[CR]Re: Japanese Design

(Example: Framebuilders:Mario Confente)

From: <BobHoveyGa@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 13:50:01 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, mail@woodworkingboy.com
Subject: [CR]Re: Japanese Design

In a message dated 4/23/03 11:13:22 AM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
>With regard to Japanese products not meeting your undefined aesthetic
>standards, one should understand that traditional Japanese concepts of
>design are considerably different from those in the occident. Forgive
>the
>inadequate translation, but precepts such as 'nothingness' and 'restraint',
>are still cultural identities that manifest in today's society and industry.

However, it seems apparent to me that much of the insipid design in Japanese components (and motorcycles and automobiles) results not from the Japanese following their effective and well-established traditions of design, but in trying to guess what will please (and sell to) a western audience. I would like to see a line of Japanese bike components designed to please their eyes only, like a tea whisk or samurai sword... now THAT would be something.

Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA