Takako Yoshikawa

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Takako Yoshikawa ("TY") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

TY : I am self-taught. I grew up in the real design business scene. At university I have majored in Japanese literature, not design. It may be my father and grandfather who gave me aesthetic sense

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

TY : Design has the power to beautifully enrich life.That's why I became a designer.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

TY : I choose to become a multiple creator, not only design.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

TY : I want to design a sense of atmosphere without being confined by categories or genres.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

TY : Focus on honing your ability to envision rather than relying solely on technical skills.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

TY : A Good designer do the work expect. A great designer does more work than expected can not imagine.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

TY : A good designer delivers designs that meet expectations. A great designers surpass expectations in ways that are unimaginable.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

TY : Excellent design not only multiplies the value of the object several times over but also extends its lifespan.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

TY : I'd like to design a lovely door that brings excitement and joy to whoever opens it.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

TY : I would like to clear a forest with a stream and design a village where sustainable living can be enjoyed.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

TY : It is about learning from the sun, sky, clouds, moon, plants, and all aspects of nature.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

TY : he creator of the universe.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

TY : like chairs designed by Philippe Starck.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

TY : Readey is my best design. Please try using it.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

TY : Watching the sunrise and sunset, having additive-free meals, and getting good sleep.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

TY : A poet who designs words.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

TY : For me, design is about ascending dimensions.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

TY : I am grateful to everyone around me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TY : A healthy body, a sound mind, and an excited heart.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

TY : I have forgotten about the walls I've overcome.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

TY : It's best to express yourself according to your heart.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

TY : It is to design excellent buildings on a naturally rich island.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

TY : Creating artwork that becomes part of a museum's permanent collection.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

TY : Designs that lead to a sustainable, peaceful, and beautiful society.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TY : Value creation.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

TY : Renovation of old Japanese houses.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

TY : I I treasure all projects

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

TY : I hope for a society where each other's copyrights are respected. No more pirates.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

TY : The human body's internal structure.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

TY : It depends on the project, but it can take anywhere from six months to two years.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

TY : From meditation.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TY : A constantly purify one's gaze and heart.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

TY : They occur simultaneously.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

TY : It's convenient.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

TY : Paper, pen, and a Mac.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

TY : To excite.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

TY : About the value of richness.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

TY : Where to actually use it.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

TY : The necessary people arrive at the necessary timing.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

TY : Design is a conversation with oneself.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

TY : I have read thousands of books.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

TY : From every daily experience.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

TY : I would like to meet and talk to Doris Duke, Howard Hughes, Klimt, Picasso, Coco Chanel, and Ito Jakuchu.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

TY : If you can grant yourself permission, you can receive everything.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

TY : All the colors of the world, a seaside old town, watermelons, and four seasons.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

TY : The moment I designed it in just two minutes.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

TY : Wake up early in the morning, have a time seeing morning sun and sky, sleep well evening.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

TY : There were some events that foreshadowed it.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

TY : Humanity discovers a rich planet other than the Earth too and continues to evolve.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

TY : I am an airtist as well as design. I hope you enjoy my art. Please check my Instagram. @takako_artwork