Interview with Kazune Watanabe

The catalyst for my interest in design came from two artists.
Firstly, when I was 17 years old, I encountered the manga of Japanese artist Tsutomu Nihei. His manga had a grand-scale, unprecedented science fiction world that I had never seen before. It was a story about a colossal building where one could spend countless hours and years in an elevator but never reach the top floor. Inspired by this manga, I attended the design event called "Superflat Exhibition" where the manga artist participated. There, I encountered numerous creators such as Takashi Murakami, Groovisions, Masafumi Sanai, hiromix, Yoshitomo Nara, and Hiro Sugiyama, which expanded my perspective.
The second influence came from my passion for techno music. Witnessing the activities of the creative collective "Tomato" inspired me to pursue a career in design.

·Whether I am conscious of the future and how it differs from past expressions.
·Whether I can express my intended message concisely and whether the way I present the answer is compelling and interesting.
·Avoiding superficial design treatments.

The most important aspect for me is the initial idea and concept. Sometimes, during the course of the design process, I may veer away from the original concept. In those moments, I pause and reflect on what was truly important to focus on.
My favorite part of the process is when I finish laying the foundation and move on to creating intricate design details. I enjoy incorporating playful elements that may catch the attention of those who notice them.

I believe that about three out of ten parts in a project are dedicated to the process of turning ideas into tangible form. I consider the other seven parts to be equally important for realizing those ideas. In order to convey something better, design is not merely about creating something cool. It involves skills such as effective communication and negotiation with others, the ability to maintain balance, understanding the atmosphere, and the power to anticipate and expand upon what the other party envisions.

I have received an award for my work in a book. I believe that the concept behind this design has the potential for further expansion and exploration. I plan to scale up and expand its reach in the future. My goal is to make an announcement within this year if possible.

It is important to understand various principles and perspectives in order to have an overview of the entire picture. From a technical standpoint, try not to focus too much on individual elements and avoid linear thinking. Instead, consider the connections from the core and allow for further development. Design should be crafted like phrases, with seamless transitions and a sense of continuity.

I believe that design can evoke a sense of excitement by adding something small to everyday scenes. Regardless of scale, whether it's understanding the current situation or figuring out what should be done, I believe that the way we find answers can turn ordinary things into something special.

For one hour before starting work, I play shogi (Japanese chess) every morning. During the day while working, I try to take breaks every 30 minutes to 1 hour, in order to avoid seeing things from the same perspective. In the evenings, when I feel stuck in my design work, I go for a walk for about 2 hours. Walking allows me to generate different thoughts and helps me organize my ideas.

I consider whether the design is appropriate for the object and whether it is not overdone. I believe that it is better to have minimal intervention whenever possible, as it leads to better outcomes.

Since design has no end, the deadline becomes the inevitable point of completion. To make it better, I try to think of other possible methods as much as possible. As time goes by, values and means of expression change.

My biggest design work is Kuwasawa Design School 2022 Guidebook, for which I received the award this time. From the very beginning, I created it with the sole intention of making people who hold it feel the design and be amazed to the point of expressing their astonishment.
This design will continue to evolve from here. I have plans to present it as an exhibition this year, so please look forward to it.

Theo Jansen
I think it can change depending on the mood and the timing.

I believe that music and design are closely related. I think that what is unseen is more important to designers than what is visible. It allows us to delve into how a person has approached their work and follow their thought process without unnecessary distractions. I see it as a medium that enables us to carefully trace the intentions behind the creation.

Until now, my focus has been entirely on giving my all to my work. However, I gradually want to start directing my attention towards other things as well.

I believe that awards are a way to verbalize the excellence of a design. Since the value of design varies for each individual, I think that by clearly defining it, new standards for design can be established. Additionally, participating in design competitions helps designers clarify how they want to approach their work, so I believe it is beneficial in that aspect as well.

Regarding being Designer of the Day, I am still a work in progress, but I am delighted to have this opportunity. I hope to continue making strides that will lead to future developments.

I became a designer because the field of design appeared incredibly glamorous to me. Each designer presented unique designs, and I was fascinated by the thought process behind them.

I chose to become a designer on my own.

I design a wide range of things that involve the use of typography, such as posters, books, spaces, and websites. I would like to expand my work beyond Japan and explore different ways of designing.

They should start by thoroughly learning the fundamentals of design. Regardless of the genre, it's important for them to immerse themselves in the perspective of the creators when looking at things and works they encounter in their daily lives. By considering the intentions behind their creation and what sets them apart, they can make a difference.
Furthermore, it's crucial for them to have a holistic view of themselves and recognize what they lack and what they need to improve. Understanding what they need to think about and do in order to fill those gaps is also essential.

