Keywords

1 Introduction

1.1 History of Nanbu Fuurin

Nanbu Fuurin [1] is a traditional Japanese wind chime that is made from Nanbu ironware (Fig. 1). This specific wind chime is offered in an original Nanbu ironware bronze colors. Japanese people typically use it Nanbu Fuurin as a garden ornament and it is typically hung it from the eaves of their homes during the summer time. It has the shape of a bell with the clapper in the middle of the chime. Nanbu Fuurin originated from Southern ironware called Nanbu Tekki, this is a traditional craft of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Traditional craft refers to the revitalization of traditional healing. The traditional craft industry is based on relevant law, and is formed after years of art and technology inheritance in a particular region [2]. “Nanbu Fuurin is an award-winning traditional craft, first recognized by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1975 [3], and is made from an important kind of southern iron (Fig. 2) [4].” Nanbu Tekki (Southern ironware) is using a 400-year-old technique developed in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture.

Fig. 1.
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Japanese wind chime Nanbu Fuurin (Color figure online)

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Fig. 2.
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Types of Nanbu Tekki

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Nanbu Fuurin are hand-cast out of southern ironware. They have a unique texture that exhibits the Japanese “Wabi-sabi (A not deliberately prominent decoration and appearance, emphasis on material things Imperfect, rustic, and to experience the test of time beauty.) [5]” aesthetic, and are cast in different shapes, each with a different timbre. The sound is so exquisite that Nanbu Fuurin are the local people’s favorite decoration. They have also been selected as one of a hundred distinctive objects that create the “Sound Landscape of Japan” [6].

1.2 Nanbu Fuurin New Demand for Healing

In addition, Nanbu Fuurin is one of Japan’s most popular export products. Japan is a country in which natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes frequently occur. When an earthquake struck Japan on March 11th, 2011, many buildings collapsed; many people lost their homes and had to move into temporary housing provided by the Japanese government. Even worse, many of the victims suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [7]. To ease and treat this condition, Xue et al. (2002) identified that the sound of the Suzumushi (bell cricket) (Fig. 3), which has a wide population distribution throughout Asia, can provide relief from the symptoms of PTSD [8]. Suzumushi sound like a bell is named .When hearing this sound, prove that the arrival of autumn [9]. Our team therefore proposed a plan to design a new type of Nanbu Fuurin with a sound resembling that of the Suzumush. Focusing on artistic considerations (designing and developing the Nanbu Fuurin), this time we will focus on the part of texture design.

Fig. 3.
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Suzumushi (bell cricket)

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2 Current Design Practices

2.1 Current Conditions and Problems in Nanbu Fuurin Texture

Most Nanbu Fuurin patterns currently on the market are drawn from traditional patterns, the natural landscape, and local customs and practices [4]. Widely used patterns include the following: (1) Arare (hail) pattern. This pattern, which originated in the Edo period, is still in used and is very popular (Fig. 4). Consumers consider the Arare pattern the southern unique pattern. (2) Animal patterns. Nanbu Fuurin use patterns of animals such as turtles, insects, and owls (Fig. 5). Since ancient times, people have lived closely with animals. (3) Plant patterns. South central iron casting researchers typically use flower patterns. The most common is the cherry blossom, followed by the chrysanthemum (Fig. 6). The most patterns in traditional crafts are derived from natural scenery or local customs. These traditional textures make people feel comfortable and satisfy domestic consumers. For the international market, however, new designs should be added reflecting foreign consumers’ preferences, values, lifestyles, and backgrounds. This full paper will explore this issue in detail.

Fig. 4.
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Arare pattern

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Fig. 5.
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Animal pattern

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Fig. 6.
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Plant pattern

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And with regard to color, traditional Nanbu Fuurin mainly uses the original bronze colors of Nanbu Tekki. However, these dull colors do not have a positive therapeutic effect. Surveys have shown that they can actually make consumers feel bored or frightened, especially on dark nights. It is therefore necessary to combine color psychology and user surveys to make better selections in the development and deployment of colors.

2.2 Our Previous Design Practices

The author proposed according to the physical calculation, studies of the Related Virtual Display of Nanbu Fuurin, aims to show virtual simulations through the combination of art and technology, and to model the charm and sound of the Nanbu Fuurin. Do the “Summer breeze box” of the toy box (Fig. 7). The “Summer breeze box” uses a sensor to detect a virtual wind, and measures the amplitude change of the Nanbu Fuurin’s swing according to the strength of the wind. The box connects user input to the sensor using Python, Arduino, and Blender; Blender generates an animation and simulates the sound of the Nanbu Fuurin. Although the simulation has shown that the sound and the movement of Nanbu Fuurin swings with the breeze following the strength of the wind that made by user [16]. However the simulated model of Nanbu Fuurin still lack of a unique design appearance features such as texture, and pattern which leads to the fascination of Nanbu Fuurin. Therefore, on this paper we will improve the apparel design of Nanbu Fuurin.

Fig. 7.
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How to play the Summer breeze box

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2.3 Healing Nanbu Fuurin: Research into Bell Cricket Wind Chimes

The new Nanbu Fuurin designs be modeled. It is necessary to identify a shape that not only sounds like a bell cricket, but also looks beautiful, providing enjoyment to people who see it. Cognitive modeling is not generally used to create wind chimes. At present, Nanbu Fuurin are generally shaped to resemble temple bells. All of these wind chimes are designed by experienced professional craftsmen. However, there is no research into the connection between shape and timbre.

