Design

October 10, 2019

Artist Designs Shiba Inu-Inspired Japanese Bank Notes That Are Too Cute to Spend

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Finance in Japan revealed new designs for the Japanese yen banknotes. Due to roll out in 2024, the new designs include an illustration of Mount Fuji, as well as Hokusai’s iconic woodblock print, The Great Wave. Inspired by the creative currency, Japanese illustrator and manga artist Ponkichi decided to design his own bank notes, featuring none other than one of Japan’s most treasured dog breeds—the Shiba Inu.

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September 24, 2019

Japanese KitKats Are Replacing Plastic Packaging with Origami Paper You Can Turn into Cranes

From plant-based, bioplastic LEGO to Adidas’s first fully recyclable running shoe, companies worldwide are working hard to make their products and packaging more sustainable. Last year, food and drink manufacturer Nestlé announced that it plans to use 100% recyclable packaging for its products by 2025. As part of that goal, Nestlé Japan recently released new packaging for its popular miniature KitKat chocolate bars, which will now be wrapped in origami paper instead of plastic.

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September 20, 2019

Bench Made of Undulating Scaffolding Planks Invites Pedestrians to Take a Seat

Designer Paul Cocksedge invites the public into his world with his new public installation Please Be Seated. As part of London Design Festival, Cocksedge has created undulating, concentric benches from upcycled scaffolding planks. Part sculpture and part furniture, its scale invites people to walk under it and sit on it—just as the installation's name requests. It's an ambitious piece that's located in the heart of Broadgate, London's biggest pedestrianized area.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.