Masanori Goto

About Masanori Goto

Masanori Goto is a Japanese interior and architectural designer. He believes that incorporating the traditions and culture of a region into spaces is essential for the development of local industries. Of particular note is his adept utilization of materials in unexpectedly innovative ways. In his Tokyo project, Junno's Table, he created beautiful lighting fixtures by illuminating rattan from within, producing a magical ambiance that resonates with his delicacy and Japanese tradition. Recognized as "MOST VIEWED & MOST POPULAR" for two consecutive terms at the FRAME Magazine DESIGN AWARD, Masanori Goto is emerging as a noteworthy Japanese designer to watch. His Instagram has over 260,000 followers, including prominent figures such as the contemporary British artist Mark Leckey (known for solo exhibitions at Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo and collaborations with Supreme) and renowned furniture brands, as well as various other accounts.

Winner of the A' Design Award.
Specialized in Interior Design.
Original Design.
Creative, Diligent and Innovative.

Interview with Masanori Goto

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I tend to get bored easily, so I quickly lose interest in regular jobs. Design, however, offers new discoveries and excitement with each project. It's the only field that has never bored me. That's why I decided to focus on design.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I dislike copying other designs. By incorporating new materials and inspirations, I always strive to create designs that are unique and different from others.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I enjoy using materials crafted with new technologies and finding unconventional uses for traditional materials that nobody had ever imagined.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I love traditional Japanese lacquerware and kimonos. By incorporating these into my designs, I aim to allow many people to experience Japanese culture and ensure that traditions are passed down. It's essential for designers to contemplate culture and tradition.

What makes a design successful?

It's about observing various things, feeling them, and inputting them as my own ideas.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

The evolution of design culture, I believe, progresses alongside advancements in materials and industries.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Curiosity and playfulness. Skills are okay with a little help from others.

Designer of the Day Interview with Masanori Goto

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

When I graduated from a two-year interior design college, I consulted with my teacher about wanting to work in a design firm. My teacher said, "It's impossible unless you attend a four-year architecture program." Unwilling to give up, I reached out to architects on social media for advice. One of them trained me to work as an interior designer. It was a great experience that made me believe that with passion, anything is possible. I'm grateful to the people who inspired me and provided new insights while working in several design firms thereafter.

How did you become a designer?

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I consider what material would best represent the project. Then, I think about what form to shape it into. Sometimes, I reverse this order.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

Designing evokes a range of emotions. From the thrill of the initial idea to the satisfaction of seeing the final product, each phase offers its own excitement. What I love most is shaping experiences and making a meaningful impact. Designing fulfills me and brings happiness by turning imagination into reality.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I'm not very good at drawing pictures. In this age where 3D design has become easy for anyone to do, it has turned me into a designer.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I want to create a design that no designer has ever made before. To do that, I need to seek out new materials and techniques.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

Don't listen to those who say it's impossible. Those who have achieved something never give up on turning their dreams into reality.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Designers who merely replicate ideas found in magazines or on Pinterest are boring. Seek originality instead

What is your day to day look like?

I'm brainstorming designs while listening to music with a cup of coffee in hand. I enjoy being mentally active while also in a relaxed state. NICE MUSIC + COFFEE = GOOD DESIGN = GOOD LIFE.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I believe following trends amounts to copying someone else, so I refrain from doing so. Original designs are what create trends.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Designing a sports car with many features for the elderly would not be appreciated. Designers should always consider "who the design is made to impress"

How do you decide if your design is ready?

If I still feel good about it a week later, I'll call it "done". Right after finishing, it's often just me patting myself on the back. But if, a few days later, I take a good, hard look at the design and think, "Yeah, that's perfect," then I can confidently say it's done.

What is your biggest design work?

Junno's Table in Tokyo is a special project for me. This restaurant offers dishes that blend Japanese culture with multinational cuisine. To reflect this fusion in the space, I meticulously incorporated illuminated rattan, crafted one by one. The rattan, illuminated to glow, is crafted by artisans from a shop dating back to 1926 in Hiroshima. As a native of Hiroshima, I demonstrate my respect for culture and locality by using this historically significant material as a designer.

Who is your favourite designer?

I respect many designers. It becomes challenging for designers born later to create original works compared to their predecessors, but even in such circumstances, I want to feel inspired by great designers and strive to create original works.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I am inspired by many aspects of Japanese culture. Interior designers play a crucial role in sustaining culture. I believe it's essential to devise ways to make tradition and culture appear more beautiful.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

Respecting the project team members is paramount. By showing respect and appreciation to those who create materials, better materials can be produced, resulting in even more splendid interior designs.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I believe it's most important for designers to incorporate tradition and culture into their designs to ensure their longevity. I aspire to integrate the beauty of tradition and culture specific to each location as much as possible into my spatial designs.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

2024年 marks the first year I challenged myself for awards. Winning will boost my confidence and help me gain clients' trust.

Extended Interview with Masanori Goto

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

How did you become a designer?

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I decided to become a designer, feeling that creative work was a good fit for me.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I engage in interior and architectural design, but I also want to design industrial products. I'm also interested in taking on projects outside of Japan.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

Don't listen to those who say it's impossible. Those who have achieved something never give up on turning their dreams into reality.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

Good designers exceed their clients' requests. Great designers go beyond their clients' requests, inspiring with innovative ideas.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

The most important thing is originality. Designs that are commonplace don't stick in people's memories.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

People have five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. In spatial design, all of these are involved, and outstanding design has the power to move people. That's the true value of design

What is your day to day look like?

I want to design things that improve people's lives. For example, in countries suffering from water scarcity, I'd like to design impactful wells that provide immediate access to clean water for everyone. This requires not just design but also simultaneous consideration of infrastructure.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I have purchased a piece of land on top of a hill overlooking the sea for my future self, but I haven't designed any buildings yet. Since nothing has been designed yet, I'm excited about the endless possibilities.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

The important thing is to learn more about traditional materials and to discover new technologies and materials.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

What is your biggest design work?

Yayoi Kusama. expresses her uniqueness through dots alone. This is remarkable.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I believe following trends amounts to copying someone else, so I refrain from doing so. Original designs are what create trends.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

Design is the magic that moves hearts, enriches minds, and transforms lives into something wonderful.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

When someone says "it's impossible anyway," it sparks a determination in me to achieve it. I believe it's important to believe in oneself.