Midori Barada is a Japanese cultural curator with over a decade of experience living in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Jordan, and the UAE.
Her life and work sit at the intersection of two worlds — Japanese craft traditions rooted in quiet beauty and function, and the dynamic creative energy of the Arab region.
Inspired by the Mingei (folk craft) movement and the idea of “beauty in everyday use,” she founded ARTLAB TAKUMI to introduce not just Japanese handcrafted items, but the philosophies behind them — and to explore what can happen when they meet Middle Eastern creativity.
Through storytelling, curation, and cross-cultural collaboration, Midori aims to build a bridge between makers and thinkers across regions — reimagining the role of craft in our lives today.
✦ The intersection of Japanese craftsmanship and Arab craft traditions
✦ Philosophies of use, imperfection, and place in design
✦ Collaborative creation between Japanese artisans and Middle Eastern artists
✦ Building platforms that educate, inspire, and connect across cultures