FUMA FUJIWARA

Specialized in Furniture Design.

FUMA FUJIWARA

About FUMA FUJIWARA

Fuma Fujiwara is a young designer based in Okinawa. He was born in Shiga Prefecture, on the mainland of Japan, in October 2001. In his 18th year, he moved to Okinawa, Japan's southernmost island group. Okinawa Prefecture is a Japanese city with beautiful nature and folk culture. He studied design in beautiful nature. He creates products with a background in Japanese nature and culture. His mission is to convey the nature and culture of Japan to as many people as possible. Recently in Tokyo, he presented furniture made from materials unique to Okinawa. Next, he will send out new discoveries to the world.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Furniture Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Furniture
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Furniture Design

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Interview with FUMA FUJIWARA

What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like design work that makes use of my discoveries. To do so, we conduct various experiments.
When do you feel the most creative?
When designing, there are times when things don't go well. So I try different methods to get past the trouble. I feel most creative when solving problems by fumbling around.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I value the relationship between design and people. For example, a sofa for someone to relax in should provide a comfortable sitting experience. Also, it should be beautiful in design to convey my findings to someone. I understand that design is communication with people.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
After the design is completed, I want to share my design with many people. There are two reasons for that. First, I want to share my discoveries with as many people as possible. Second, I am looking for advice from a perspective I do not have.
What makes a design successful?
To make the design good, it is essential to make prototypes actively. Then, if there are many prototypes, you can compare and choose the better one.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Check if the design is kind. A beautiful design will not confuse users. For example, ”a product can be recognized as beautiful at a glance”, "A system that is simple and easy to use", and "A design that with social issues concepts."
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Walking along the coast, you can find plastic bottles from different countries. On the other hand, I have never seen a water bottle on the beach. We need to design products that are cherished, not consumed.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
The previous exhibition was held at the Tokyo International Furniture Fair (IFFT) in March 2023. Next, I would like to exhibit in a country other than Japan this year.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I am always looking for my discoveries. For that reason, I will visit Japanese ruins and participate in activities in nature. As a result, I get realizations and turn them into the design.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Okinawa, Japan. I moved to Okinawa when I was 18. Before Okinawa Prefecture joined Japan, it was a country called the Ryukyu Kingdom. The cultural heritage of Japan and Ryukyu inspires my designs.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
When making prototypes using 3D models, I use "Rhinoceros 3D". Data created with "Rhinoceras 3D" can print three-dimensional models with a 3D printer or create two-dimensional parts with a laser cutter.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Long projects took two months, and short projects took two weeks. I am currently working on a project that will be designed over a year.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I like design work with a lot of experimental manipulation. In the past, I have designed a lighting fixture that uses light reflection. I experimented with various light expressions using 32 mirrors.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I want to announce discoveries in various competitions in the future.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Most of the time, I do the design and development myself. However, in the middle of the design, there were times when I asked the people around me for advice.

Extended Interview with FUMA FUJIWARA

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I am a student studying design at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. I moved to Okinawa Prefecture from the main island of Japan when I was 18 years old. Okinawa Prefecture is rich in nature and has a unique cultural background. I was amazed by the beauty of this nature and culture. However, only some know about Okinawa's incredible nature and culture. So, I have a mission to tell you what I found in Okinawa.
How did you become a designer?
My motivation for design is that I want to tell people about my discoveries. I have always been curious and valued discoveries more than anything else. Findings that have a positive impact on people should be shared. So my designs are inspired by my discoveries because I want my discoveries to reach more people.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My father used to design advertising magazines. I remember my father drawing pictures for me when I was little. Maybe that's why I'm interested in working as a designer. However, I chose to become a designer myself rather than being forced to do so.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I like to look for materials from nature. We often use unique wood from Okinawa. Other than that, I have also used plastics discarded on the beach and volcanic rocks and pumice washed ashore in my designs. We also specialize in acrylic designs.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good design values relationships with people. Design that has a positive impact on people's lives and emotions is truly good design. When good designs are shared with many people, society becomes a better place.
What is your day to day look like?
The ultimate design is a design that saves people's lives in the event of a disaster. To realize this design, various knowledge is required.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
In Japan, I respect nendo's Oki Sato. Also, I admire foreign designers Zaha Hadid and Mies van der Rohe.
What is your biggest design work?
When I first saw Zaha Hadid's Mesa, I was blown away. This table showed me the design possibilities.

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