The Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) in cooperation with the Yuchengco Museum is bringing to Manila one of Japan’s up and coming designers, Hiroko Takahashi, for a Saturday morning lecture on Japanese Design on November 24 at the Yuchengco Museum.

Hiroko Takahashi majored in fashion design at the Saitama Prefecture Niiza Comprehensive Technical High School. She studied dyeing at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where she finished her masters in 2002. In 2003, she re-enrolled in the university for her doctorate and worked as an artist at Cité Internationale des Arts upon the invitation of the L’Association Drançaise d’action Artistique (AFAA) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2005. After successfully holding two exhibitions in Paris, she returned to Japan in 2006 to establish her original brand, Hirocoledge. In March 2008, Takahashi received her Doctorate in Fine Arts.

The signature feature of Takahashi’s brand is its eye-catching, graphical patterns composed only of dots and straight lines. Using various materials and techniques like chusen (Japanese traditional dyeing method), Takahashi’s patterns are expressed on the traditional forms of Japanese clothing such as kimono, obi sashes, yukata, tenugui, t-shirts, and other items. She has also collaborated with artisans and craftsmen to create new product designs for lamps and other home furnishings.

Takahashi’s lecture will focus on the use of modern product design principles in traditional Japanese crafts. Samples of her work will be on exhibit. A short workshop on origami will also be held after the lecture.

Seating is limited. For inquiries, contact the Japan Foundation, Manila at 811-6155 to 58 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; or the Yuchengco Museum at 889-1234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The Yuchengco Museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati.