Profile

The White Paper is a platform for the work of Tokyo-based editor and researcher Ben Davis.

With a background in engineering and sustainability, Ben spent time in rural Japan before settling in Tokyo in 2010. His experiences living and working with farmers renewed his interest in the connection between people and place, which became a key theme for his work as editor of The Thousands Tokyo. The online magazine’s focus on local perspectives inspired him to explore different ways of viewing the city, leading to a series about Tokyo’s creative residents and boutique guides for Tokyobike, Ginza Six and Uniqlo.

Ben writes frequently about regional culture, communities and sustainability, contributing to publications including Monocle, Audi Magazine and Hanatsubaki. His longstanding interest in craftsmanship has also seen him work closely with Japanese brands, designers and manufacturers. He writes regularly for Tokyo Craft Room, sharing the stories behind its collaborations, and has worked on projects about Okinawan textiles, contemporary furniture and even door handles.

Ben’s insights work covers sectors ranging from travel to retail, technology to wellness, providing Japanese clients with fresh perspectives and advising international clients on the subtleties of society and culture in Japan. He has reported on emerging trends, interviewed thought leaders and produced sense of place reports for new developments.

In 2020, Ben launched The White Paper, a newsletter about the culture of making. Drawing on his ongoing conversations, observations and research, he aims to build new dialogue around craft and its connection to the world around us.