An exploration of the evolution of the Japanese Mingei (folk art) movement in the context of contemporary concerns. The Mingei movement originated in Japan in the 1920s and was based on the principle that beauty is inherent in handmade, everyday objects created by anonymous craftsmen. Led by philosopher Yanagi Soetsu and potters such as Hamada Shoji and Bernard Leach, the movement sought to elevate the status of folk art in a rapidly modernizing society. This richly illustrated book covers a wide range of objects related to Mingei, from ceramics and furniture to textiles and toys, as well as a series of profiles of leading designers and creators working in Japan today. Authors from various backgrounds explore the roots, interpretations, and contemporary implications of Mingei, shedding new light on how the principles of the movement remain relevant to modern personal, social, and environmental concerns.