HOSOO Magazine
“More than Textile” issue 05

This publication documents the story and process behind HOSOO 's activities , which go beyond conventional weaving practices and create art textiles that surpass people's imagination .

The theme of this issue is "Ode to Ornament."
"Decoration" is a theme that is at the very core of textiles, and the question "Why do people decorate?" is the flip side of the fundamental question, "What does beauty mean to people?"

Since the dawn of history, humans have survived by covering their bodies with animal skins and plants. However, these coverings have not only served the functions of protection and warmth, but have also always been associated with decoration. These coverings have gone beyond the function of protection and have been linked to prayers, wishes, and beauty itself.

The gorgeous costumes and weapons worn by Heian aristocrats were symbols of dignity and awe through beauty. For them, decorations carried a value that transcended even life and death, and were expressions that risked their very existence. Furthermore, decorations, such as the "semamori" (protective charms) adorned on infants' kimonos, were imbued with meanings of warding off evil and prayer, and played a role in protecting people and connecting them to the invisible world.

This magical power extends beyond clothing to interiors, architecture, and even the natural environment itself. Many of the projects we undertook in 2025 were also challenges to expand the power of decoration into new contexts.

If we turn our eyes to nature, we will notice that the world itself is full of ornamentation. The branches and leaves of trees, the patterns on seashells, the twinkling of stars—nature has always been a source of ornamentation and has provided us with endless inspiration.

The act of "decoration" is a universal act shared by all humankind, past and present, East and West. Using this keyword as a starting point, we may be able to connect people across borders, religions and eras, and even reconstruct our relationship with the natural environment.

We hope to reach all those who seek beautiful things and love creative ideas and creations.

Total 160 pages Size: 222mm x 284mm
Language: Japanese/English