LAB #1(40) 2008

– Is there an object that you will never agree to design? Why? Are there any taboos? – I cannot think of any items. However, I would not prefer to create trend-conscious things. – Do you ever dream of working? – Yes, quite often. – If you wrote a book, what would it be about except for design? – I cannot think of any besides design. – What do you think about giving interviews to designer magazines? Is it a duty, drudgery or an interesting thing to do for you? Could it be used as a chance to support your own image? – It is grateful to have a interview. Thanks to people who get interests in my works, I can step forward. – What was most interesting feedback you re- ceived in relation to your works?

Basically, I prefer to work where I can do some experiments. During these 20 years, in Tokyo, I have formed relationship between a great many researchers and technologists. These things are really important for me to create new values that reverse common sense. – You have actively worked with Issey Miyake and Hermes. Which part of that experience was especially important for you? In which way each of these people has affected you? – I always enjoy working with them since they are both eager to create things which has never existed before. – Large companies are not always ready to ac- cept advanced concepts the designer offers. How do you organize the project presentation in order to convince them? – I always try to: Explain simply and clearly as possible. Include surprising elements so that they will listen to us. Besides them, I think the most important thing is to form a trusting relationship. However, unfortunately, I do not have specific ideas of how to form it. – Was there a project that has become a turning point for you? – Honey-pop. – The law of the Samurai is to constantly aim for perfection and be ready for immediate action. If one does not react on time, the next second one will be dead. Is this law applicable to design? – I am not sure if I do operate this law in design since I have never heard of this law. However, as a designer, I am proud of creating unpre­ cedented things.

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– What is the most difficult moment in your work? – I always feel difficulties to design things. When I design things, it takes a lot of time to complete. – What are your main sources of inspiration? – What I think really beautiful are always in nature. – What I think the most beautiful is cloud that I see when I am flying by the airplane. – I feel its beauty in that human cannot control, and that it always changes the shape and will never get back. – Do your design projects tell a special story? If so, what is it about? – I always try to create something that link

– I was surprised at the response I got at Design Miami. Every person who came to see my exhibition said «Thank you.» When I heard of it, I feel strange because «Thank you» is what I wanted to say to everyone. – How do Japanese traditions influence your projects? – I an often told that my design has elements of Japanese traditions even I do not particularly intend to include them. However, my design might have elements of Japanese food. The finest tofu is so rich without soy source. There is such a tendency in Japanese cul- ture, which is drawing an original beauty in ingredients and not adding anything more than necessary. Moreover, sushi is not only about slicing fishes and shaping in one’s hand. Rather it begins with selecting ingredients carefully, that is, studying the universe of seafood and the sea, and one eats sushi. Then sushi is completed as a cuisine for the first time. I am designing an origin of object and this could be similar to the idea of this Japanese food culture. – Tokyo is an architects’ paradise. Here there are no rules or historically imposed architectural restrictions. And what about design? – I think Tokyo is a good place to design: Tokyo likes new things and is tolerant to them.

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