Interview with Tomoaki Kageyama
He is an associate professor at the Nagoya City University Graduate School of Design and Architecture.
Interview about Sakura Cyclone Table Design Interview
Designer Interview
1 July 2025
I enrolled in a local public art university and studied product design. After that, I worked in the design department of a bicycle manufacturer, then in a design office, and now I work as a teacher at a university. I have enjoyed creating my toys and other products since I was a child, so it was natural for me to become a product designer.
It is a university established by the City of Nagoya with the philosophy of “fusion of art and engineering”.
I think it's an act of pursuing a more human life.
I like to create works that make people smile and are inspiring.
I was longing for Richard Zapper's Tizio as a student and have it now.
It's a bicycle.
Not necessarily as a material, but I love trees!
It's when I'm traveling and thinking about design and research.
What emotions will be felt by the people who see or use the designed product?
Basically, it's fun.
I feel happy to be alive.
I think it's about enjoying that work.
I consider whether or not the people who see or use the design will feel happy about it.
The role of designers is to improve society, so of course, we need to consider the environment as well.
As technology becomes more complex, I think design will become more important.
The latest bench I designed is now on display in the Osaka Health Care Pavilion at the Osaka Kansai Expo.
I draw inspiration from all aspects of my daily life. Especially important are the experiences while traveling.
I was born into a family full of laughter, which gave me a sense of design with joyful.
Japan is a country of wooden architecture, and few things will last for thousands of years like stone architecture in the West. It is precisely because we are surrounded by things that will one day disappear that the Japanese can create designs that are so delicate and varied.
At the university, I am conducting joint research with mobility manufacturers such as Toyota, Suzuki, and Yamaha.
Choosing a designer who enjoys designing will lead to good work!
I think it is basically the same as the general process, but I am always thinking of ideas, even when I am not working. And I enjoy that thinking. I think this is the key to good work.
One-piece walnut table, one-piece chair, Y chair, butterfly stool, bonsais.
In the morning, I water the bonsais, take my son to preschool, and go to the university. After work, I go home and have dinner with my wife and son. At night, I water the bonsais and go to bed with my wife and son. I love my wife, son, and bonsais.
Design is fun, so by all means, become a designer.
I believe that by creating something, we can lead an enjoyable life.
I think it's about having fun.
I think it is the love of creating something.
Adobe software and CAD is Rhino. I often get inspiration from comic books, movies, and novels. I also get ideas while tending to my garden.
The initial scheduling is very important.
Depending on the project, it can take as little as one month or as long as several years.
How do you generate ideas? I am often asked
The experience of designing various products at a design office is very useful now.
I am currently a university faculty member, so it’s my students and automobile manufacturers.
I get excited when I'm drawing final renderings.
I would like to mass-produce the Sakura Cyclone Table. Right now, I have not yet decided on a company to collaborate with, so I would like to find a good company.
The design itself is basically done by me.
In the Osaka Health Care Pavilion at the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, there is a bench that I designed that absorbs CO2 and concentrates it back into plants. It is called "MOF bench.
My address is on the website of the School of Design and Architecture, Nagoya City University.
None in particular
Interview about Sakura Cyclone Table Grand Interview