5 upcycling inspirations for your Japanese-style interior

In a world where sustainability and eco-conscious living have taken center stage, the concept of upcycling has emerged as a remarkable way to breathe new life into old materials while reducing waste. Here, you’ll discover a delightful and inspiring array of innovative upcycled products that offer unique and unconventional solutions from Japan.

Explore five inspiring upcycling ideas and upcycled products that not only infuse a Japanese vibe into your interior spaces but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Repurposing Buddhist artifacts as plant pots

Wabi-Sabi Pots designed by #SilenceLAB showcase ornate plant pots repurposed from vintage incense burners. A venerable third-generation Buddhist artifact store, #SilenceLAB is dedicated to revitalizing antique Takaoka copperware incense burners. These copperware pieces have a storied heritage tracing back to the Edo period and represent a cherished cultural craft deeply rooted in the heritage of Takaoka City.

The materials employed in crafting the Wabi-Sabi Pots encompass brass and copper, with select pieces boasting a lacquer finish. The designs aim to evoke an appreciation for the gradual transformation of the plants as well as the rich history embedded within the pots themselves.

[Reference] Upcycled Buddhist artifacts turn into plant pots at #SilenceLAB exhibit | Zenbird

Super Sol aroma stones made of discarded glass

Hailing from Okinawa, the Hotel Nikko Alivila and the pioneering Trim Inc. have joined forces to create an unconventional aroma stone, introducing the eco-friendly material called “Super Sol.” This unique substance, originating from the island’s own resources, is crafted from recycled glass bottles, giving it a sustainable and environmentally conscious foundation.

“Super Sol” is an innovative, lightweight material created by transforming discarded glass into a valuable resource. This eco-friendly substance is produced through a series of steps including crushing, grinding, firing and foaming, resulting in a material that is ideal for soil restoration while also being environmentally conscious.

Its remarkable properties include excellent water permeability, retention and fire resistance, making it an essential component in the construction of a sustainable and resource-efficient society. The aroma stones produced from “Super Sol” not only excel in water absorption but also offer long-lasting aroma diffusion, capturing the essence of this remarkable material.

[Reference] Upcycling discarded glass into aroma stones | Zenbird

Takezen Table designed with recycled bamboo chopsticks

When you look at it without any explanation, it is hard to imagine that these dining tables are made from disposable chopsticks – a tabletop adorned with intricate geometric patterns of striking beauty. Murakami, the founder of TerrUP, a Kyoto-based brand, was inspired to develop this innovative creation after seeing the large quantities of discarded bamboo chopsticks every day while working in a restaurant.

Nearly all (98%) of disposable chopsticks in Japan are imported, representing nearly the entire consumption of disposable chopsticks in the country. There are two main materials for these chopsticks: wood and bamboo. Out of the 15 billion pairs of chopsticks imported domestically, 10.7 billion pairs are made of wood and 4.3 billion pairs are bamboo-based.

When it comes to wood-based chopsticks, they can be recycled into products like copy paper or tissue. However, bamboo, with its strong fibers, poses difficulties in recycling into paper products. Consequently, the majority of bamboo chopsticks are believed to end up as waste.

[Reference] Upcycling 4.3 billion disposable bamboo chopsticks annually from restaurants: TAKEZEN TABLE | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)

haishop’s paper vase elevates simple plastic bottles

Plastic bottles, as a product, have a high level of completion and can serve as flower vases quite effectively. However, due to their simple appearance and design, there may not be many people who choose to use pet bottles for flower arrangements.

Paper Vase 2 from haishop transforms a pet bottle into a stylish vase in no time, simply by inserting it into a slit-cut paper! You can create vases of various sizes, from slim to wide, without being constrained by the subtle height of the pet bottle. Since it’s made of paper, you can also draw patterns and enjoy your own custom designs.

haishop is a souvenir shop that aims to address social issues. Through souvenirs, they want people to learn about and empathize with social problems and hope to increase the number of allies who are willing to change their lifestyles, even if it’s just a little.

[Reference] How haishop is turning Japan’s souvenir culture into a force for good | Zenbird

Turning coffee grounds into Japanese painting

A painter, sculptor and an educator, Shinichi Nakata, uses coffee grounds left after brewing as a material for a Japanese painting called Nihonga. It all began with a love for coffee. When he was a student, he noticed that the gritty texture left behind after brewing coffee resembled Japanese painting, so he decided to experiment by using it as a medium. He wanted to find alternative ways to use coffee grounds beyond just consuming coffee beans and discarding the waste.

In Nihonga, it’s not uncommon to use unconventional materials. There was a period when, amidst the traditional beauty of Japan, various encounters with Western abstraction and other influences led to a movement to create something new. During this time, artists experimented with a wide range of materials and abstract expressions.

The white material used as the background in the coffee grounds paintings is called “gofun,” a powder made from seashells used in Japanese painting. In addition, he uses materials like paint made from roasted deer bones and antlers, as well as paint from roasted tuna bones, bamboo and plastic powder. These materials are provided by an eco-art artist who transforms various town waste into art.

He depicts cats in his artwork because he happens to have a black cat at home. When the sun shines on it, the cat’s fur takes on a slightly brownish hue, which he thought perfectly matched the colors associated with coffee.

[Reference] Turning coffee grounds into nihonga: Shinichi Nakata’s vision for the future through art and education | Circular Yokohama (in Japanese)

Upcycling starts from your living space

By incorporating these Oriental-inspired upcycling concepts into your own space, you’re not just adding a touch of Japan to your decor; you’re actively participating in a global movement toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Embrace the spirit of upcycling, and let your living spaces reflect the beauty of repurposing, one unique piece at a time.