Lounge
April 16, 2015
Divine of Creation | Reika Ito x Tatsuya Matsui (Part 2)
We invite creators active in various fields as guests, and spiritual healerReika Itointerprets the energy emitted by people, combining it with multiple astrological systems to assess the source of creators' creativity. She reveals past lives directly connected to the present and hidden potential, delving into the charm of the creators themselves, which often remains hidden behind their work.
Spiritual Dialogue Vol. 5 | Tatsuya Matsui
The Portrait of a Guest "Seen" by Reika Ito
A Sage Who Carves a Path of Light for People, Driven by Societal Needs and Possibilities (Part 2)
To bring enjoyment and joy to people's daily lives
A Calling Guided by a Spirit of Universal Love
Our fifth guest is Tatsuya Matsui, representative of Flower Robotics and a robot designer. He has created numerous robots, including his signature work "Posy" and the mannequin-type commercial robot "Palette." Recently, he led the development of "Polaris," a mobile phone-shaped robot with learning capabilities, released under KDDI's iida brand, positioning him as a leading designer at the forefront of the times. In the first part, he shared his thoughts on robot design. In this second part, Matsui's past life and innate mission are revealed.
Text by OPENERSPhoto by Kenta Suzuki
A Strong Will, Polished Through Unwavering Conviction, Echoing Past Lives
ItoFlower Robotics is not just a design firm, but a manufacturer, isn't it?
MatsuiThat's right. Designing robots doesn't typically come with requests, so when I decided to go independent, I realized I needed to rethink the very concept of being a designer. If I were to create entirely new robots, and given that there isn't an established robot industry, I had to think from the perspective of industrial structure.
ItoIndeed, there isn't really a robot industry.MatsuiExactly. If I wanted to build robots myself, I first had to establish a company. And if I were to establish a company, it would need to be a manufacturer, not just a design firm. Creating an environment where I could propose new ideas to society from scratch, rather than just taking on design commissions, was far more practical. This involves starting with the basic concept and financial planning for the robots, then developing sales plans, proceeding with development, delivery, and maintenance – essentially building the entire infrastructure. Once this is in place, we can create things ourselves even without external requests.
Tatsuya Matsui
ItoRegarding your work, I would say your current profession is your true calling. However, it seems you, Mr. Matsui, are not driven by personal gain or self-interest like profit or rewards. Rather, you possess a strong spirit of selfless devotion and universal love, wanting to share what brings joy to others and the inspiration you've experienced, even if it means personal sacrifice. I sense a deep sense of service and a gentle soul within you. In a past life, you were likely a priest in a European monastery or a similar religious order, perhaps even a member of the highest echelon with significant political influence. You seem to have been dedicated to teaching within the monastic community.
MatsuiIs that so?
Reika Ito
ItoAlthough you didn't venture out from the monastery yourself, you held the authority to influence politics. This required you to gather all information, cultivate knowledge, and maintain a state of unwavering integrity. This is how you lived. This pattern has repeated across several past lives. You were also born in Japan at one point, and in that life too, you were in a position akin to a ascetic monk, constantly striving for self-improvement and mastering a single discipline. What connects both these lives is that from a young age, you walked towards your goals with firm conviction, while suppressing the emotions that arose within you.
MatsuiI see.
ItoThe reason you've chosen this life is its freedom. There are no social statuses or classes, and you can choose your own profession. You can travel anywhere in the world quickly by plane, and with modern communication, you can instantly transmit information globally. Creating robots as a manufacturer is indeed your destiny, and you've been aware of this calling from childhood, driven by a soul aligned with your mission. Unlike in a monastery, you are now outwardly engaged. You are guided to share with the world that if people are interested, they can freely see and experience these creations. I find that truly wonderful.
The mannequin-type robot "Palette"
"Polaris," the latest robot announced in September 2009 under KDDI's iida brand
A Daily Self-Check Performed Every Morning
MatsuiI see. I usually wake up early and walk to a shrine for about an hour or two.
ItoThat's wonderful!
MatsuiAs you mentioned earlier, I don't have strong desires, so I don't ask for anything (laughs).
ItoIs it a daily ritual for you?
MatsuiYes, it is. I usually leave behind the loose change I have left from the day before. Then, during my walk, I use that time to confirm whether what I'm doing with Flower Robotics and my current endeavors are aligned with my goals. I check this every day.
ItoThat's amazing!
MatsuiBecause I do that, I tend not to do things that are unnecessary.
