Tokyo Story consisted of a series of prompts over five weeks. My inspiration came from my love of the decorative art of Japan and Japanese prints known as ukiyo-e.

The prompts for weeks 1 & 2 were Japanese cranes and gingko leaf. I was inspired by the gorgeous Japanese kimonos I had seen at the Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition at London’s V&A museum back in 2020.

The prompt for week 3 was Kanzashi. These Japanese hair ornaments are used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Kanzashi include a wide variety of hair accessories such as combs, long hairpins, barettes, hair ties and fabric flowers. They were first used in Japan during the Jōmon period where the single rod or stick was worn in the hair for protective purposes.

Week 4 prompt was Sakura or Japanese cherry blossom. Different varieties of blossoms bloom at different times with different most hitting their peak in Tokyo during the Spring. The coming of Spring promises new life bringing with it a sense of hope and renewal.

The final prompt week 5, was the Japanese folding fan and Hokusai’s wave.