Textiles are said to be noted as the first component of the three sectors of living because textiles are our most immediate necessity when we enter this world. We are no longer protected by the fluid of the womb and instead are swaddled in fabric. As we study textiles, Japanese indigo has proven to be one of the most significant natural resources and the technique necessary to transform the plant into a dye has become well-respected globally, yet not well-understood. Japanese indigo is not only a colorant but another vital layer of additional protection. Its antibacterial and fire retardant properties have long-served Japan both physically and spiritually.

Farming and foraging are imperative to our food system, but fermentation and preservation techniques centered around inoculated rice have also been essential to the survival of an island nation that experiences 72 microseasons across a single year. In diving into the study of historic applications of fermentation and preservation techniques, it’s clear that they not only provide healthful and seasoned dishes, but are also a remarkable tool for community building and reinforcement. This cultural tradition is living proof that the human species is meant to live together and rely on one another.

Structure is an overarching word that encompasses furniture, architectural design, building materials, gardens, lighting, and even amulets to protect the family from misfortune. Our anthropological investigation of seaweed has led to the study of the earthen wall technique of Japan which has proven that in every material, a mood, sentiment, or emotion is meant to be experienced. Japanese earthen walls are a culmination of the archipelago itself. Made from clay, rice straw, sand, and seaweed, the textures create the feeling intended for the room by delivering a calculated balance of shadow and light. The environmentally-responsible construction materials can go back to the earth or be reused once again.