Q: What were you like as a child?

Very talkative. Smart (laughs), but I think I was a bit of a difficult child.
I was very sensitive. For example, after watching news about the Vietnam War on TV, I had nightmares for years and couldn't sleep well. I would cry if I saw a squashed bug.
My parents told me they were grateful I was never bored as long as I had a pencil and paper.

Q: What were your childhood dreams?

A society without war. To develop the technology to travel to other planets.

Q: What was the first spark that made you want to design something yourself?

Because I wanted to create something that would make people think.

Q: What has most influenced your design work?

60s and 70s sci-fi and fashion.

Q: If you weren't a designer, what would you be doing now?

A linguist, or perhaps a scientist...

Q: What is the source of your creativity?

Dreams. It might sound grand, but if we can't live in an ideal world, I want to create things and systems that bring us closer to that ideal. I believe they have value even if they only appear ideal.

Q: What's your favorite place in Tokyo?

That's the hardest question (laughs). Maybe Dogenzaka, because my favorite ramen shop and Mos Burger are nearby?

Q: What do you like most about Japanese culture?

The 'taste.' The food is truly delicious!

Q: How do you feel when you happen to see someone wearing a NOOKA watch?

Every time I see one on the street, I think, 'Wow! That's a really cool watch. I wonder who designed it?' It feels surreal that my own designs are popular, and I'm always surprised. I'm grateful.

Q: How many hours do you sleep per night?

Six and a half hours at night. And, if possible, I take a 20-minute nap at the office.