The Encyclopedia of East Asian Design is the first comprehensive publication to focus on East Asian design and its histories. Although definitions of design in Asia are multiple, fluid and historically contingent, the disparate cultures within this vast landmass have long produced arts and crafts, interior, graphic, and design objects for domestic, regional, and global consumption. The encyclopedia provides in-depth, critically informed coverage of these practices, products, and the interpretive issues pertaining to them. The work is organised by country to reflect specific regional and national histories and geographies. Within these geographies, traditions, histories, theories and practices as well as key issues in modern and contemporary design are considered. The topics covered in these volumes range from ceramics and textiles, interior and architectural design, to environmental and sustainable design. I was so pleased to hear about the publication of the Encyclopedia of East Asian Design. From a Japanese perspective it is easy to think that our clothes and crafts are unique to Japan, but of course they have many influences and origins from the rest of the Asian continent. This encyclopedia explores the transition of such design from a broad and encompassing perspective, and I have great hope that further research will develop as a result of this volume.