MISAKI TANAKA

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer MISAKI TANAKA ("MT") 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?

MT : I have never studied design in school or a studio. I study in my own way and place, especially learning from people who have experienced social problems. My design teacher is like people's words, voices, and experiences.

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

MT : I become a designer for solving social issues like climate change, human rights and more around the world.

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

MT : When I first designed, I didn't think I was a designer because designers I know are so professional and educated. But after I designed to solve some social issues in some countries, my friend, a designer, told me, "You are already a designer." I didn't choose to become a designer, and I wasn't forced to become one. I just become by my actions.

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

MT : "Social Design". It means that I believe design can be a solution to social issues. But also, Design can be a weapon like pushing people to buy many things more than people need. So we designers need to think ontologically design and it's meaning for people and future, not only clients.

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

MT : I recommend going to the place where social issues happen. See what is happening in our society.