Usually, new trends and technologies come to us from the West; we traditionally follow developments and trends in design in the European region or America (lately, however, the UAE has also been surprising and attracting attention to its ambitious projects created by the best Western architects). But there are other interesting regions, with their own culture, traditions, mentality, and way of life, for example Japan.
We decided to set eyes on the East and see what private interiors are currently being designed, what lighting solutions are being developed for them, what characterizes them, understand where does the land of the Rising sun look.

LIGHTING DESIGN SOLUTIONS DETAILS IN JAPAN

1 – HARMONY, SIMPLICITY, ELEGANCE
The features of modern interior design in Japan traditionally include a harmonious combination of traditions and modern elements. In general, the Japanese prefer minimalism, simplicity, and elegance.
In interiors, great importance is attached to space and light. Japanese houses and apartments often have an open floor plan, which helps to create a feeling of space and harmony. There are often no curtains, or they are very thin, which allows natural light to easily penetrate the interior.
It is worth to note that the main feature of architectural design solutions in Japan is the combination of functionality and aesthetics combined with simplicity – that is, a product which not only performs the main function, but also brings aesthetic pleasure to a person.

About lighting solutions:
In Japanese interiors you rarely see lighting fixtures with frills in decor. They are either as discreet as possible (simple geometric shapes – cylinders, rectangles, squares, lines) or as invisible as possible (built-in, frameless, cove and contour lighting, hidden in profiles, behind translucent materials or in niches). Japanese culture values a balance between the obvious and the hidden, where a simple, minimalist appearance can hide deeper meaning.
Light is used only where it is needed, to the point that the light device can illuminate only the keyhole to insert the key into it at night, without flooding the entire entrance area or entrance.

Lighting performs a primarily functional task. Light accents are also used to focus attention on certain elements, areas, or interior items. This approach allows you to use electricity wisely, as well as minimize the amount of light, keep the night darkness, and reduce protection from light pollution (if we are talking about electric lighting in private homes).
The elegance and expressiveness of the look is also expressed through the purity of lines and appearance. To solve these problems, uniform reflective light is often used. This approach to lighting solutions allows you to make the object visually more sophisticated and closer to harmony with the environment and nature.

2 – HARMONY WITH NATURE
One of the key concepts of Japanese design is “wabi-sabi” (literally wabi “unpretentious simplicity” + sabi “a touch of antiquity, the pacification of loneliness”). That is the principle of beauty in naturalness, imperfection, and modesty. That which possesses wabi-sabi is genuine and genuine. For example, an autumn garden.
This approach to design is expressed in the use of natural materials (wood, stone), the presence of living plants, as well as the desire to preserve the original appearance of materials with their characteristic features: veins, texture, and minor defects.
Furniture usually has simple geometric shapes, and the color scheme is rather neutral with a predominance of light shades.

About lighting solutions:
Architects try to use maximum of natural light in projects – this is realized with the help of large glazing, windows. Rice paper can also be used (for example, for screens, shoji screens), skylights, glass blocks installed in partitions and even the walls of houses.
Both during the day and at night in the interiors you can observe the play of light and shadows. Black and white patterns interact with materials and shapes and become a decoration for minimalist spaces, referencing the natural beauty of nature.

Artificial lighting in the interior can imitate light in nature. It is soft and diffused, reflected from materials, with a color temperature natural to the sun. Decorative lamps that are chosen for interiors are usually spheres that look like the moon or the sun. Due to their simplicity, they are ideal for minimalist design solutions. Hidden light sources are also used in niches, podiums or behind the head of the bed, reminiscent of the dawn sun rising from the horizon.

In most cases, interior lighting in private homes acts as an architectural lighting, leaving the facade clean and untouched. Some areas that promote safety of movement (steps, railings, perimeter) can be illuminated. Very popular are small gardens enclosed within the volume of the building, which flow into the interior space. Living plants are placed there (sometimes even just one tree), surrounded by natural stones. Landscape elements of the internal garden are necessarily illuminated, which emphasizes their significance and value in a person’s living environment. In the evening, in the soft rays of light, they cast lace shadows. The movement of shadows fills the interior with life and becomes a thread connecting the man-made with nature.

