Riki Watanabe

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Riki Watanabe ("RW") 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?

RW : 2009, Industrial Designer, BA, Tokyo Zokei University, Tokyo/Japan.2009-2012,Designer, design and construction office Tokyo/Japan 2013-2014, Designer,NOMURA Co., Ltd Tokyo/Japan 2014-2015,Designer, Puddle Inc. Tokyo/Japan 2015-2019,Designer, JOKE.Inc. Tokyo/Japan

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

RW : I chose to become a designer of my own accord.

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

RW : I would like to do a design that looks like a sunset. We believe that it is universal that people's emotions are moved by watching the sunset. I want my designs to appeal to emotions, no matter what they are.

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

RW : Young designers should be flexible and curious about a lot of things. And we should cultivate an eye and a thought that doesn't overlook any trivialities.

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

RW : It is a matter of being able to understand people's feelings, and then being able to create something that surpasses their imagination.

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

RW : I think that a good design is one that is not only beautiful in appearance, but also has excellent function and is inherited and evolved.

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

RW : If it's a product, I'd like to design a prosthetic limb or prosthetic foot. I'd like to design a church or shrine.

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

RW : I cherish the unexpected misunderstandings. I think many people don't even bother to look at it because it's just a misperception and a bit of a brain bug. However, I have found that there are many hints to create new and beautiful things. I call it a bug design.

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

RW : Shiro Kuramata, Joe Hisaishi

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

RW : Umbrella stand was designed by Shiro Kuramata.

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

RW : Continue thinking

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

RW : Traveller or Archaeologist

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

RW : The way to live life.

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

RW : Best friends

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RW : The spirit to succeed.

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

RW : Stereotype

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

RW : Designers should feel confident in your work and present it. Don't forget to thank the people and the team for their support.

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

RW : Go down in history.

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

RW : ・ChibaNewTown Ladies Clinic ・Bean toBar Lounge by Dandelion Chocolate,

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

RW : I think design is going to shift in the direction of creating a way of thinking and a culture, rather than just creating something that you can see.

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

RW : It depends on the project.

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

RW : It depends on the project.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RW : Imagination encircles the world.

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

RW : 3DCAD, illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate

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

RW : It's both a spice and a main.

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

RW : In Praise of Shadows

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

RW : Always challenging

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

RW : Sen no Rikyu, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Nobunaga Oda,

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

RW : Becoming famous is hard road, but it's worth the challenge. I believe that I was able to win the award as a result of doing the things in front of me with integrity, always looking ahead and never giving up.

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

RW : I listen to music that matches the design to motivate me.

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

RW : When I was a kid, I didn't think about it.