Jun Nakano

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jun Nakano ("JN") 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?

JN : I started designing furniture about 30 years ago. I have no professional education in design.

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

JN : I became a designer out of necessity for furniture making and crafts.

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

JN : I became a designer without even realizing it.

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

JN : I design not only for external beauty, but also for functionality and convenience.

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

JN : I am still in the process of growing up, taking a long way. I think there are many young people with outstanding talent.

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

JN : I don't know.

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

JN : I think it is ultimately subjective to the viewer.

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

JN : Because good design contains the means to solve things. There is no reason not to invest in design when it allows people to spend time in a useful way.

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

JN : I would design things like tableware. Everyday objects for all kinds of people.

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

JN : I haven't given up on anything yet.

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

JN : I don't know, so if you have a secret, please let me know.

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

JN : I can't name any specifics. There are some great designs that I don't know who designed.

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

JN : I try not to be influenced by any particular designer.

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

JN : I am currently designing a chair for an elderly person. It features a chair that allows an elderly person with weak legs to stand and sit comfortably. The chair is also designed to be comfortable for paraplegics.

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

JN : You have to learn more than just design. There are many things to learn about materials, processes, economics, laws, etc.

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

JN : Musician.

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

JN : Something that enriches our lives.

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

JN : My family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JN : Curiosity.

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

JN : None in particular. I did a lot of things in a roundabout way and found myself with a level of skill that allowed me to win design awards.

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

JN : I think that competing for design awards is a great way to showcase your designs to the world at large.

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

JN : A chair for the elderly.

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

JN : After I die, my designs and the products inspired by them will be handed down to the next generation.

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

JN : I don't know.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JN : If it is only convenient and not beautiful, it will be replaced by something convenient and beautiful. I believe that is how the world develops.

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

JN : First of all, I am looking forward to getting a good evaluation for my most recent design.

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

JN : I have not been satisfied yet.

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

JN : I don't know.

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

JN : I don't know.

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

JN : I work on a project from one month to three years at a time.

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

JN : I pick up where things could be improved.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JN : To keep learning. Embrace new technologies.

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

JN : I hope that design sets the trends.

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

JN : It helps with efficiency, but it is also important to know traditional techniques and rules of thumb.

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

JN : I use fusion360 for 3D CAD, and I also use illustration software and blender to create animations.

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

JN : Color, materials, and ambient have a great influence on the space and the user's perception of it.

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

JN : Ask anything you want.

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

JN : I admire designers who are able to discover new things and apply them to their designs.

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

JN : I am an individual designer, so I don't have a partner. Sometimes it is good to have other people's opinions, but it is also a pledge of freedom.

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

JN : I do not know.

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

JN : None in particular.

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

JN : I developed them while doing various works.

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

JN : I like to talk extensively with people from different languages and cultures.

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

JN : The awards are proof that I have successfully communicated my ideas. The goal is not to be famous, but I think it is very difficult to be famous.

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

JN : Being surrounded by nature.

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

JN : There are many troubles that come with it, and I don't want to stop talking about them.

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

JN : Feedback from clients.

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

JN : I had no idea.

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

JN : I hope that 1000 years from now there will still be things that have their roots in my designs.

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

JN : Ask anything you want.