Every Friday, we feature a one-on-one Q&A with Japas, our resident curators: Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno—founders of Japas Cervejaria. They will share their personal reflections on culture, travel, and the everyday moments including their connection to Japan.
Q: What details in Japanese design do you wish more places adopted?
Maíra: One detail I really appreciated in Japanese design was how clear and thoughtful the signage was in metro stations. For example, signs would tell you not just the train direction, but also which car to board if you want to be closest to an exit or an elevator. It’s such a smart detail that shows how design can improve everyday life in a subtle but meaningful way.
Yumi: I think observing is the greatest form of Japanese design. Attention to detail and to people’s needs is essential for places to truly understand those who use them, whether it’s something as simple as where someone will sit, if there’s a place to store their belongings, or even how they’ll feel about the noise and the visuals. Feeling good in a space comes from being treated the way you’d like to be treated, even if it’s just in a bar or a simple resting spot in a park.
Fernanda: One thing I really admire in Japanese design is how it reflects the spirit of omotenashi, that deep, thoughtful hospitality you feel especially in restaurants and bars. There’s a real care for the experience of the guest, down to the smallest detail. I also love how Japanese design prioritizes well-being and ergonomics, it’s not just about how things look, but how they feel and function in everyday life. And of course, there’s that timeless elegance: clean lines, simplicity, beauty in restraint. It’s a balance that I wish we saw more often in other parts of the world.