A Token of Gratitude to Tokyo, Which Supports Tomato

—Why did you decide to hold such a significant 25th-anniversary event in Shibuya, Tokyo?

Simon Taylor (hereinafter Simon)John and I had been organizing our work archives for several years, and we decided to create a book to commemorate our 25th anniversary. Then, we thought, why not have an exhibition too! As the idea grew, more friends joined, and the project expanded.



John Warwicker (hereinafter John)The first time I visited Japan, I happened to end up in Shibuya. I’ve had many opportunities to come to Shibuya through fate, and we were frequent visitors to PARCO, a fashion building that symbolizes Shibuya. PARCO, with whom we have a long-standing relationship, proposed, “How about holding a 25th-anniversary event?” Since there are many people in Japan who support us and have been kind to us, we decided to do it as a way of giving back.

—There are a great many contents prepared; what are the highlights?

SimonTomato doesn’t have a specific niche or a particular strength; our characteristic is that we can do many things. So, we wanted to express our breadth by dividing the floors and exhibiting various works in different formats, including both analog and digital. Everything is a highlight!

Inspired by Japanese Craftsmanship

—It is often said that you are influenced by Japanese culture in your creative activities. Are there any works that embody inspiration from Japan?



—How has Tokyo changed over the approximately 30 years since your first visit (in 1985) until today?

SimonFrom 1985 to 1995 was a period of tremendous growth for Japanese fashion. While high fashion brands like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto already existed, street fashion expanded rapidly, and Asian countries began to emulate the fashion of Japanese youth. It was fascinating to witness Japan's transformation from one of the Asian countries to a global leader.



—Conversely, are there any aspects that have remained unchanged?

JohnA sense of stability. The passage of time feels slow, and it’s a quiet place.

Joel Baumann (hereinafter Joel)Every time I visit, I find creative inspiration. I admire the attitude of creating new things by leveraging delicate techniques. Even in things like food, Japanese delicate techniques are evident, and I can always discover new delicious things whenever I come.

—Have you discovered anything interesting during this visit to Japan?

JohnSince arriving a few days ago, I've been confined here (at PARCO), so I haven't seen anything else (laughs).

JoelI'm staying at a hotel in Shibuya, and the skill in maximizing that small space is wonderful. In Germany, a toilet alone takes up quite a bit of space, but I think Japanese hotel rooms are designed with meticulous calculation.

Page02.Focus on a Small, Elite Team

Focus on a Small, Elite Team

—What do you expect from the young people and the next generation in Japan?

SimonCompared to the past, more people travel between countries, and the world is connected online, so the distinctions based on nationality are fading. In that sense, how we influence the next generation is both a challenge and something we look forward to.

JoelAbove all, it’s about valuing the process and reaching the destination. Whether it's design or anything else, learning the process is the most important thing.



In this brief interview, I sensed how much they value craftsmanship. Perhaps because they are involved in fields that change rapidly with the times, such as cutting-edge media and art, they seem to suggest that it is the skills that should be steadily accumulated, rather than consumed, that are reliable partners. It is the unchanging spirit of craftsmanship of the Japanese people and the quiet passage of time that continue to fascinate the global “Tomato.”

THE TOMATO PROJECT 25TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION “O”
Period: Until Sunday, April 3, 2016

Hours: 10:00–21:00

Main Venues: PARCO MUSEUM (Shibuya PARCO PART1, 3F), GALLERY X (Shibuya PARCO PART1, B1F)

15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Admission: General ¥500, Students ¥400, Children under elementary school age free

Tomato
Founded in London in 1991. Composed of artists, musicians, and designers known as pioneers, and creative thinkers, they have consistently led the way in graphics and virtual media/design in the digital age. Currently, members are dispersed across cities worldwide, including London, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Kassel (Germany), presenting works in fields such as media design, video, branding & CI, fashion design, modern sculpture & urban architectural design, experimental computer graphics, and fine arts. John Warwicker, known as a typographer/artist and the first foreigner to become a member of the Tokyo Type Directors Club, Simon Taylor, who also launched the fashion brand Work Not Work, and the world-renowned electronic artists Karl Hyde and Rick Smith of Underworld, are part of Tomato, giving them high recognition in Japan.