I think the difference lies in their ability to digest what is being demanded and effectively convey the power and passion to respond to it.

It is whether it effectively represents the "now" of the object.

I believe that good design is created by considering various elements. Investing in good design can be seen as a way of expressing agreement with those ideas.

I would like to engage in the process of delving deeper into design for our own company, for ourselves.

Firstly, I would like to initiate a project within a scale that can be accomplished with the company as a whole. However, ultimately, I aim to move towards projects on a larger scale.

I believe it is the process of contemplating what is different between the past and the present, and how things will change in the future.

I don't have just one person that I can single out.

I consider Kuwasawa Design School 2022 Guidebook I submitted to A' Design Award this time to be my best design. I believe it has the finest craftsmanship, from the value of the materials to the attention given to even the smallest details.

I believe that the key to becoming a better designer lies in how deeply you can incorporate your leisure activities into your design work, making them a part of your own identity.

I think I would be involved in gambling as a profession. I am intrigued by the idea of figuring out the rules for winning through actions, perspectives, and thoughts. From an outsider's perspective, it may seem like everyone is doing the same thing, but in reality, they may be doing completely different things, and I find that fascinating. Design is similar in that even though we may be looking at the same things, each person sees different aspects and approaches them with different thoughts. It is because of these differences in perception and thinking that I believe design can be pursued as a profession.

I believe that design is about creating the future from the present.

It's my family.

The wisdom of previous generations, including numerous creators and literary figures.

One obstacle was realizing that design encompasses important aspects beyond just design itself. Having focused solely on studying design until now, I had many areas that I struggled with before gaining awareness and being able to embody those aspects.

I believe it is important not to create with the mindset of it being solely your own.

I plan to pursue projects that further develop the expressions for which I received the award this time. I believe they will be something that can excite people on a global scale, so please look forward to it.

My ultimate goal as a designer is to be recognized as cool or admirable by my family and colleagues.

I believe people expect a designer to be like a relay. The wisdom of the predecessors is something that cannot be achieved without their guidance, and it is the act of creating and connecting the best possible future that we can contribute to the future ahead.

By being conscious of what is beneficial for the future and engaging in the creation of things with that awareness, I believe design can play a role, big or small, in shaping the path ahead.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity for the expression that received this award to further develop and grow.

Kuwasawa Design School 2022 Guidebook, which is the project that received this award. The reason is that it not only received numerous awards but also excited many people who saw it.

If there is an outdated system, I would like to see it completely revamped. I believe that staying the same for 5 or 10 years is not acceptable.

It depends on the project. Generally, from concept to final output, it may take around 2 weeks to 1 month.

I start by considering how to approach the problem and whether the solution I come up with is truly interesting.

To see things through to the end.

I believe it's a combination of both.

I believe it is one of the factors to consider when thinking about the present and the future.

I use Adobe CC, specifically Indesign and Illustrator.

Colors, materials, and atmosphere can be articulated and serve as the criteria for an object. I believe they should be decided based on rationality rather than just relying on intuition.

I would like people to ask to see more of my work and inquire about when they can expect new creations.

I consider them as a benchmark or baseline for the quality of my future works.

Katsuhiro Otomo

Katsuhiro Otomo "AKIRA"

Through daily work, thinking, and finding solutions.

I like colors such as gold, silver, fluorescent, and sparkling ones that children would enjoy.

There was a time when I wanted to know how products were made, so I dismantled them. I had a dangerous experience with electricity. (I nearly died a few times.)

I'm inherently lazy, so I often push myself by taking on some kind of work.

No, I didn't have any idea.

A thousand years in the future is too vast to easily imagine, but I appreciate works that are thoroughly discussed, assembled, and depict imagined futures. I also constantly think about it and want to contemplate it myself. I approach it by thinking about the near future—1 year, 5 years, 10 years—from different perspectives.

I have plans to unveil new works at an exhibition this year. I will be announcing it on social media (Instagram/Twitter), so please be sure to check it out.

There There was established in 2018. We primarily focus on graphic and editorial design and engage in design activities using typography without limiting ourselves to specific areas. We prioritize capturing the essence and atmosphere of the subject in our designs.

I believe that design is the act of capturing the present moment. It is the process of envisioning and improving for the near future.

I prefer design that involves contemplating and finding answers about the essence and nature of an object, rather than design focused solely on creating visuals.

I like the works of Theo Jansen. They evoke various elements such as the Earth, life, and the future. I believe that design is an act of envisioning the future and contemplating it.

