The Japanese Spirit of “Mastery”

—Japanese industrial products have long been recognized globally for their quality, but their design has often received mediocre reviews. Has this global perception changed?

Currently, in China, it's said, “Japan for technology, Korea for design,” with South Korea rising in the design world. They are producing excellent products, from mobile phones to automobiles. Furthermore, China is now aiming to become a design-focused nation, establishing 500 design schools. Asia is moving dynamically like this, and Japanese manufacturing stands at a crossroads amidst this change. It's a crossroads between cheap and high-end products, and I believe we cannot afford to go down the path of cheap goods.

—So, by making the most of what we have, we can overcome these challenges?

Yes. The most important thing is the mindset when creating something. Where are we heading, and what are we making?
For example, Japanese sweets have very beautiful packaging, don't they? Some people overseas even keep the Japanese packaging after they've eaten the sweets. Japan has this tradition of “mastery,” and I believe this will be useful in the future.
It's not just about handmade craftsmanship; it's about perfecting things using computers, cutting-edge technology, and high-tech materials. I believe this is the future of Japanese manufacturing. This time, I had the opportunity to encounter advanced technology, so I approached it with that same spirit of mastery.

Sustainable, Timeless Design

—I see. Regarding the concept of “mastery,” what qualities do you think Japanese designers will need in the future?

When global companies hire designers, they rarely choose them based solely on their nationality. The criteria are the individual and their character. Japanese designers must cultivate a character that resonates globally. The same applies to manufacturers; products don't sell just because they are from a particular country. In the future, unique and excellent products will be essential for sales. The global market is waiting for such designers and manufacturers.

—Timeless design is an eternal theme for designers, but what are the conditions for creating such a design?

One is to possess inherent necessity. Human bodies and movements are largely the same, so a design that is necessary for them naturally takes shape. However, even with these similarities, there's a subtle difference in the final details, and that's where a story becomes important. For instance, we deliberately created a luxurious case for “MIMUNO” to convey its unique story. We chose a chic color and added subtle highlights. I also filtered this through my own perspective, considering how it would be in 10 or 20 years.

—Finally, do you have a message for OPENERS readers?

I hope you will consider a life surrounded by things you truly love in your daily life. I often tell myself this: designers who create things for people tend to focus on others and rarely reflect on themselves. In your daily life, I hope you will take time to reflect and choose things that you genuinely love.

—Thank you very much.