3 – ATTENTION TO DETAILS
Design in Japan is characterized by the skillful use of simple but expressive elements and accents such as bonsai, screens, or calligraphy, as well as traditional kakemono.
Attention to detail is rooted in tradition and the rich history of craftsmanship. Local craftsmen strived for perfection in every element of their work, whether it’s ceramics, sculpture, garden, or kimono. This heritage has brought a culture of attention to every small detail and a commitment to achieve excellence and the highest quality.

There is such a thing as Kodawari, which describes Japanese perfectionism. The concept is a responsible approach to one’s business, which accompanies a person throughout his life. Kodavari is a personal standard to which a person adheres in his or her professional activities. It involves exceptional attention to detail, which in turn allows us to achieve the highest level of quality. Pride in one’s work is a manifestation of Kodavari.

About lighting solutions:
Since the design of Japanese architectural solutions is as thoughtful as possible and does not have unnecessary or unnecessary objects, there is a place in it only for things that matter.
The placement, quantity, shape, materials, and lighting effects of each luminary are determined by functional objectives and the aesthetics of simplicity. The lighting is usually dimmed in Japanese interiors, light levels can be low, contrasts are not too harsh, there is always place for light and shadow, and a constant reference to natural beauty. A person can relax and unwind, immerse himself in his thoughts in such conditions.

The shape of decorative luminaries in interiors is simple and laconic; the materials used are glass, metal, paper, wood, the colors, and shades are neutral, transparent, or close to natural. Often in modern interiors there is a place to lamps of Scandinavian design, harmoniously combined with the style of Japanese interiors. Lighting helps to focus attention on the features of natural materials, conveying their texture and color.

Landscape lighting is also very dosed and is used only where it is needed, and in an amount that is sufficient for safe movement. Sometimes in a landscape, in addition to lighting of plants, light effects can be added on horizontal surfaces, imitating natural light and shadow patterns. These small accents create a special perception of space, leaving place for the aesthetics and beauty of the night sky.
Color lighting is practically not used and is rare. Natural shades of white from warm to cold are mainly used, which can convey the beauty of natural materials.

4 – PHILOSOPHY
There was no concept of “philosophy” in the sense in which Europeans understood it in Japanese language until the end of the 19th century. Traditionally, Japan is associated with brave samurai, powerful emperors, and religious movements from Shintoism to Buddhism.
But the Japanese had the word “shiso”, meaning thinking, consciousness. Siso consists of views on religion, politics, and economics. The Japanese were able to develop a formula of happiness that helps in life and gives joy from every new day.
The philosophy of Japan is rather collective because its ideas are borrowed both from its neighbors (China, Korea) and from the West. But the key point is that they are based on the religious teachings of Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, combined with the samurai code and a unique mentality.
Japanese culture strives for harmonious relationships between people, nature, and society. This concept implies peacefulness, cooperation, and avoidance of conflict. Japanese culture places great importance on preserving and passing on traditions from generation to generation. Respect for ancestors, history and cultural heritage is an important aspect of Japanese philosophy.

About lighting solutions:
Lighting in Japanese architecture and design always carries meaning and is as important an element as shape, material, and color. All together they create a general picture of the world. Natural harmony is transferred to man-made objects, and balance is always the two sides of the moon (light and dark).
Each lighting effect, light intensity, color temperature, light contrasts and light and shade are designed thoughtfully and meticulously. Through these parameters, meaning is laid down, the perception of space is determined, associations and emotions that it will evoke are formed.
Culture and traditions are reflected even in the most modern and technologically advanced spaces. The unity of space, environment and people is a hallmark of Japanese design. When designing a space for human life, two states and the impression from them are always taken into account – during the day with sunlight and at night with artificial light.

At first glance, Japanese architectural and design solutions seem either ascetic or unfinished. But in fact, they are filled with meaning (the space where emotions born), and not with things, reflecting the principle of beauty in its naturalness, imperfection, and modesty.
Of course, individual lighting solutions may differ, but the general approach to organizing lighting in Japanese residences remains close to the traditional values and cultural characteristics of the country.