The Fushimi Inari Experience: A Masterclass in Japanese Experiential Design
Fushimi Inari Pathway, Kyoto | Insta360 X3 | Credit - Rizwan Nawaz
The realm of Immersive Experiential Design is revolutionising the way we connect with our surroundings and the way we feel. It is a potent blend of creativity, technology, and human-centred design. This piece is the first in a series that delves into its application in Japan, starting with its roots and the formula for its success.
In today's digital era, we're often overwhelmed with superficial connections, leading to a yearning for genuine, impactful experiences. Recognizing and harnessing the potential of this evolving domain is not just beneficial but essential for fostering profound interactions.
Japan, with its rich cultural tapestry, offers unique insights into crafting memorable experiences. But before we delve deeper, let's unpack the foundational pillars of this design philosophy.
Hills surrounding Kiyomizu-dera Koyasunoto Pagoda, Tokyo | Canon 5D MIII | Credit - Rizwan Nawaz
Key Components of Experiences
Space - The Environment
Whether it's a physical room, a digital landscape, or a simple webpage, the design and arrangement of the space are pivotal. They dictate user engagement, behaviour, and overall perception.
Time - Chronology
This pertains to the flow and order of events. It's about the tempo of interactions, the strategic placement of events, and the overall length of the experience. Properly utilised, time can build suspense, create a sense of urgency, or provide moments of reflection, all of which enhance the narrative and emotional resonance of an experience.
Storytelling - Interactive Narration
A dynamic, multi-faceted and non-linear way of sharing stories where users can steer or even alter the narrative based on their choices. This participatory approach provides a sense of agency and involvement in the unfolding story, making the experience more tailored and captivating. For a deeper dive into this, refer to my previous piece on Japanese graphic design's storytelling in advertising.
Kiyomizu-dera Zuigudo, Kyoto | Canon 5D MIII | Credit - Rizwan Nawaz
Tracing the Origins of Japanese Experiential Design in Shinto Culture
I believe the bedrock of Japanese experiential design can be traced back to Shinto, Japan's indigenous spiritual belief system. Shinto, which translates to "the way of kami" (sacred or divine power, specifically the various gods or deities), is deeply woven into the Japanese value system and way of thinking. It's a belief system without a singular founder, canonical texts, or rigid doctrines, yet its core principles have remained intact over time. (Hirai, 2023)
Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrines and pathways, epitomise Shinto-inspired experiential design. This area is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which form a network of trails leading to open spaces and multiple shrines. The shrines are dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, symbolising the importance of agriculture in Japanese culture.
Considering that the experiential design pillars are space, time, and storytelling, the mystery I wanted to solve was what was the recipe for success. Through my visit to Fushimi Inari I have distilled six principles that I believe encapsulate the Japanese approach.
The Original Recipe for Exemplary Experiential Design
Spatial Contrast
Our understanding of space is intrinsically linked to our own size and scale. The slender pathways and areas formed by the gates evoke feelings of closeness, safety, and at times, restriction. When we suddenly transition into an open space, the contrast can be startling, giving us a sense of release or freedom. Similarly, gazing upon the towering gates stirs emotions of awe, humility, and appreciation. Such design choices are deliberate, aiming to inspire reverence and mark the shift earthly to the divine.
Rhythmic Visuals
The presence of gates and stairways establishes a consistent visual rhythm throughout the environment, impacting our perception of time. This repetitive motif is a marker of the progression of time and amplifies the journey's anticipation. With every milestone achieved, there's a renewed sense of accomplishment and affirmation that one is on the correct path. Moreover, this rhythmic repetition transports us into a new world, helping us escape our current reality.
Fushimi Inari Pathway, Kyoto | Canon 5D MIII | Credit - Rizwan Nawaz
Fushimi Inari Pathway, Kyoto | Canon 5D MIII | Credit - Rizwan Nawaz
Ritualistic Repetition
Prominently observed in spiritual ceremonies, the act of repetition serves to intensify and deepen our connection to a particular place or event. This sentiment resonated with me during a Japanese tea ceremony, where the deliberate pace and virtue of patience heightened the overall experience, enriching the overall experience by teaching the value of delayed satisfaction.
Effort to Reward
Achieving a task becomes truly rewarding when it strikes the right balance between challenge and attainability. Climbing to the 233-metre peak of the Inari mountain, a round trip of approximately 2-3 hours, is no small feat, demands genuine devotion and is quite an accomplishment. In the same vein, perfecting every aspect of a ritual or prayer showcases a distinct level of expertise. The Japanese, much like many of us, deeply value and promote excellence in individual endeavours.
Gekko, O. (1893). Inariyama kokaji (The Swordsmith of Mt Inari) / Gekko zuihitsu [Colour woodblock print.]
Fushimi Inari Pathway, Kyoto | Canon 5D MIII | Credit - Rizwan Nawaz
Captivating Purpose
The essence of the experience is deeply rooted in the mountain's lore. A tale from ancient Japan narrates how a man once shot a rice cake that transformed into a swan and took flight. This swan eventually settled atop a mountain peak, where a fortuitous sign appeared, leading to the growth of rice. (History | Fushimi Inari Taisha, 2023) Consequently, the shrines were dedicated to Inari, the rice deity, and the fox messengers of this deity were commemorated with statues throughout the premises, enriching the actions of individuals paying tribute.
Personal Empowerment
Effective storytelling in experiences hinges on granting participants a sense of control and engagement within the narrative. The Inari grounds exemplify this by offering a flexible, non-linear journey. With numerous shrines dispersed across the area, visitors can choose their own adventure, deciding how far to explore before turning back, ensuring a unique experience with every visit. In addition, the torii gates along the trail carry a deeper significance. Donated by both individuals and corporations, each gate is inscribed with the name of its benefactor and the date of the contribution, narrating their devotion and faith.
Conclusion
Immersive Experiential Design transcends mere aesthetics, profoundly shaping our interactions and sense of self. Drawing inspiration from Japan's deep-rooted Shinto traditions, we gain a unique perspective on perfecting this design practice. The Fushimi Inari Shrines of Kyoto provide a roadmap for crafting deep and meaningful experiences. Join me in upcoming chapters as we delve into how the Japanese seamlessly integrate this age-old wisdom into contemporary settings.
By: Rizwan Nawaz
Date: 09/08/2023
References
Hirai, N. (2023). Shinto | Beliefs, Gods, Origins, Symbols, Rituals, & Facts | Britannica. In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shinto [Accessed 7 Aug. 2023].
Inari.jp. (2023). History | Fushimi Inari Taisha. [online] Available at: https://inari.jp/en/history/ [Accessed 7 Aug. 2023].
Gekko, O. (1893). Inariyama kokaji 稲荷山小鍛冶 (The Swordsmith of Mt Inari) / Gekko zuihitsu 月耕随筆 (Miscellaneous Drawings by Gekko). [Colour woodblock print.] Available at: https://ukiyo-e.org/image/bm/AN00017720_001_l [Accessed 9 Aug. 2023]. Seated swordsmith forging a blade; spirit of Mt Inari standing behind; shadows of foxes in background. Inscribed, signed and sealed.
