TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA

Specialized in Furniture Design.

TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA

About TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA

He is an associate professor at the Nagoya City University Graduate School of Design and Architecture. He specializes in product design and his research themes are “imagination margins” and “benefit of inconvenience. After working at ND Design Inc. as a designer of mobilities, lifestyle equipment, furniture, etc., he will become a lecturer at the Graduate School of Design and Architecture, Nagoya City University in 2019, and an associate professor in 2023. M.F.A. in Design, Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music.

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

Sakura Cyclone Table

Furniture Design

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Interview with TOMOAKI KAGEYAMA

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 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.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
It is a university established by the City of Nagoya with the philosophy of “fusion of art and engineering”.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I was longing for Richard Zapper's Tizio as a student and have it now.
When do you feel the most creative?
It's when I'm traveling and thinking about design and research.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
What emotions will be felt by the people who see or use the designed product?
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I consider whether or not the people who see or use the design will feel happy about it.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
The role of designers is to improve society, so of course, we need to consider the environment as well.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
As technology becomes more complex, I think design will become more important.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
The latest bench I designed is now on display in the Osaka Health Care Pavilion at the Osaka Kansai Expo.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I draw inspiration from all aspects of my daily life. Especially important are the experiences while traveling.
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 was born into a family full of laughter, which gave me a sense of design with joyful.
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?
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.
How do you work with companies?
At the university, I am conducting joint research with mobility manufacturers such as Toyota, Suzuki, and Yamaha.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
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.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
One-piece walnut table, one-piece chair, Y chair, butterfly stool, bonsais.
Can you describe a day in your life?
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.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
I believe that by creating something, we can lead an enjoyable life.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
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.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depending on the project, it can take as little as one month or as long as several years.
What was your most important job experience?
The experience of designing various products at a design office is very useful now.
Who are some of your clients?
I am currently a university faculty member, so it’s my students and automobile manufacturers.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
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.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
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.
How can people contact you?
My address is on the website of the School of Design and Architecture, Nagoya City University.

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