Jun Watanabe

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

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

JW : At the age of 16, I made the decision to pursue design, determined to turn my artistic strengths into a profession. I completed a degree in product design at university, and later joined Nomura Co., Ltd., where I expanded my work into a wide range of fields including spatial, product, graphic, and packaging design.

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

JW : My motivation comes from transforming ideas into tangible results that positively impact people and businesses. Becoming a designer allowed me to combine my artistic abilities with problem-solving skills.

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

JW : I chose this career entirely by myself, based on passion and curiosity, not obligation.

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

JW : I work across commercial spaces, branding, and product development. I would like to design more projects that combine spatial design with service and brand strategy.

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

JW : Focus on purpose, not just appearance. Learn to explain your concept clearly and understand the client’s needs deeply. Stay curious and disciplined.

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

JW : A good designer solves the problem given. A great designer finds hidden challenges and creates solutions that go beyond expectations.

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

JW : A truly good design fulfills its purpose, provides measurable value, and resonates emotionally, succeeding functionally, aesthetically, and strategically.

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

JW : Good design increases brand value, improves user experience, and reduces long-term costs — it is an investment with lasting returns.

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

JW : I would design a public cultural facility blending architecture, nature, and community, inspiring creativity for all generations.

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

JW : My dream project is to create a space where art, design, and technology intersect and evolve over time through user interaction.

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

JW : My secret ingredient is a balance of logic and empathy — understanding the client’s goals while crafting a narrative that connects with people.

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

JW : Achille Castiglioni. I admire how his work balances practicality with minimalist beauty, while incorporating a sense of humor and playfulness that brings joy to the user.

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

JW : I admire Noguchi’s AKARI series for its minimalism, durability, and elegance — achieving maximum impact with minimal resources.

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

JW : My greatest design is one where concept and execution align perfectly to solve the client’s challenge while creating emotional resonance.

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

JW : Improve by studying not just design results but the processes behind them, and by expanding your perspective beyond your own discipline.

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

JW : I might have become a physicist. Before deciding to pursue design, I had a strong interest in and aptitude for physics.

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

JW : For me, design is a tool for creating value — a process of solving problems while shaping meaningful experiences.

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

JW : Mentors, colleagues, and clients who challenged me and placed their trust in me have been invaluable. Above all, my family has been my greatest emotional support.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JW : Spending time in the great outdoors, experiencing awe-inspiring sights that human hands could never create. In those moments, I engage in self-reflection to analyze the true source of that sense of wonder.

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

JW : I don’t consider myself a “master” at all. I continue to discover new challenges every day and explore ways to address them.

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

JW : Designers should present their work with a clear explanation of purpose, process, and expected outcomes, supported by compelling visuals.

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

JW : Currently, I am working on spatial design projects for offices, retail spaces, and funeral facilities, as well as the rebranding of a Japanese restaurant. Going forward, I aim to contribute to society by integrating spatial, graphic, and web design to enhance both corporate competitiveness and user experience value.

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

JW : My ultimate goal is to create designs that have a lasting positive impact on both clients and society.

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

JW : People expect me to bring fresh perspectives, strong concepts, and results that balance creativity with business value.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JW : Design can address social issues, improve accessibility, and promote sustainability, contributing to a better society.

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

JW : The rebranding of a long-established Japanese restaurant — an opportunity to merge design with storytelling.

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

JW : The Matsuishita IMP Building project. As part of a renovation of the lower commercial floors of an office building, we introduced an open workspace. Designed in anticipation of changes in work styles after the pandemic, it has attracted far more visitors than expected. As a result, tenant sales have increased, contributing to the building’s value, and most importantly, creating a comfortable environment for office workers.

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

JW : I hope to see greater emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term value in the design industry.

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

JW : I believe design is moving toward more interdisciplinary collaboration and socially conscious solutions.

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

JW : Depending on scale, a project can take from several months to several years to finalize.

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

JW : I start by clarifying the project’s goals, expected outcomes, and constraints before moving into concept development.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JW : Design for value; let beauty follow purpose.

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

JW : I believe trends and design influence each other, but timeless design often sets new trends.

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

JW : I believe technology plays a role in expanding design possibilities and improving work efficiency. At present, I’m especially focused on the potential of AI.

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

JW : I use a laptop, iPad, and pen and paper; software includes Rhino, Revit, Vectorworks, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

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

JW : Color, materials, and ambience shape the emotional and functional experience of a design — they must be considered as a whole.

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

JW : I hope people ask clients and users about my designs, as their experiences matter most.

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

JW : I am fascinated by how an idea evolves and takes shape — the process behind its transformation.

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

JW : My ideal partner is someone with complementary skills and shared values — and yes, I believe in co-design.

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

JW : Mr. Hajime Sakai, a Japanese painter. From him, I learned fundamental methods for analyzing both my own and others’ work, as well as techniques for refining the quality of a piece. These skills remain highly valuable in my career as a designer.

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

JW : Technology will advance design beyond our imagination, but the human essence — the pursuit of beauty and meaning — will remain unchanged.

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

JW : I developed my skills through hands-on experience, continuous study, and reflection on both successes and failures.

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

JW : I would like to meet someone from a hundred years in the future — ideally one of my own descendants — and exchange ideas and knowledge.

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

JW : Awards are gratifying, but they are not the goal — the real challenge is to keep evolving.

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

JW : Color: Black, White Place: Shinto shrines in Japan (the most spiritually soothing places for me), the Galápagos Islands (a paradise of wildlife) Food: Seasonal Japanese cuisine Season: Summer Object: Isamu Noguchi’s AKARI series Brand: Apple, MUJI

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

JW : Shortly after designing a café in Kuwait featuring glass-walled, tent-shaped semi-private booths, the COVID-19 pandemic began. The owner told me that these glass enclosures functioned perfectly as partitions for infection control, and despite the pandemic, the café enjoyed excellent sales — a result that brought them great satisfaction.

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

JW : A great day is when I discover a solution that solves multiple challenges at once. I stay motivated by learning something new.

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

JW : As a child, I was always building and drawing, so the signs were there.

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

JW : In a thousand years, I hope design will still be human-centered, regardless of technological change.

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

JW : Design is a shared journey, built on trust, collaboration, and the passion of everyone involved.