FAQ Project UTSUWA 2.0

Frequently asked questions, such as the purpose, content and opportunity to participate in the Utsuwa 2.0 project, have been summarized here.

FAQ Project UTSUWA 2.0

  • Overview of the project
    • What is the UTSUWA project doing?

      It is a business to create and propose a new Japanese style room —UTSUWA— that fits the modern age.

      The UTSUWA project serves as a link between natural materials — eco-friendly and handcrafted techniques for users.

    • What was the UTSUWA project in Japan?

      Since the beginning of the project in 2015, both exhibitions and workshops have been organized.

      Six members, mainly craftsmen, co-produced UTSUWA - a prefabricated room in the Japanese style. Afterwards, the visitors looked at the hidden craft technology and the environmentally friendly material. As a result of this, the members were also able to present their own work.

      Previous UTSUWA projects

      Former members

    • What is the purpose of the UTSUWA project?

      The project is dedicated to the continuation and dissemination of manufacturing technologies.

      Once lost, it is extremely difficult to revive both natural resources and crafting techniques. Therefore, the project reactivates manufacturing techniques that have continued inseparably and continuously in life and culture.

    • What can you do within the project?

      The goal is expansion in the EU. Therefore, the Japanese room "UTSUWA 2.0", which corresponds to the current lifestyle, is designed and presented in the EU.

    • What type of end user is the project proposed?

      First we will propose the project to those who are interested in original Japan.

      The newly designed Japanese room "UTSUWA 2.0" responds to the growing awareness in the EU of the truly original Japanese. In addition, differences in the materials and an abundance of variations are to be presented.

    • Why is the Japanese room proposed and constructed with the UTSUWA project?

      Because it offers the best space to experience the Japanese way of manufacturing.

      A Japanese room is constructed from, among other things, the ceiling, floor, pillars, windows and doors and can then be assembled, disassembled or transported according to the type of manufacture. Since individual parts can be removed and replaced, the possibilities are unsurpassed. UTSUWA 2.0 means constructing a Japanese room, in which the already contained potential of traditional Japanese space is developed and further developed with a new design.

    • What is the vision of the UTSUWA project?

      The spread of the market for natural resources and handicraft technology.

      On the basis of success and evaluation within the EU, the project should lead to a reassessment of and increased demand for handicrafts in Japan and beyond to the increase of successors.

    • Where does the name for the "UTSUWA 2.0" project come from?

      The word UTSUWA describes the room as a kind of container for people. This is intended to show that the actual product of manufacture is a room or space. In continuation of the "UTSUWA" project, which was launched in Japan in 2015, the next stage, which is aimed at spreading overseas, was named "UTSUWA 2.0".

  • Project content
    • When will the production of the Japanese room be presented?

      In the course of 2020. An announcement is planned in the EU, followed by a traveling exhibition in Japan.

    • Will Japanese rooms be produced and sold as part of the "UTSUWA 2.0" project?

      No, the purpose is not just production and sales.

      Rather, we propose the prototype of the Japanese room as a tailored answer to the demand on the EU market. With "UTSUWA 2.0" a Japanese room is to be constructed that Japanese-German natural resources and handicraft technology can bring to full development. In addition, other types of rooms than the Japanese room will be presented in the future.

    • Who should make the Japanese room?

      A cooperation consisting of German skilled craftspeople and a project team is organized.

      If necessary, we will also consider transferring Japanese technology and / or the participation of Japanese members.

    • Why do you care about working with German partners?

      Because Germany has a handicraft technology that is recognized all over the world.

      We hope that the cooperation with skilled tradesmen, whose skills are confirmed by the master system, will open up new opportunities for both Germany and Japan.

    • What kind of material is used?

      We use e.g. Wood, fabric, iron, brick, paper, glass, leather or grass etc. The main material used has always been used, mainly natural resources. The decision is made in parallel to the design test and member search.

    • Do you also use German material?

      Yes. If possible, German materials should be used for the products in Germany. If necessary, materials from Japan, such as Japanese paper or tatami, could be requested.