So far, according to Nagata, Y.’s current research, studies have identified the bell cricket’s sound frequency range: 4–4.5 kHz. When the iron piece inside the Nanbu Fuurin hits the swinging bell, it sounds similar to the bell cricket, but not exactly the same. To achieve precisely the same sound, the new design of Nanbu Fuurin must change some part of the bottom of the chime. There is no single shape that is guaranteed to relieve the symptoms of PTSD (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8.
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Proposed shape for Nanbu Fuurin that can play healing tones

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3 The Propose of Healing Nanbu Fuurin Texture Design

According to the result of some document expressed, in product design semantic is influence mood role [17]. so, this paper a relieve stress healing nanbu fuurin design should be considered as the following points:

(1) The affinity. For example, people often want to close to a soft and lovely animal doll. Or the other things with affinity, such as beautiful plants, cute little animal, delicious food and so on. While these things with affinity have several basic characteristics, such as simple, lovely, kind, harmless. For their shapes, they often have parts of circular or arc, and the sharp appearance should be avoided [18].

(2) The feeling of calm. Following Color Theory in Design (2008), the color selection use for product design will be effect people emotion and image [10]. For instance, Blue color give the feeling of calmness and refreshing [13]. Green color give the feeling of natural, relieve stress and heal help [14]. Light pink color give the feeling of tenderness, kindness and comforting feeling [15]. Moreover, from the color combinations and brightness of color can be created the calmness and relaxing atmosphere to effect the psychology healing for people [10].

(3) The feeling of happiness. A pleasant atmosphere will make people feel comfortable and relax. Like a image of playing with a child, the happy atmosphere can infect people feeling. Thence, the design with childlike and naive also can bring people pleasure [19].

(4) The positive visual. For alleviate the pressure, it is also important that let people relieve from the negative, and stressful. For example, rainbow has been hailed as a symbol of good luck and happiness in many places of the world. When you are feeling down, if you see the rainbow, you will feel happy, and mood will become clear and positive. As the analysis of rainbow color, the rainbow colors include most of colors in the hue ring. However, the unity of hue’s shade and level, make rainbow have the sense of balance and stability, and the atmosphere of lively, bright, happy and upward [10].

The healing Nanbu Fuurin also will be designed by these points in the visual.

3.1 Improvement to Texture Design Based on the Element of a Lucky Green Clover

Design A (Hope Type): A green clover deign is used, representing luck and happiness, to make the consumer feel relaxed, calm, and refreshed, and it provides an environment that fosters sober judgment (Fig. 9). Green symbolizes peace and health. Clovers are arranged in a smooth spiral pattern. Elegant pattern arrangements allow a person to feel relaxed, alleviating psychological pressure.

Fig. 9.
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Design A: Hope Type (Color figure online)

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3.2 Improvement to Texture Design Based on a Lively Circus Atmosphere

Design B (Joy Type): This idea from the circus. When at the circus, people enjoy in joyful atmosphere. The designers use a pink-to-blue gradient. Pink provides a warm feeling, then slowly combines with blue to encourage reflection, thus easing pressure (Fig. 10). To avoid sharp angles, triangular circus flags are changed into a rounded design, avoiding stimulation that can bring on emotional instability.

Fig. 10.
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Design B: Joy Type (Color figure online)

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3.3 Improvement to Texture Design Based on Kenji Miyazawa’s Fairy Tales

Design C (Fantasy Type): A railroad motif with colored line drawings of train wheels is used as the design element, based on the “Ginga Tetsudō no Yoru (Night on the Galactic Railroad)” fairy tale by the famous writer Kenji Miyazawa, born in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture [11] (Fig. 11). Gorgeous colors are reminiscent of the masters from the fairy tale fantasy, causing people to temporarily forget their pain, sadness, and pressure, and brighten their moods.

Fig. 11.
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Design C: Fantasy Type (Color figure online)

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3.4 Improvements to Texture Design Based on Japanese Ukiyo-E

Design D (Retro Type): The famous Japanese Ukiyo-e piece “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is chosen as an element of this abstract design, reminiscent of Japan’s traditional Se-gaiha patterns [12] (Fig. 12). Bright colors are chosen to evoke a summer seaside atmosphere. The lively patterns and bright colors that also alleviate psychological pressure.

Fig. 12.
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Design D: Retro Type (Color figure online)

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4 Conclusion and Future Research

Our design involves great innovation while continuing to retain the same basic shape and user impressions. It may be challenging for consumers who have used only traditional Nanbu Fuurin, and for the craftspeople who make them. However, once we have conquered the difficulties and made stylish new Fuurin with all of the characteristics mentioned above, our design will represent not only the perfect combination of traditional techniques with modern science and technology, but also it will make an innovative leap for the traditional production process. During post-disaster reconstruction, this project could provide a template that expresses humanity, using design to better serve the community.

Plans for future research: (1) We will make a questionnaire survey for Japanese users at home and international users abroad, aimed at improving the texture design of healing Nanbu Fuurin. (2) We will explore and design more Nanbu Fuurin models that can play healing sounds. We have therefore produced a 3D model using 3D software, importing the sound of the bell cricket, and simulating its demonstration.