with minimal supervision. A Master’s Degree in public policy and development or a related field is preferable. Although a record of publication in this area is not necessary, applicants should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of contemporary trends and conditions, including historical developments, within and around the Asia-Pacific region.

Benefits / Salary:
This is a two year term contract. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Soka University of America offers a competitive benefits package.

See posting at HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Academic Advisor: International Programs, University of Utah

job opening - 5
Institution: University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posted: 03/02/2015
Type: Full Time
Education: BA required, MA preferred
Department: Asian Studies Program

Job Summary:
Advises a diverse population of students in regards to their academic planning and progress by utilizing professional advising and guidance skills. Interprets and explains university academic policy and procedure to assist students in making decisions concerning personal educational goals leading to graduation.
This position advises for multiple interdisciplinary programs in the International & Area Studies Suite: Asian Studies, International Studies, Latin American Studies and Middle East Studies. Advisor works collaboratively in a team of academic advisors, responsible for programming, outreach, communication, and program coordination. Advisor assists Program Directors with recruitment and outreach and acts as a consultant on curricular changes. This position reports to the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities.

Responsibilities:

  • Meets with students to provide information and guidance on academic-related issues, such as graduation requirements and exceptions, major exploration, course planning and registration, transfer credit evaluation/substitution or advanced degree requirements
  • Facilitates students’ academic progress by evaluating their needs, developing appropriate educational plans, directing to appropriate campus resources, and encouraging international experience and involvement through study abroad, internships, language study, and campus/community engagement
  • Develops student programming to supplement or enhance academic preparedness and to increase interaction between alumni and current students
  • Leads communication efforts through social media, weekly program emails, and website maintenance
  • Coordinates and/or participates in the advising-related portion of new/transfer student and parent orientation sessions, in addition to outreach and promotion of international programs to current students.
  • Maintains students’ academic files that include a record of the advising activity that takes place during each visit.
  • Serves on University committees and makes recommendations that affect curriculum requirements, advising processes and program development and published materials.
  • Coordinates data compilation, statistical reports and correspondence, depending upon the area of assignment.
  • May plan and participate in continuing education for advising staff.
  • May supervise lower level advising staff and/or student employees and participate in hiring, training and evaluating those employees.
  • This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required.
  • Previous experience in an advising, counseling or teaching environment is preferred.
  • Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences:

  • Master’s degree in Education or equivalent
  • Previous experience in an advising, counseling or teaching environment
  • Experience working or studying abroad
  • Foundation in student development theory and advising best practices
  • Demonstrated ability to work in diverse group settings
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently

Full details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Book Announcement: Aging and Loss: Mourning and Maturity in Contemporary Japan

Aging and Loss: Mourning and Maturity in Contemporary Japan

Jason Danely (Author)

Description

By 2030, over 30% of the Japanese population will be 65 or older, foreshadowing the demographic changes occurring elsewhere in Asia and around the world. What can we learn from a study of the aging population of Japan and how can these findings inform a path forward for the elderly, their families, and for policy makers?

Based on nearly a decade of research, Aging and Loss examines how the landscape of aging is felt, understood, and embodied by older adults themselves. In detailed portraits, anthropologist Jason Danely delves into the everyday lives of older Japanese adults as they construct narratives through acts of reminiscence, social engagement and ritual practice, and reveals the pervasive cultural aesthetic of loss and of being a burden.

Through first-hand accounts of rituals in homes, cemeteries, and religious centers, Danely argues that what he calls the self-in-suspense can lead to the emergence of creative participation in an economy of care. In everyday rituals for the spirits, older adults exercise agency and reinterpret concerns of social abandonment within a meaningful cultural narrative and, by reimagining themselves and their place in the family through these rituals, older adults in Japan challenge popular attitudes about eldercare. Danely’s discussion of health and long-term care policy, and community welfare organizations, reveal a complex picture of Japan’s aging society.

http://rutgerspress.rutgers.edu/product/Aging-and-Loss,5296.aspx

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Fun Link Friday: Home-for-All in Soma

Here’s a positive story about reconstruction in Soma to end our week.

Via Spoon & Tamago

Via Spoon & Tamago

Four years ago a devastating earthquake and tsunami destroyed 250,000 homes in the Tohoku region of Japan. In the wake of the tragedy, architect Toyo Ito established Home-for-All, an initiative to build small community centers in the heart of the acres of temporary housing. Funded by donations from around the world, for the last 4 years architects have worked pro bono to build a total of 12 Home-for-All buildings, instilling a sense of pride in the hard-hit areas of Tohoku.

The latest project to be completed is Home-for-All in Soma, a beautiful, wooden indoor playground for kids designed by Tokyo-based Klein-Dytham Architecture. “As the children cannot play outside, we felt the building should feel like you are playing in a forest with trees,” said the architects, who designed cross-laminated timber columns that create an open, airy space.

Check out the project on Spoon & Tamago!

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