    • Are the members and participating industries already determined?

      There are several candidates, but the final decision has not yet been made.

      We search specifically in over 3 areas of German craft: wood processing, paper gluing, interior decoration, glass and brick processing. The search for members also forms part of the project, which we will inform about. (Please contact us at any time for more information)

      contact

    • Do project members usually work together?

      No. The members will gather at a time that is tailored to the advertising.

      It might also make sense to use the project as a motivation to form each unit.

    • What are the advantages of participating in the project?

      The possibilities to develop your own skills expand.

      Co-production with other industries can lead to completely new ideas and discoveries. Thanks to mutual communication, there is also the opportunity to approach new markets.

    • Can I also take part in the project?

      Yes, of course you can. There are many different ways to participate.

      As a production member, as a partner company responsible for advertising, as a sponsor or supporter - anyone who sympathizes with the UTSUWA 2.0 project can participate.

      Contact

    • What is necessary to participate in the project as a manufacturer?

      Passion for and power to manufacture products.

      Teamwork is also essential. The goal is a team that sympathizes with the concept and ideal of the project and whose members respect each other. Incidentally, a championship title is not absolutely necessary.

    • How much are the production costs? Where do the funds come from?

      It normally costs several million yen to manufacture a Japanese room prefab set. We are currently reviewing funding sources that include the process from planning to announcement.

      The search for subsidies, sponsors and cooperating companies is also part of the project. We will inform you about this in parallel to the application and recruitment.

      Contact

  • About MORIZO- who started the project
    • What does the Morizo- architecture office do?

      I run an architectural design office.

      In Japan, we not only design interiors, but also scaffolding and interior plans. Opened in Osaka in 1996 and has had an office in Berlin since 2019. I am currently in Germany.

    • What plans do you design?

      I mainly design residential buildings. I also design shops, office buildings, furniture, exterior and garden designs, interiors and wooden structures to reinforce the mandatory reinforcements for seismic activity.

    • Why are you currently in Germany?

      I am interested in German wood culture and the master system, about which I want to know and learn as much as possible; that's why I decided to come to Germany.

      During my stay in 2019, I researched the plan for German reforestation and the master training system.

    • What did you learn about the master system?

      I have learned that the historical master system has changed in accordance with the ages.

      Such a great system should have many aspects followed today. On the other hand, I also got to see the current problem points.

    • Where do you see the difference between German and Japanese handicrafts?

      An education system for skills acquisition and social appreciation.

      Having received the national qualification as a master or journeyman, acquired in a combination of teaching and practical teaching, you are in possession of the knowledge and experience necessary for the work. The titles are widely recognized and are also the subject of high social esteem.

    • Please tell us about the current state of German craft.

      There seems to be a lack of manufacturers. There is a chronic shortage, especially in cities with a high demand for buildings.

      I think that in order to maintain the quality of German products, foreign workers will increase and automation will also advance. As a result, the places where craft is practiced could continue to decrease. Germany is similar to Japan in this respect. I also noticed that the struggle for successors determines the real situation of the workshops.

    • How do you think German craft will develop in the future?

      I have heard that the number of people who want to become a craftsman is decreasing.

      Probably as a result of the trend towards increasing mass production and industrialization, the market in which high-quality handicrafts are required is no longer the majority. On the other hand, another market is constantly evolving. It is a still young group that appreciates products made from natural resources through environmentally friendly production and production that can be continued for a long time. I think that in the future smaller craft businesses will need an increased appreciation of their products and information management.

    • Against what background did you start the UTSUWA project 2015 in Japan?

      The starting point was the decline in qualified craftsmen and material manufacturers.

      Since 1996, when I opened my shop and started planning on construction sites, I had the impression that these two flaws were mutually dependent and accelerated. I still clearly remember the feeling of danger that from then on production between the two extreme alternatives, i.e. nationally valuable manufacturing and mass production. Since then I've been researching what Morizo could do in this area.

Contact

If you are still unclear or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Contact UTSUWA 2.0