What’s JAPANDORAKU
道楽 douraku, often simply translated as “pastime; hobby; favorite amusement” is a combination of two characters:
道 dou, means a road or path, a journey, method, principles, teachings, subject;
楽 raku, means comfort, peace, happiness;
each is used in many compound words relating to pathways and entertainment.
道楽 douraku itself, when combined with other characters, can describe a wide variety of interests or pleasures, often denoting those of the highest quality or sophisticated nature. For example, when combined with the character for food, 食道楽 shokudouraku translates as gourmet; epicure, someone with an extensive knowledge of food.
Japan Doraku implies interest or enthusiasm for Japan, its culture and traditions, craftsmanship and values, especially connoisseurs who also appreciate, understand and value these qualities.
At the same time, Japan Doraku is actively addressing various social issues, with a primary focus on preserving Japan’s traditional artistic skills and craftsmanship.
CONCEPT
- The hidden word in
"JAPAN DORAKU" is
"PANDORA". -
Something strange happened when the Japan Doraku project combined these two words: the word “PANDORA” emerged.
In the mythology of Pandora, she is the first woman created by the Gods of Ancient Greece. She received a gift from the gods, a sealed container holding everything, both good and bad, that make up the human condition, happiness and sadness, great artistic creations and horrifying crimes, whereas the gods knew only perfection. Of course it was not intended to be opened .....
In our project we aim to help you discover more of Japan, and in greater detail and depth.
- Carpenter's tool box
- The tool box is a simple rectangular container with a lid that slides to lock. It is made of slender pieces of wood which derive strength from their accurate geometry, and holds the tools that are the lifeblood of a carpenter. In the mythology of Pandora's box, hope was all that was left when it had been re-sealed. Thus the box contains more than its small size would suggest, its tools can be used to create all the wonderful objects you might wish for, from elegant chopsticks to magnificent buildings, that are special to Japan.
- Seal script “希”
- 希(ki), means hope in希望(kibo), rare希少(kisho), extraordinary希代(kitai).
In the JAPANDORAKU logo, the character is stylised in symmetrical form as a traditional building, set in a frame representing the traditional carpenter’s wooden tool box.