Intercultural Design - Project 1 (Proposal)

05.2.2024 - 23.2.2024 / Week 1- Week 3
Michael Chan Henn Loong / 0363611
Intercultural Design / BA of Design (HONS) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Project 1 (Proposal)

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INSTRUCTIONS

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RESEARCH BEFORE FORMING A GROUP

Katana Smithing

Katana smithing is somehow a sensitive cultural practice in Japan due to several factors that are deeply innate in the history of this particular art.

As the katana is deeply rooted in the Japan's history especially during the *feudal* era when the samurai warriors wielded the katana. This imprint a sense of high esteem and respect for the craft of katana smithing. Any detour from the original techniques or skills or even disrespects towards the craft could be viewed as a disrespect for the rich history. 

With Japan's cultural appreciation and also the significance of katana to Japan, there will be sensitivity around the uses and also crafting of katana. So non-Japanese individuals or groups should approach it with cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Cultural Functions:

Values

-Preservation of tradition
: Katana smithing is a art or practice passed down through generations, which also emphasizes and reflects that they respects their tradition and also appreciate the heritage.

-Symbolism of Honor & Discipline
: The katana symbolizes the samurai's way of living "BUSHIDO" which respects values like honor, loyalty, courage, respect, etc.. 

Principles

-Commitment to Excellence
: The fundamental of principle of katana smithing is to pursuit the very road of excellency in craftmanship, striving for every perfect moment every perfect hit in the process of katana smithing from the very selection of materials to the final polishing.

Practices

-Rituals & Ceremonies
: Normally the forging of katana is followed up by the ceremony of rituals, these rituals can be purifications, prayers or offerings to honor the spirit of the sword and also to ensure the katana's strength and integrity.

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TASK 1 PROPOSAL

1. Culture of Interest

During our first meeting we decided to work on Kimonos for our proposal and we started with the researches and the slides, but after sometime we decided to change into Obi-belt as our groupmate plans to establish an impressionable "Authenthic" brand and also the convenience of Kimono obi.