Derived from sustainably harvested natural sap in Japan, Urushi lacquer is applied to bamboo creating an immersive space amongst tree-like forms. Unlike Western culture, where people remove shadows from space, this project intentionally creates shadows as a part of aesthetic beauty. The columns of Urushi can reflect a candle-like light in a dark room, giving off a luminous glow that gives a sense of the depth of darkness. The unique properties of shape and light create an enchanting interplay of light reflections and shadows evoking a microcosmic space reminiscent of nature.

Through various projects in his career as a Creative Director, Yu became interested in exploring creative approaches to address emerging social and environmental issues. To further develop these ideation skills, Yu completed a MA Material Futures at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, UK. Yu’s research focuses on how design can function to address increasingly complex social issues through the collision of diverse perspectives, materials, technology, culture, design and science while leveraging his knowledge in effective communication from his career in the advertising industry. Through research, Yu is generating new value from both a future perspective and through a problem-solving mindset, and by converting and communicating solutions to society effectively he can contribute to creating real impact towards a better and more sustainable world.

Yu Watanabe focuses on how design can function to address increasingly complex social issues through colliding different perspectives, communication, materials, technology and science.