Realizing the Importance of Balance Between Design and Technology

For this "Only I" feature, in collaboration with Riko Kashiwagi, we are proposing a table light crafted from a unique paper material known as "Pachica."
The key was to utilize the latest paper technology, consider structural aspects like safety for lighting fixtures, and embody a delightful design within an accessible price range for our customers.

There is only one previous example of lighting using Pachica for its shade, and the intricate, fine pattern applied across the entire surface in this project presented an exceptionally high level of processing difficulty.
The processing of Pachica was carried out at a foil stamping factory in the old downtown area of Tokyo. When applying pressure to a design over a wide area, factors such as imperceptible mold distortion, variations in paper thickness, and the condition of the machinery can have an impact.
Through repeated, minute adjustments, such as placing a thin sheet of paper beneath a metal plate, a uniformly diffused pattern emerges. Furthermore, Ms. Kashiwagi's design is not only delicate and beautiful but also incorporates a clever arrangement of patterns at regular intervals to maintain the cylindrical shape of the shade, minimizing distortion of the Pachica after processing.
I truly felt the importance of balancing design and technology.

The Base: A Commitment to the "Herashibori" Technique

Additionally, for this project, we explored incorporating color into the light.
At the only factory capable of printing on Pachica, we meticulously adjusted the colors of the light filtering through the paper, resulting in "Sakura" and "Pistachio" – two hues developed with careful consideration for balance with other items.

The light's stand was designed with stability as a lighting fixture in mind, incorporating safety features, resulting in a product of exceptional completeness.
Even the highly precise base, which might appear to be easily manufactured by machine, is meticulously crafted one by one by a "Herashibori" artisan in Osaka. Prioritizing safety, while also focusing on its form and the design that unlocks Pachica's potential, I felt a profound sense of professionalism from everyone involved in its creation.

Beyond the inherent safety of a lighting fixture, and while pursuing a design that leverages Pachica's unique properties, one of my key considerations as a buyer was the retail price.
We wanted to convey the value of Ms. Kashiwagi's dedication to craftsmanship, all while maintaining a price point accessible to our customers.
Although it may have been a demanding request for those directly involved in the manufacturing, we were able to create a table light that offers maximum quality and exceptional design at an optimal price for our customers.
And it is precisely because of my collaboration with Ms. Kashiwagi that we could pursue such high quality in this project and create a truly Japanese product.

A Collaborative Creation: Designer, Manufacturer, and Buyer United

—What are your impressions of Riko Kashiwagi's work?

The first time I encountered Ms. Kashiwagi's designs was at a furniture exhibition in Hida Takayama.

Amidst furniture that often incorporated traditional or Japanese elements, the furniture series developed with Mr. Enzo Mari stood out with a distinct aura.



—Regarding this "ISETAN LIVING×HIROCOLEDGE" project

This project, encompassing such a wide range of collaborations, was a first for us. The fact that the designer, manufacturer, and buyer could unite in the creation process was immensely significant.
This initiative was unprecedented, and I believe it holds great importance that the buyers, who are closest to our customers (and who are on the sales floor on weekends), were deeply involved in creating products that would resonate with them.
This project was also based on the theme of "living surrounded by things we love" and "using good quality items for a long time." Rather than aiming for customers to purchase every single item, our hope is that they will "discover at least one item they truly cherish."

—Sales begin on Wednesday, March 4th.

Each piece is a creation born from the collective efforts of all the buyers, incorporating every consideration. We sincerely hope our customers will experience and appreciate their quality firsthand.