Selecting good things, building a home. What truly makes something "good"?

INTERSECT BY LEXUS, a space to experience Lexus's vision of lifestyle and a hub for information, opened in August 2013. As the name "Intersect" suggests, the space aims to be a crossroads where various values, lifestyles, and the latest culture converge, fostering new creativity.

At INTERSECT BY LEXUS, creators active in various fields hold workshops every month. The 7th installment, produced by OPENERS, was a talk event held on Tuesday, March 18th. The guests were Yataro Matsuura, editor-in-chief of "Kurashi no Techo," and Ayako Sakuhara, an interior stylist. The moderator was OPENERS Director Norio Osumi.

"What are the triggers, or perhaps the keys, to encountering new things?"
The talk began with this question from Norio Osumi.

Discussing their approaches to selecting items, with laughter erupting over past mistakes.

Sakuhara introduces interiors she has styled.

MatsuuraI believe it all comes down to how curious you are about various things and experiences. I myself am constantly asking 'Why?', 'What?', 'What is it?' every day. When I can grasp even a little something on my own, I feel immense joy. Even if I can't own it, I find great pleasure in exploring the essence of that object to 'know' and 'discover'.



SakuharaIn my work, seeing and touching many things is part of my daily activities. When I pick something up, I often feel the presence of the creator behind it. Or perhaps, I think about how things would be more enjoyable if shared with someone. My choices often involve such links between people and objects, wouldn't you say?

—So, the criterion for choosing an item can also be consideration for others.

MatsuuraThis might sound a bit philosophical and hard to explain, but I want to like everything. Even if I initially feel a bit hesitant, I don't stop there. I try to direct my feelings towards it, even just a little. Then, at some point, a wonderful aspect emerges. I think it's the same with people. Someone you initially found difficult might, before you know it, become someone you deeply like and become close friends with.

From left: Interior stylist Ayako Sakuhara

Yataro Matsuura, editor-in-chief of "Kurashi no Techo," and our magazine's director, Norio Osumi

—So, it's about not arriving at a conclusion too quickly?

MatsuuraExactly. This is something I pay attention to in my work and life: we tend to seek answers too quickly. For example, if you want a chair. You start thinking about which chair to buy. But before that, you should first clarify the situation that necessitates a chair. Why do I want a chair? If you don't consider these things, it's difficult to establish a proper relationship with objects, let alone find the right path to acquiring them.

SakuharaAs you encounter each item in this way, you might feel an immediate inspiration, or perhaps something you initially overlooked gradually becomes a favorite after seeing it several times. I think the beauty of interior design lies in cherishing these encounters and enjoying the process of collecting.

Matsuura introduces salt and pepper shakers he purchased, shown via slide.

MatsuuraThat said, it's not like every purchase I make is a perfect hit. It's a process of trial and error. I probably fail more often than I succeed.

I have a personal motto.

"You won't know anything if you don't buy it. If you want to know what it is, buy it, even if you have to push yourself!"

Even if you buy it, fail, and throw it away the next day, the experience and knowledge gained between buying it and discarding it are immense. It's never wasted. Just looking at catalogs or items in a store and saying 'this is good, that is good' isn't enough.

How to Harmonize "Good Things" Chosen with Care into Daily Life?

Sakuhara provides coordination tips during a live demonstration.
In the first half of the event, the three speakers introduced items they had purchased, along with their memories. Yataro Matsuura even shared photos of his home interior for the first time, presenting a wealth of concrete examples. The second half began with a live display where interior stylist Ayako Sakuhara coordinated a bookshelf using approximately 50 of Matsuura's cherished personal books, which he referred to as "my teachers." Matsuura's expression brightened at the remarkable result, achieved even within the limited time of the talk.

Additionally, participants were invited to bring items that symbolized "new beginnings" for a personalized consultation. Items ranged from daily necessities like fountain pens to more unique objects such as olive oil and congratulatory envelopes, with the speakers listening intently to their interesting stories. Applause erupted when a participant shared a photo of their marriage registration form. The lively conversation among the three continued.

Sakuhara's live display demonstration.

Proposing a coordination that utilizes Matsuura's personal books as interior elements.

—You have to buy it and use it without overthinking. You need to experience it with all your senses – the texture, the sound.

MatsuuraYes. However, as I mentioned earlier, when I consider my living space and interior, I believe it takes considerable time to gather things if I'm aiming for a cohesive look. People often want to acquire everything at once when they feel ready, for instance, right after moving. But trying to furnish everything immediately usually leads to failure. Truly. So, I urge you to restrain that impulse and deeply consider how you want to live. I sometimes spend three or five years contemplating such decisions. I believe this process of contemplation is enriching.

—Hesitation can be quite interesting, can't it?

MatsuuraWhat constitutes a good, wonderful, or beautiful thing? When contemplating this, it's not the object itself that provides the answer, but rather it prompts us to ask ourselves, 'What is a truly fulfilling life?' I believe having such objects close by is the greatest happiness. It's what I call a dialogue with objects. And now, a question for Sakuhara-san: are there any methods you can suggest for creating a wonderful interior by making even small modifications yourself?

Engaging with participants about items they brought, themed around "new beginnings."

The connoisseurs were intrigued by the unexpected items and unique stories.

SakuharaWhen decorating or placing objects, I feel that if there's an emotional attachment to the item or a conscious decision behind choosing it, it naturally leads to a sense of well-being. With the new season as an opportunity, why not try placing a plant in your room, displaying books, showcasing your favorite CD jackets, or changing cushion covers? Even small changes can make a difference. I suggest focusing on a limited corner and channeling your interest there.

Although the event venue maintained a consistently relaxed atmosphere, everyone listened intently to the discussion. Sakuhara's final words seemed to resonate with all the participants, giving them a push forward. By choosing items that are truly "good" for oneself and living surrounded by them, one's lifestyle becomes richer. This was a conviction shared by all.

MatsuuraAbove all, trying things out is important. Even if you're unsure if it will work, approach it with curiosity, arrange them, place them. Please, conduct your own experiments.

Styled by Ayako Sakuhara
Yataro Matsuura's Bookshelf Book List

New Basic Clothing and Daily Necessities
AND PREMIUM May Issue

"Well-Crafted Things."
Price: ¥648 (excluding tax)
Release Date: March 20 (Thursday)
Publisher: Magazine House
http://magazineworld.jp/premium/

At the end of the workshop, Sakuhara introduced the latest issue of "AND PREMIUM," a magazine she participates in, stating it was "perfect for this theme." Released on Thursday, March 20th, the issue focuses on "well-crafted things," featuring clothing and daily necessities. Through various interviews, including the craftsmanship of creators and the item selection of popular stylists, it introduces "well-crafted things" that enrich tomorrow's life. How does Sakuhara typically choose her items? It's worth seeking insights from a connoisseur's perspective.

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