The Japan Foundation (JF) is pleased to announce its second annual International Furoshiki Design Contest for students at universities and vocational schools around the world who are the designers of the future. There will be one grand prize winner, three prizes for excellence, and ten prized for merit; the top four designs will then be produced into JF Original Furoshiki, thereby further promoting interaction between Japan with other countries.
Furoshiki, or wrapping cloths, are stylish and distinctive everyday items emblematic of the Japanese tradition of wrapping things. They are reusable and therefore do not impose a burden on the environment, moreover, there has been renewed interest in furoshiki recent years in Japan and elsewhere around the world.
In 2009 the Japan Foundation held an Original Furoshiki Design Contest, soliciting submissions from students of design in ten countries. A total of 373 entries were submitted; three were selected to receive top prizes. Furoshiki displaying the top prize designs are now on sale at museum gift shops and other venues throughout Japan.
The United States did not participate in this contest last year and therefore we hope you find this is a new and exciting initiative.
Should you have any inquiries, please email furoshikicontest@jfny.org or call Yuka Nakamura at (212) 489-1255 ext 155.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to receiving many submissions.
Sincerely yours,
Isao Tsujimoto
Director General, the Japan Foundation (JF), New York
See below for attachments: