ANF Work (a new framework) is a design studio and consultancy based in Paris, creating new narratives from the legacy of Japanese folk craft. Rooted in contextual design, the studio dives deep into archives, materials and processes, revealing their relevance in addressing today’s challenges.

This vision goes hand in hand with a more sustainable model: rather than favouring mass production, ANF partners directly with local Japanese makers and institutions to revitalise production areas, develop creative programmes, and build an ecosystem where artisans can make a better living from their work, where production is in tune with available resources, and where each piece tells a far-reaching human story that goes beyond the simple aesthetic function.

Led by French-Japanese duo Timothée Kaplan and Ayumi Yoshida, the studio values the human relationships that emerge through collaboration – building lasting ties across Japan, Europe and beyond.