ItoThat's superb! That's exactly what I was planning to give you later. I've prepared a document based on your name and birthdate, which states: 'You have a strong sense of mission and justice in your work, so it is beneficial to regularly take time for self-reflection and confirmation, checking your goals against your current actions.' MatsuiOh, really?
ItoYou're doing exactly that yourself! That's wonderful!
MatsuiIf I go early, there aren't many people, so it's quite effective (laughs). As work gets bigger, it becomes harder to find time alone or to think about what's truly important and reflect. I believe the quality of work and output is determined by how much time one can dedicate to solitude. In the morning, my mind isn't fully active yet, so I don't get distracted by unnecessary thoughts. My routine involves clarifying what I'm currently working on during the hour-long walk to the shrine, focusing on my direction while at the shrine, and then confirming upon my return whether my daily tasks are aligned with that direction. If I do this every day, anyone can get closer to their goals.
ItoAnd you do this instinctively, without anyone recommending it or any particular trigger, don't you?
MatsuiYes, I do. I believe creative inspiration also stems from such practices. Furthermore, to create something original, one must lead an original life... Therefore, I rarely follow recommendations. I try things I find good, confirm their effectiveness, and if they work, I continue them.
ItoIndeed, rather than inventing, you possess the power to transform existing things into something that bridges to the next era. While you will continue your research throughout your life, I believe the flow will shift towards teaching and passing on your knowledge. Having experienced the suppression of emotions in past lives, you now wish to express and convey what you have felt and accumulated. I can sense a fiery passion within your physical energy. This suggests that 'expression' and 'dissemination' are key themes. Previously, robots were the large-scale projects through which you expressed yourself. However, what truly drives you is the pure desire to bring enjoyment and joy to people's daily lives through these creations. By expressing yourself in small ways within daily life, this will evolve into teaching and sharing. This will create a vast runway of light.
MatsuiIs that so? I know nothing else besides being a designer, and I have no other interests. If I were to stop this work, I would have nothing left. I don't even have hobbies (laughs). That's why I truly believe this is the most fascinating job in the world for me, and if I were reborn, this is the only work I would want to do.
ItoThere is no end to pioneering unprecedented paths.MatsuiThat's right. I've met people like that since I was young, and seeing how they live makes me feel that I must be disciplined to reach such a level. Since establishing my company, the books and statements written by entrepreneurs have resonated deeply with me. They are fellow humans engaged in creation, possessing such an aura and achieving great things. It inspires me and gives me the strength to not give up.
ItoYou are also a pioneer in your own right, Mr. Matsui, so I believe the process of passing on your knowledge and teaching the next generation will begin. I hope you will actively engage in such opportunities when they arise.
MatsuiI try not to turn down offers from universities.
ItoThat is also important. In this era, there's a tendency towards conformity, so I hope that hints and interests from you, Mr. Matsui, will enrich and bring joy to people's lives. As more such individuals emerge, the energy emitted by each person will become more beautiful, and love will grow stronger, contributing to a more vibrant planet.
MATSUI Tatsuya
Representative Director / Robot Designer, Flower Robotics Inc.
Born in Tokyo in 1969. Graduated from Nihon University College of Art in 1991. After working at Kenzo Tange Associates, Urban and Architectural Design, and as a researcher at the Japan Science and Technology Agency, he founded Flower Robotics Inc. in 2001. He has focused on the research and development of humanoid robots such as "Posy." In 2009, he succeeded in the mass production development of the commercial mannequin-type robot "Palette" and launched its sales business. "Palette" received the Good Design Award in 2009. He was the total designer for the airline Starflyer, which was selected for "100 New Japanese Styles" in 2007. Recent works include the store design for Dunhill Ginza Main Store and the design of the aroma diffuser "ECRIT." His latest robot is "Polaris," released in September 2009 under KDDI's iida brand. He is also an adjunct lecturer at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and a judge for the Japan Design Promotion Association's G Mark award. http://www.flower-robotics.com/
ITO Reika
Representative Director, Divine Inc. / Spiritual Healer
After working in product planning, advertising, and corporate planning at companies in the apparel accessories manufacturing and wholesale, and retail sectors, she began her career as a light worker, offering a unique style of destiny assessment that combines channeling and reading with multiple astrological systems, as well as healing and hypnotherapy. She receives many corporate appraisal requests from executives of major companies and has conducted over 100,000 appraisals. In July 2009, she resumed individual sessions in Jiyugaoka and plans to launch full moon and new moon workshops. Her books include "Synchronicity" and "Destiny Improvement Techniques." www.divine-msg.com