I have recently returned from a business trip to Japan and Singapore – which prepared me for our UK heatwave this week.

I am aware that Japan will be more prominent in our consciousness with the Rugby World Cup fast approaching and with Tokyo hosting the Olympics in 2020. Both Japan and Singapore are vibrant with colour and inspiration.

The presentation of rainbow colours, e.g. on pens, bags remains eye-catching and suggests a sense of order.

I was surprised at how much space was given to indoor plants – a trend we see here in the UK also.

Florals are also important and more homely – cherry blossom and chrysanthemums being the obvious ones.

The cuddly cute icons endure. We have success with the waving cat for Chinese New Year, but I sometimes forget that this character is also associated with Japan.

I hope you have found this inspirational.

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