Japan ZANE ARTS | Blending functionality with art to create products that allow nature and humanity to coexist in harmony.
Founded in 2018, the company is headquartered in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, near the Hida Mountains, also known as the "Northern Alps."
In 2019, the brand debuted four new products—ZEKU-M, GIGI-1, ROGA-4, and GEU. Featuring earthy tones, minimalist lines, and refined tailoring, their artistic aesthetic garnered significant attention even before their official release.
【About the Founder】
Kei Kosugi, the founder, designer, and head of ZANE ARTS, adopted the Japanese Zen proverb "Za shite hanjo, nete ichijo" (坐して半畳、寝て一畳) as his motto. Literally meaning "half a tatami mat for sitting, and one tatami mat for sleeping," this phrase reflects the true amount of space a human needs to live comfortably. On a deeper level, it suggests that we should understand our own worth and avoid excessive desires beyond what we truly require.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kosugi has accumulated extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of outdoor gear. Like many outdoor enthusiasts, he enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing. He believes that by experiencing these activities, one can understand the proper distance and balance between nature and humanity, which is the very essence of outdoor life.
【Brand Naming and Logo Design】
"We don't actually need that much."
Anyone with experience in overnight hiking trips will understand the meaning of this statement. When preparing and packing for a trip, the selection of gear is often based on "necessity," which aligns perfectly with the essence of "Za shite hanjo, nete ichijo." ZANE ARTS aims to adopt this standard in their product research and development, striving to practice "subtractive" thinking rather than chasing excessive convenience to create perfectly balanced products. Consequently, both the brand name and logo are inspired by Mr. Kosugi’s motto, serving as a reminder to remain humble and cautious in every step of the company's management and product development.
The "ZA" in "ZANE" comes from the Japanese word for "sit" (座), and the "NE" comes from the word for "sleep" (寝). The official pronunciation of ZANE is "zein." The logo is composed of the letters "Z" and "N": Z represents a person sitting (half a tatami mat), and N represents a person lying down to sleep (one tatami mat). If you rotate the "Z" (a person sitting) 90 degrees clockwise, it becomes an "N" (a person lying down to sleep).
By bringing minimalist art into outdoor life, "ZANE ARTS" also represents "Zen and Arts."
【Design Philosophy】
In outdoor activities, functionality is crucial. However, focusing solely on increasing functionality often requires adjustments during the final stages of production, which may compromise aesthetic appeal. While prioritizing function is necessary for harsh environments, is it possible for gear used in casual camping or outdoor photography to be both functional and beautiful? Achieving a balance between function and aesthetics is difficult and often contradictory, yet ZANE ARTS has succeeded.
Upholding the philosophy of "fusing function and art," the brand aims to create highly artistic, minimalist, and lightweight products. They have chosen "sandstone" as their signature color, as it beautifully complements natural environments, allowing the gear to blend seamlessly into the scenery and become part of a beautiful landscape.
When founding ZANE ARTS, Mr. Kosugi described it as a brand that "invests significant time and effort into meticulous design and research to elevate products to the level of art." He hopes the brand will support those who engage in outdoor activities, ultimately helping more people discover the beauty of nature.
ZANE ARTS is not just a provider of outdoor gear; it is a bridge that allows users to coexist and converse comfortably with nature. We hope more people will escape the hustle and bustle of the city and join ZANE ARTS in stepping into the peaceful and wonderful world of the outdoors.
