Simple Japanese Furniture

The timeless designs featured in this book were designed in the mid-1950s by the Japanese design group KAK, led by architect and industrial designer Yoshio Akioka. Now, more than half a century after the creation of these designs, the chairs, tables, and storage furniture retain their simple beauty and functionality.

The 24 rewarding projects are presented with notes on the key design elements of each piece, the tools and techniques needed to construct them, and step-by-step instructions for completing them. The designs are chosen to highlight the structure of furniture and the techniques are well-suited to working with softwood planks and plywood – readily available in DIY stores. Each project is described in a brief overview, with a difficulty rating and an emphasis on key design elements. This is followed by a detailed instructions section with helpful illustrations.

Appealing to woodworkers and hand-tool enthusiasts, the book reflects a growing interest in making simple practical furniture for the home as well as an appreciation of Japanese design.

Projects include:

Two-way cross-braced stool
Round plywood tea table
Sturdy porch bench
Simple umbrella stand
V-shaped leg tea table
Variable-height table
Box-shaped bench
Low plywood chair.