The respect of environment and human rights is a major concern; therefore France has ratified the Kyoto Protocol and promotes sustainable development at many occasions - especially in its dedicated Pavilion for the Aichi Expo that has been visited by 2,100,000 people during 185 days. When it comes to design, "Esprit Design France" presents every year the French creative diversity to the Japanese scene. Global design among all, Eco Design is meeting today's needs without endangering the future. More than a trend; it's a new discipline that obviously deserves a special attention.

In 2004, among the 26 French events, "O2 France Agency", foundation of the first International Eco Design network, was one of the five French Embassy's guest. It gave lectures in the Hokkaido Design Centre or at the Tokyo Designers Week Forum but also showed two exhibitions - one at Kenzoﾕs boutiques (Aoyama then, Kyushu), the other at the French Institute which has received 2 awards: Etoiles - APCI L'observeur du design (the French Industrial Design Association).

This year, inter alia the Embassy is supporting: "Fresh Touch", the first French-Japanese food design exhibition held in Japan gathering more than 10 creators including designers, artists and chefs. With "the 21st century hunter-gatherer" as its main theme, "Fresh Touch" is revealing another side of Eco, the respect of our own human nature.

Sarah Carriere-Chardon, Independent Curator
Commissioned by the Cultural Service of the French Embassy

Fresh Touch
Place: LAUNE Galerie Hanae Mori Bldg. 5F (Omotesando Station A1 Exit)