Join us on August 28, 2025 for Design Zen, Unearthing Design Insights from Japan, presented by Anne Brownfield Brown.

The roots of culture run deep in Japan where tradition continually redefines itself for the modern world. One cultural aspect, in particular, has made eye-catching changes in the 21st century.

Emas are wooden prayer plaques that have been offered up to the gods for centuries at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. In their current rebirth, they have adopted bright colors, striking designs, and custom shapes to become keepsake objects in their own right.

Despite strong visual appeal, these unique objects have been overlooked in design literature. In this presentation we’ll explore how emas offer fresh inspiration for design and branding.

About the presenter:

Anne Brownfield Brown is a designer, educator and avid photographer. On a trip to Japan, she discovered emas, an aspect of Japanese culture that hasn’t received much attention in the West. She is excited to share these visually compelling images with the Tucson creative community.

Make sure to RSVP to this FREE community event.