Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete SourcebookFor the Japanese, the concept of design is not limited to functionality or materiality it is deeply connected with ancient culture and rituals. In this sense, a chair is much more than what you sit on, a cup more than what you drink from: these objects are to be reflected upon, to be touched and cherished. As mass manufacture became widespread in the post war period, cross cultural exchanges began to take place between Japan and the West.