ABSTRACT
After Westernization began in Japan in the late nineteenth century, the discourse on Japanese aesthetics went through several developments. In this chapter, the author characterizes the long-held Japanese aesthetic tradition as morally-based because it promotes respect, care, and consideration for others, both humans and non-humans. He focuses on two principles of design in particular include respecting the innate characteristics of objects and honoring and responding to human needs. In addition to various forms of sensory attraction, such as its careful arrangement and choice of container, an important focus of Japanese food is its preparation of the ingredients. A typical Japanese meal consists of several dishes, including a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup, a pickle plate, and two or three other plates of vegetables, fish, and meat, all served at once. Japanese gift packaging is another example of sensitive design attuned to the temporal sequence of the recipient's experience.
