A Personal Introduction to Our New Postcards from Japan Collection

‘Postcards from Japan’ is Arighi Bianchi’s newest destination-inspired campaign for Spring 2025.

Arighi Bianchi has been all about style, craftsmanship, and heritage for over 170 years—ever since our founders, Antonio Arighi and Antonio Bianchi, made the journey from the stunning shores of Lake Como, Italy, to Macclesfield back in 1854. Our ‘Postcards from…’ series is a celebration of that same spirit of discovery and adventure, exploring different cultures and design influences that have shaped the world of interior design.

Spring is on the way and we’re heading to Japan just in time for the Sakura cherry blossoms. Japanese culture is a juxtaposition of tradition and innovation, key design philosophies blend effortlessly with modern living and from this inspiration we fuse a serene, minimalist aesthetic with our signature Italian design ethos. The balance of simplicity and nature and the dedicated craftsmanship defines Japanese interiors, and we can’t wait to share the inspiration with you.

Why Japan?

Ranking as the world’s third most popular travel destination last year, Japan offers an extraordinary blend of tradition and contemporary culture. Following on from our exciting explorations of Los Angeles and The Alps, our design team was all in agreement that this trending travel destination for 2025 was the perfect choice for our next ‘Postcards From…’ furniture and accessories collection.

Sarah Bianchi, our CEO and fourth generation family member, recently toured Japan to explore and learn more about Japanese style and the destination’s key design philosophies that we are seeing sweeping across the UK, to bring authenticity and personal insight to our new collection. Enjoy Sarah’s personal travel blog that has inspired our new ‘Postcards from….’ destination choice. 

“The land of the rising sun has been at the top of my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. The traditional tea ceremony, the chaos of Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing), the spirituality of the Meiji Shrine and of course the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Fuji - I wanted to see it all and I did.”

“Beyond the dazzling cityscapes and bustling food markets, Japan’s natural beauty is just as captivating. A trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest left me feeling almost otherworldly—towering green stalks swaying gently in the breeze created a hypnotic sound that added to the serenity of the moment. Further south, the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine formed a striking, endless path of vivid orange, winding through the hills of Kyoto. And of course, no visit to Japan would be complete without taking in the breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji. Whether admired from afar or viewed up close from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, its snowy peak against a bright blue sky was a truly unforgettable experience.”

The Art of Japanese Interior Design

“My passion for interiors meant I was especially excited to explore Japan’s design scene and see firsthand how its key philosophies; from Wabi-sabi minimalism to intricate craftsmanship, compares with UK trends and the influence it has on contemporary interiors. With the upcoming 2025 Japan Expo set to showcase the best of Japanese commerce, technology, and culture to the rest of the world, there’s never been a better time to celebrate Japan’s influence on home interiors.”

“For me, one of the most captivating aspects of travelling is simply taking in how everything looks; the way a new place compares to home and how the details come together to create an entirely different feel. The stunning interiors stores felt more like art galleries than traditional shops and the calming appeal of clean lines and clutter-free open layouts along with beautifully decorated Shoji screens reflects Japan’s inherent focus on simplicity, functionality, and harmony with nature. Japanese interior design evokes wellbeing and balance - principles that resonate deeply in today’s homes. Beyond interiors, Japan’s approach to life - through wellness, organisation, and beauty, combines innovation with nature, offering endless inspiration for mindful and stylish living.”

Japan’s Tea Rituals & Foodie Delights

“One of the most immersive cultural experiences of the trip was taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Held in a beautifully minimalist tearoom, the ritual felt like a masterclass in mindfulness - every movement slow, precise and intentional. Our host gracefully prepared and served the matcha, emphasising the importance of presence and appreciation in every sip. It was a reminder that Japanese culture is deeply rooted in thoughtfulness, from the way meals are prepared to the way spaces are designed to evoke a sense of calm and connection. Sitting on a tatami mat, cradling a handcrafted ceramic tea bowl, I found myself fully present in the moment—a rare and precious feeling in today’s fast paced world.”

“Having heard and read so much about Japan’s eclectic food scene, I was also very keen to sample some of its infamous delicacies. In the narrow streets of old Tokyo, where casual bars called Izakayas fill the air with the appetising aroma of perfectly grilled wagyu, rich ramen, and sizzling yakitori, it quickly became apparent that food is more than just sustenance in Japan - it’s an experience, a ritual, and a way of connecting with the culture. No trip here would be complete without a visit to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant and the endless colourful plates gliding by with delicate slices of salmon, rich tuna and perfectly seasoned eel certainly didn’t disappoint.”

“My trip to Japan exceeded every expectation I had. It’s a truly awe-inspiring country where centuries old traditions thrive alongside futuristic technology. The quiet hum of nature exists in harmony with the buzzing energy of the cities - it’s quite easy to feel each minute is like stepping into a different world. One moment you can be immersed in traditional Japan’s cultural heritage, and the next you’re diving headfirst into uber modern, fast-paced city life, leaving you feeling a little bit like Alice in Wonderland”

Watch this space for more inspiration from Japan… Why we love Japanese-inspired home décor and our Japanese Product Edit coming soon!