The first thing I designed was the company's business card. I consider the business card to be a representation of everything that encompasses the design approach we take. I created it with the intention of being an indication of our future direction. While keeping it simple, I incorporated the company's values and aspirations into the design.

My favorite material is aluminum. While I keep track of platforms and technologies as sources of information, I don't have any specific favorites.

The time when I feel most creative is when I'm contemplating the definition of things.

I place emphasis on how much intervention is needed to enhance the overall presence of the object. Depending on the nature of the object, there are cases where the design takes the forefront and cases where it doesn't. I strive to avoid designs that rely solely on techniques to mask shortcomings.

The process of untangling thoughts and establishing a way of thinking requires patience and often puts me in a mentally intense state. I tend to thrive when under pressure, as I don't function well without it.

I am curious about the genuine reactions of people who engage with my designs. I wonder what aspects they notice or pay attention to. I also observe whether they notice the subtle design points I have incorporated.

I believe that what makes a design successful is the sincere engagement with the object.

·Whether it is an appropriate expression of the present moment.
·Where the novelty lies.
·The thought process behind establishing the essence of the design.

The responsibility of designers is to avoid excessively exaggerated designs for the sake of the object.

I feel that design is evolving alongside technology. The future of design may lie in shaping the future of society and the world.

In February 2023, I held an exhibition at einBuch.haus in Berlin, Germany. I am planning to organize a new experimental exhibition within the year 2023.

I consider the current situation and contemplate the cause-and-effect relationships to determine the direction in which things are heading. I also think about how to express the present and the near future and what approach would be best for that.

I believe that expressing my individuality as little as possible is what makes it unique. I capture the expressions and manifestations that surround us and contemplate how those expressions can be intriguing. I aim to create a slight sense of unease with minimal adjustments in the state of objects, understanding that even a small margin can significantly alter perception.

I live in Tokyo, Japan. While I am aware of the cultural heritage and what it represents, I have limited opportunities to directly engage with it. I appreciate the importance of things that endure, but I am also interested in how it can transform and evolve in the present and future.
The mainstream design principles in Japan may differ from my own design approach, but I believe that these differences allow me to highlight my unique perspective and stand out.

·Thinking about the object itself.
·Contemplating how the object can take on a slightly futuristic form.
·Establishing a solid base concept and considering methods of expression.
·Selecting appropriate means of expression and eliminating unnecessary elements.
·Engaging in detailed design work to enhance the overall aesthetic.

·Artek Ronan & Erwan - Bouroullec Table
·E&Y Futamata Koichi - Hammock Coffee Table
·Maison Martin Margiela Published by RIZZOLI
·MAX LAMB - My Grandfather's Tree Trineko Woodwork (Actual piece)
·Hans J. Wegner - GE258 Sofa Bed

For one hour before starting work, I play shogi (Japanese chess) every morning. During the day while working, I try to take breaks every 30 minutes to 1 hour, in order to avoid seeing things from the same perspective. In the evenings, when I feel stuck in my design work, I go for a walk for about 2 hours. Walking allows me to generate different thoughts and helps me organize my ideas.

There is nothing you shouldn't do, so I believe it's good to freely express yourself while sincerely engaging with the subject. I think it's important to consider what actions are necessary for the other person to feel good about it.

Being a designer may seem glamorous, but it also requires down-to-earth and persistent effort. It cultivates a way of seeing things, but at the same time, creating something without a clear goal requires a certain level of determination and commitment.

The "golden rule" in design is to be simple and to provide answers that are relevant to the present moment.

The ability to perceive and think about things and to approach them systematically.

I determine my optimal working hours and make sure not to exceed them within a day.

I determine my optimal working hours and make sure not to exceed them within a day.

The ideation process can vary, sometimes ideas come quickly, while others may take two weeks to a month or even longer. The actual output phase often takes 1-2 days to create. However, the design work to convince and refine the output can take up to ten times longer than the actual output. These time frames serve as a general, but depending on the project, it may require longer periods of time.

Kuwasawa Design School 2022 Guidebook

I find it most enjoyable to work with people who are open to incorporating new perspectives. When I collaborate with individuals who don't rely solely on their own viewpoints, there is a higher potential for innovative design to emerge.

I will explore more deeply the design concept for which I received the award this time. This time it was a book, but in the future I would like to develop it on a larger scale in a space.

I work as part of a team within a company. This allows me to collaborate and achieve things that would be difficult to accomplish individually.

I would like to create numerous works that resemble digital creations but are entirely analog in their expression, without using electricity.

Please send a message to the email address listed on the website or through social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter.