In the most fashionable parts of central Tokyo, from neon drenched main streets to shops down winding nameless back streets, for one week in October, design takes over Tokyo like a tsunami. With no central exhibition grounds, the over 200 venue design week takes on the character of this dizzying and exciting metropolis. Tokyoites and visitors alike, not just design professionals, experience this city's appreciation, nay obsession, for all things designed.

Both main exhibitions, Tokyo Designers Block and Tokyo Designer's Week, began only in the late 90s. TDB's slogan 'Design has no boundaries' has both positive and negative qualities. The local fashion and music cultures embrace the design week, and vice versa, providing an inclusive atmosphere, exhibition venues and famous D.J.'s for the numerous Tokyo size parties, several of which are over 2000 strong.

Designers Block organizers IDEE also sponsored 'Back to the Furniture' - three young japanese contemporary designers' motorcycle voyage through rural japan to merge their methods with those of master craftsmen. They seek to re-introduce japanese crafts such as bamboo-work and traditional wood bending techniques into production furniture.

However, the event tends to be dominated by the usual suspects of European design and manufacturing. 'Swedish Style', the most notable national representation, argues against the reputation that Swedish design is 'safe like a Volvo.' A number of unconventional multidisciplinary choices were included such as Margot Barolo's "Down Kimono" and "Baby Down." Curators Monica Forster and Nina Jobs' installation, "Trip to Sweden" transformed the Swedish Embassy into a mock airport lounge, utilizing new furniture pieces, including Forster's "Cloud" relax room for Snowcrash.

Rather than sequestering participants in a designers' ghetto of exhibition grounds or convention centre like most design exhibitions, participants are drawn to experience a very urban show. And while there are fewer design stars and big new launches than elsewhere - here Tokyo is the real star - and the city is more than up to the task.