New Brand "mass item" Announced at CLASKA

YanagimotoDid you not consider getting a job after graduating from vocational school?

UmiyamaMy parents encouraged me to study abroad after graduation, but due to various circumstances, I had to give up on that. At the time, I considered getting a job, but I had always wanted to create my own works, and even back then,"Jump Out Mirror" (2004)I was already working on the design for this, so I decided to bring it to life first.

Then, in the year I graduated, I exhibited at "Tokyo Designers Block" (one of the design events held in autumn at the time) and presented "Jump Out Mirror." I also wanted to connect the item with fashion, so I proposed it to an apparel select shop. They liked it, and it was commercialized by that shop the following year. In a way, I might have been too relaxed, without a sense of urgency (laughs). The fact that no one around me said anything about me not getting a job was also a big factor, I think.

mass item | LADDER / Paper Stock

mass item | Butterfly / Magnet

YanagimotoCould you tell us a little about your current ongoing projects?

UmiyamaFirst, I presented new works at the recent DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2009 (Main Venue / TIDE MARKET)."Ladder Ruler"This is a ruler. The reason I decided to make this ruler was that rulers are mostly unused, but I thought they were troublesome to store. If you put them in a pen holder, they might not fit well due to the imbalance, and putting them in and taking them out of drawers is also... The "Ladder Ruler" is shaped like a ladder, so it creates a place for the ruler just by standing it in a corner of your desk or on your computer. Ladders are also visually appealing.

Also, at the CLASKA extension venue for DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2009, I announced the new brand "mass item" (http://www.massitem.com). This is a product brand led by Masuki Jushi Co., Ltd., a workshop primarily engaged in plastic product manufacturing. In addition to design, I am also involved as a director, working on the selection of other designers and the brand's CI design. For this first collection, besides myself, the designers involved areNorihisa Terayamaand Wataru Kumano (WATARU KUMANO d.s.). You can see their respective designs on the website.

In this project, I handled hangers, hand mirrors, magnets, and toilet paper holders. Also, as CLASKA, the exhibition venue, is a hotel, I proposed items that could be used in both hotels and homes. Fortunately, many people saw the exhibition, and we received a positive response. We are currently proceeding with sales for each item.

YanagimotoFinally, could you share your future aspirations, Mr. Umiyama?

UmiyamaFocusing on the projects currently underway, I want to continue creating things that add a "plus alpha" of small surprises and joys to daily life. Currently, my focus is on products, but in the future, I want to put more effort into furniture. I'm also interested in wearable items like fashion and accessories, so I definitely want to propose those.

YanagimotoThank you very much.

Shunsuke Umiyama / MicroWorks
Born in Tokyo in 1981. While still a student, he planned and produced original designs. Upon graduation, he established "MicroWorks" in 2003.
He handles a wide range of designs, primarily products, transcending materials and genres. While exhibiting his works in various projects, he also launched "MicroWorks Label" to develop and sell his own creations.
http://www.microworks.jp