My series is titled "Everyday Good Design," but today I want to talk about things that are not good design, and thus make us feel uncomfortable. I hope you'll share my indignation (laughs).

Isn't It Time for Standardized Vending Machines?

First, I want to express my frustration about the design of "vending machines." They're convenient to have, and I certainly rely on them during the summer. But can't something be done about their appearance, which clashes with every streetscape? I understand they need to be conspicuous for sales purposes. However, once they're permitted to be placed on the roadside, they become public property. Isn't it a bit much for them to be so garish, with flashing lights and roulette sounds? I believe their visual design should at least have some sense of unity. Wouldn't it be great if someone like Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall could design them? I bet he could create really cool vending machines...

Looking Up at Power Lines Is a Sad Sight.

Speaking of which, Japan is supposed to be a nation of rich sensibilities, yet I feel there's a lack of awareness regarding everyday objects. Thinking about the cause, I've come to hypothesize that the market's focus has shifted too much towards "children." At some point, the idea that things appealing to children would sell better became prioritized. All sorts of daily necessities began to be produced with children's eyes in mind. In short, there's been an increase in "childish" or deceptive products. The desire to "grow up quickly and use adult tools" is a healthy aspiration for a child, but if this trend continues, we can't be surprised if more children want to "stay children forever," like Peter Pan (and this is all a result of our own irresponsibility as adults).

I've strayed quite a bit, but to bring it back, perhaps vending machines for adult products like "Bright Family Planning" are preferable to the anything-goes juice machines. Those are surely designed to be as unobtrusive as possible...

About the power lines. The other day, I was gazing at the sea from a hot spring inn on Miyajima Island, and a magnificent landscape unfolded before me. But the moment my eyes fell upon the row of power lines stretching out in front of me, I was pulled back to reality. Can't something be done about this too? I apologize for all the complaining.