<D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT> was founded by designer Kenmei Nagaoka in 2000. Its activities, ranging from shops and galleries to publishing and workshops, are based on the theme "Long-Lasting Design," and try to convey to consumers the characteristics of land and people in each prefecture from the design viewpoint.
<A Few Thoughts Regarding the Publication of This Volume>
I believe that a “design perspective" will became extremely important for future generations, and indeed people of all generations, to interact with all areas of Japan. By “design perspective", I mean an imagination; witch discerns what has substance and will endure, and allows users to easily understand and enjoy innovations. I feel that now, more than ever, a new kind of guidebook with a “design perspective" is needed. Therefore, we will publish a guide to each of Japan's 47 prefectures. The guidebooks will be composed, researched, and edited identically and be similar in volume.