As is the case with many professions in Japan, the discipline and raw pursuit of perfection in craft are ever-present, though one tends to find that there is little drudgery or conservative regard when it comes to creative expression.

In fact, long-held societal beliefs and popular perceptions of artistic beauty and form tend to inspire even more contrarian creative output. This is not an exclusively “Japanese” phenomenon, but registers at a higher volume here.

Case in point, Mr. Keisuke Shoda — a pop musician turned designer and art director (and now, rug maker), but also a cosmopolitan connector, instigator and deeply entrenched Tokyoite.
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