Ja Gué Na  (No. 150 )

http://www.jaguena.com/

Proposing a Life Space Using Japanese Paper
---The stars are beautiful because of the flowers in the heart.

Ikazaki is located in the remote Japanese countryside. Flowers blossom in the hearts of people living in Ikazaki. Without being self-asserting, the flowers blossom quietly. That is why the stars of Ikazaki are beautiful. People in Ikazaki have the “Song of the Heart” in their hearts.

“Ja Gué Na” brand proposes such a “Japanese” heart.

■The origin of the brand name “Ja Gué Na”
The local dialect “jaguena” stands for “dayo ne” ( “isn't it?” in English) in standard Japanese. But it can be used as the self-reproaching word when a speaker wants to be critical of him or herself, or of others. “Ja Gué Na” symbolizes our hope to create products with the song of the heart through Ikazaki's self-depreciating artisans. Furthermore, “Ja Gue Na” stands for three French words: Japon (Japan), Guérison (healing), and Naturel (natural). We communicate the “Ja Gué Na” brand to people within and outside Japan who love “Japaneseness.”

■Attractiveness of “Ja Gué Na” Brand
Koyori Japanese paper is made by directly dissolving the material into pieces of twisted paper. It is not only suitable for interior furniture but also very attractive with wind and light. “Ja Gué Na” wallpaper born from the collaboration of Japanese hand-made paper skills and French design, creates a completely new healing space by splendidly fusing the original designs of the French designer with the soft texture of Japanese paper.

Entirely handmade, Koyori Japanese paper is light and gentle and each piece of paper has a unique expression. “Ikazaki's handmade Japanese paper” is known as Ozu Japanese paper, which is a traditional artifact with over a 1,000-year history. Integrating such traditional methods with new methods, we have come out with Ikazaki handmade Japanese paper.

Continuing from last year, new products are being developed under the technical guidance of a French designer. Especially notable is the development of Japanese wallpaper and Japanese paper processed goods incorporating the gilding technique (a method of designing several originally acid-processed gold foil papers.)

Utilized local resource: Ikazaki handmade Japanese paper (Ozu's handmade Japanese paper)
Isozaki of Uchiko Town has long been a city of craftsmen. We will develop new designs and transmit information by collaborating handmade Japanese paper that has over a 1,000-year history, with the professional skills of different business areas.