On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated northeastern Japan. As the dramatic extent of the destruction became clear, a variety of aid initiatives were founded. Several aimed to use the power of creativity and art to offer the direct victims positive experiences as well as to bring the country together. Of these, the Arigato Project is the best known internationally.

Arigato means thank you. First and foremost, this book expresses Japan’s heartfelt appreciation for the help and kindness it received from so many people around the world in the aftermath of this natural disaster. In doing so it showcases the inspired creativity generated by the multifaceted Arigato Project since its founding.

Arigato features diverse work that deals with themes of love and thankfulness from fields including product design, furniture design, graphic design, illustration, and art. In addition, the book documents the art events and workshops that took place in the affected region and gave its people the chance to work through their traumatic experiences or simply to find a bit of happiness through creativity.

The Design Association NPO, internationally known as the host and organizer of Tokyo Designers Week (TDW), is the initiator of both the Arigato Project and this book. Arigato also presents other exhibits and events from TDW 2011 that demonstrate how dynamic Japan’s current design scene is despite the recent natural catastrophe—or partially because of its galvanizing effect.

東京設計師周（Tokyo Designer's week）不但是日本**的設計類展會，也是國際知名且最具影響力三大設計展之一。它是日本東京所舉辦的規模最盛大、涵蓋層面最廣泛、參展國際設計大師最多、全球設計品牌最齊全的展覽。它原先是1986年紐約發起、每年一度開展的設計活動“設計師星期六”（Designers Saturday）的東京版本，直至97年的第12屆起宣告獨立，並正式更名為“東京設計師周”（簡稱TDW）。

本届TDW是在日本地震海啸之后举办的，展会对此表示了关注。

本书是2011年TDW作品集，收录了***的产品设计和平面设计作品。