Our guest for the eighth installment is architect Makoto Tanijiri. His series in OPENERS CASA has gotten off to a strong start, and he is currently managing numerous projects both domestically and internationally from bases in Hiroshima and Tokyo. In this first part, we explore the background of Tanijiri's thinking, who embodies people's happiness and enjoyment through 'architecture,' from doghouses and private residences to large buildings.

Designing as if for the First Time

ItoAt what age did you become independent?

TanijiriI was 26. I became independent without thinking much about it (laughs). At the time, I was planning to get into bicycle racing. I used to do downhill mountain biking, so I decided to be independent for about a year to do what I liked, and I was just drifting. But you have to make a living, right?

ItoThat's true (laughs). What was the first thing you worked on after becoming independent?

TanijiriMy first job was designing the interior of an apparel shop, introduced by an acquaintance. However, I had never worked on apparel interiors before, so I looked into it and researched various things after being asked, and then brought it to shape. That's how I've always been. I believe how you approach something is more important than whether you've done it before. Even Tadao Ando must have had a time when he hadn't built a museum.


TanijiriI really love the title. When I create anything, I want to cherish the idea of 'setting aside my own preconceived notions and designing as if for the first time.' For example, if I were to design a cafe, I would remove the definition of 'cafe' and think about what kind of place would be good for drinking coffee, or what kind of space would foster lively conversation. I utilize past experience as a skill, but in terms of creation, I want to discard my experience as much as possible and approach it.

ItoIndeed, when you have experience, you tend to develop too many patterns within yourself.

TanijiriFor example, imagine wanting to draw a picture in space by moving your hand 'swish' in a certain way to create a contrail. It's easy to say 'that's impossible,' but if you research the principle behind contrails and how to draw in space, and then realize it, it becomes 'newness.' I believe there are many things that are not yet in existence but will become commonplace. I want to approach things by thinking freely and then refining how to realize them. Therefore, I really like things I haven't done before. The pressure is high because I can't afford to fail, but it's exciting.

Always Thinking About Architecture

ItoWhat inspired you to become an architect?

TanijiriI never intended to become one. I was just drifting along, but gradually I realized that there were people who truly needed my ideas, and I started to find thinking about things incredibly interesting, which somehow led me to where I am today. Being useful to others is very rewarding and enjoyable. That's really all there is to it.

ItoYou haven't changed much since you were a child, have you? (laughs)

TanijiriYes, I still feel like a child (laughs). When I was a child, I used to go fishing every day. There was a river right near my house, so every day after club activities, I'd go to the river with my fishing rod and just zone out. My grandmother would call me for dinner, and I'd leave my rod and go home, and after eating, I'd return to the river in the dark. That was my daily routine.

ItoThat sounds so peaceful and wonderful. Did you fish alone?

ItoWhether it's the time you spent fishing alone or now, you seem to enjoy thinking.

TanijiriYes, I'm always thinking. There's a passage in that book I mentioned about the phrase 'I am always thinking of you,' which I found very beautiful. It suggests that even though we are actually thinking about eating when we eat, and about sleeping when we sleep, the statement 'I am always thinking of you' can be made if there is a consciousness directed towards that person somewhere within us.

ItoI see.

TanijiriIn that sense, I am always thinking about architecture. I wonder if this material could be used in architecture, or if this is architecture, or if this table, which we currently call a 'table,' would still be a table if it were twice as big. Would it be called architecture if it were five times as big? When does something become architecture?

ItoCertainly... That's really true.

By Designing Your Way of Thinking, You Create Something Unique

ItoWhat kind of projects are you working on these days?

TanijiriActually, I have about 40 projects going on (laughs). They range from large buildings like international commercial facilities and office buildings, to installations, exhibitions, and private residences of about 60 square meters. I also design furniture... and so on.

ItoWow. That's incredibly diverse.

TanijiriSometimes the purity is lost when it's materialized, and there are many things I can't do (laughs). But instead of worrying about what I can't do, I think about why I can't do it. If I think 'I can't do it because I have this mindset of not being able to,' I then consider how to become someone who wants to tackle it, like going out to play or meeting people.

ItoI see.

ItoThat's when they truly understand the core idea.

TanijiriYes. For example, when you say 'build a house in the city,' the common idea is 'new construction.' But if you consider it within the context of the 'city,' couldn't it also be seen as 'renovating the city'? I won a competition in China with that kind of thinking. If you extend the greenery on the ground and cover the building's surface with it, it becomes like increasing the ground area. This leads to more greenery and contributes to environmental improvement. I think in that way.

ItoYour ideas are amazing.

Next

Part 2 here

Makoto Tanijiri
Architect / Representative of Suppose Design Office
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1974. Established the architectural design firm Suppose Design Office in 2000. His work spans a wide range, including residences, commercial spaces, exhibition designs, landscapes, products, and art installations. Based in Hiroshima and Tokyo, he currently has numerous projects underway both domestically and internationally. He is also a specially appointed lecturer at Anabuki Design College.

Reika Ito
Representative of Divine / Spiritual Healer
After working in product planning, advertising, and corporate planning at an accessory company, she began her career as a lightworker, channeling with the divine realm and reading the subconscious. Depending on the consultation, she also offers healing, hypnotherapy, and destiny readings combining multiple astrological methods. She holds private sessions and full moon & new moon workshops in Jiyugaoka. Her books include 'Synchronicity,' 'Fate Alteration Techniques,' and 'Lucky Business Feng Shui Manual.' www.divine-msg.com