What Water Brings Us

"I believe that the feelings of wanting to cherish something, of liking it, are what sustain it as something sustainable," says Yuri Nomura. As a food director who conveys the potential of food, she also spins ideas for living a comfortable life.

"I don't think that applies only to objects. It's often the invisible things, like human relationships or situations, that I feel a greater need to cherish. Japan today, precisely because it is peaceful, allows us the freedom to choose and express ourselves. Such circumstances are a blessing, and I want them to continue. The reason I included water in this exhibition is my belief that without water, nothing can be born or sustained. I don't think we could sustain our way of life either. The mere presence of water makes everyone pause and reflect. I simply wanted to add it to the exhibition pieces with the feeling that it would be wonderful to sense the presence of water, even in the midst of the city."

Food is Shared, Food is Coexistent

A sketchbook is indispensable when thinking about work ideas. Beyond sketchbooks, she sketches immediately on any paper that comes to mind. The "food" that is born from these sketches also disappears from our sight.

"While meals themselves don't remain, I sometimes feel they are reflected most strongly in the things that do last. Food is what builds our bodies. Through my work and friendships, I meet all sorts of people. When they leave behind achievements or bring happiness to others, I feel a joy in having shared the same era with them, and I wonder if I've contributed in some small way to that role. Food is something we share, something we coexist with. Although it doesn't remain as a tangible reality before our eyes, I believe it endures in many ways as a felt experience."

The drive to improve and the challenges we take on must not cease

Nomura also recently started practicing the tea ceremony. In fact, she used to find it quite unappealing.

"It all started when I met Sosen Sen, the 15th head of the Mushanokoji-senke school. He would hold outdoor tea ceremonies in the park and is constantly challenging himself with new things. That unceremonious comfort and way of thinking, I believe, is a key element in how tradition is passed down. It's a philosophy of breaking things down to create something new. While the core remains unwavering, it's not about merely inheriting the form, but about discovering new approaches. Without that, I don't think it could have endured for so long."

Rather than being bound by form, it's about inheriting a way of thinking and striving for improvement. Just as with tradition, Nomura emphasizes the importance of an environment where people can constantly aspire to make things better.

"The drive to improve and the challenges we take on must not cease. If we have an environment that allows for that, I feel we can survive any situation."

Inquiries: BMW Customer Support 0120-55-3578 (Open daily 9:00-20:00)