
Nenge, a new publication co-authored by designer and founder of SIMPLICITY Shinichiro Ogata and plant artist Satoshi Kawamoto is now available for purchase. We invite you to peruse the pages reflecting “Stillness and Motion” gathering photographs of the works from the salon exhibition held at Yakumo Saryo in April 2016 in which Ogata collaborated with Kawamoto to walk a new path they call “contemporary flowers” that fits neither the traditional approaches of ikebana nor flower arrangement.
“Nenge” is a reference to an event in Buddhism known as “nenge misho.” As Buddha lectured before the masses at Vulture Peak he raised a flower and winked his eye. The symbolism was lost on all but the disciple Mahakasyapa who responded with a soft smile an indication of his unspoken understanding of Dharma or divine law. It is a legend that describes the wonder of ‘heart-to-heart communication’ of Dharma.
Aside from Yakumo Saryo, HIGASHI-YAMA Tokyo, and HIGASHIYA GINZA, the book is also being sold at bookstores nationwide, so please have a look.







nenge

Author: Shinichiro Ogata, Satoshi Kawamoto
Photography: Yuichi Ikeda, Eisuke Komatsubara
Art Direction: Shinichiro Ogata
Published by Seigensha Art Publishing Inc.
Price: ¥4,000 plus tax
SIMPLICITY
- Philosophy
- Shinichiro Ogata
- Concept
Philosophy
Knowledge and techniques cultivated over time
I have always felt a strong attraction to such things
Whenever I sense them fading,
I am overcome with impatience and sadness
It makes me feel as though a part of my body
Is being ripped away
To cherish tradition
Is to think of someone in the faraway past, someone who shaped me into who I am
Day after day
In the words we speak, in the food we eat, in the tableware we use,
There are many faceless people allowing me to be who I am
Within the vast flow, I too am merely a speck
The joy and sadness of this knowledge inspire me to create
By cherishing tradition, we give birth to a new era
Thinking of someone in the faraway future,
I am motivated to create something that can only be made at this moment
From Japan, brimming with tradition, to the world
Shinichiro Ogata
When I was young and didn't know much about the world, I longed for Western design and travelled many countries to see them with my own eyes. However, from a certain point, I started to realize that the most amazing designs were actually those around me at home, not those overseas. Japanese culture has continually influenced Western culture and art. What could I possibly express without knowing this important fact? No matter where I went, I always came to the conclusion that I was nothing other than Japanese. This certainty became the core of my existence as a designer. To be on equal ground with the world, I realized that I needed to learn my own culture, as well as to feel compassion and be proud of my heritage.
Since then, my firm belief has never changed ? the certainty that I have a message to share. An acute sensibility and palate cultivated in an abundant yet severe natural environment; an aesthetic that can be generous or daring; an attitude towards craftsmanship that never spares any effort; wisdom of living a modest and simple life. The culture of Japan is indispensable in a world seeking balance between mankind and nature. I continually strive to express this in my own way, through food, tableware and space. It is also what lies at the core of Simplicity and its activities today.
I have only taken a small step, and there are still many things to be practiced.
Simplicity's mission is to express Japan as one way of how things can be done, and to share this with the world. Cherishing the past, the present and the future of Japan and the rest of the world.
Shinichiro Ogata
Concept
To inherit the tradition and keep it alive,
Is simply to innovate and adapt it to the present era
Based on traditional methods and sensibility, which Japan triumphs,
Simplicity endeavors to create the culture of the next generation
By crafting items that fit the modern day lifestyle
And offering a high quality, plentiful life to the world
Restaurant
- yakumo saryo
- HIGASHI-YAMA Tokyo
Wagashi
- baishinka
- HIGASHIYA GINZA
- HIGASHIYA man
- ori HIGASHIYA
- HIGASHIYA
Product
- Sゝゝ
- WASARA
Design studio
- Architecture
- Product
- Graphic
Aēsop Tokyo | Interior design | 2016 | Retail store |
---|---|---|---|
Aēsop Minamiaoyama | Interior design | 2015 | Retail store |
Aēsop Amu Plaza Hakata | Interior design | 2015 | Retail store |
GREEN FINGERS | Interior design | 2014 | Retail store |
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills | Interior design | 2014 | Hotel |
Gourmet Shop by Mandarin Oriental Tokyo | Interior design, Graphic design | 2014 | Retail store |
BLOOM&BRANCH | Interior design | 2014 | Retail store |
OOTEMORI | Interior design | 2014 | Commercial facility |
Aēsop Shinsaibashi | Interior design | 2014 | Retail store |
Aēsop Kyoto | Interior design | 2013 | Retail store |
Ouen | Architecture, Interior design, Graphic design | 2013 | Wedding facility |
JP Tower Museum INTERMEDIATHEQUE | Interior design | 2013 | Exhibition facility |
yorozu | Interior design, Graphic design | 2012 | Bar |
thé théo | Interior design, Graphic design | 2011 | Restaurant, café |
Makimura | Interior design | 2010 | Restaurant |
Sasaki | Interior design, Graphic design | 2010 | Restaurant |
Takeo paper show 2010 [proto-] | Art direction, Installation | 2010 | Event, Exhibition |
Le Comptoir de Benoit Osaka | Interior design | 2008 | Restaurant |
Wasara | Art direction, Product design | 2008 | Product |
Sansuikaku Bettei Kai | Interior design | 2007 | Hotel |
Niki Club SIKI | Package design, Graphic design | 2007 | Product |
Sohenryu | Graphic design | 2007 | Product |
Kakitsubata Bekkan | Interior design, Graphic design | 2006 | Retail store |
J-Period | Art direction, Installation | 2006 | Event, Exhibition |
Kakitsubata | Interior design, Graphic design | 2006 | Retail store |
Murata | CI, VI | 2006 | Product |
40ct & 525 by Takeo Kikuchi | Architecture and Interior design | 2005 | Retail store |
Sansou Murata / Kyu, Gyou | Interior design | 1992 (Kyu, Gyou 2004) | Hotel |
artegio dining | Architecture and Interior design, Graphic design | 2002 | Restaurant, Bar |
Plaza Hotel Tenjin | Interior design, Graphic design | 2002 | Hotel |
Bassin | Interior design, Graphic design | 2001 | Restaurant, Bar |
Information
- News
- Press
- Contact
News
- Oct. 13, 2015
- DESIGN STUDIO page is updated. View more details here.
More info.
Press





























Contact
Inquiries:
Please send your contact information,
including company name, your name, phone number and email address,
to the following email address.
* There are currently no internships or job positions available.
Simplicity Co., Ltd.
4-10-3 Himonya, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0003 Japan
- T
- +81-3-5720-1310
- F
- +81-3-5720-1320
- E