Interview with Naoya Katagami

Naoya Katagami ("NK") interviewed on Sunday, 28 September.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

NK : After working at an advertising production company, I became independent and established my own practice in 2013. Since then, I have been working as a designer for 12 years.

How did you become a designer?

NK : I have always been drawn to creative activities since I was young. This passion naturally led me to pursue a career in design. After gaining professional experience at an advertising agency, I decided to establish myself as an independent designer. Since then, I have continued to build my practice, driven by the desire to create meaningful and visually engaging work.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

NK : When designing, my top priorities are to express the essence of peace and culture, to create visuals that are simple yet powerful, and to maintain a process that starts with hand-drawn sketches. I believe that design should go beyond decoration to carry meaning and evoke reflection. I often begin my projects with drawings and notes, exploring ideas by hand before moving into digital tools. This approach allows me to keep the concept authentic and human, while later refining it with technology for precision and balance.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

NK : When I design, I feel a deep sense of excitement and curiosity, especially in the early stages when the first ideas begin to take shape. The process of sketching and gradually turning abstract thoughts into visual form brings me joy and energy. What fulfills me most, however, is seeing the final work resonate with meaning — when the message I wanted to convey is clearly communicated and connects with people. Design gives me happiness because it is not only a form of self-expression but also a bridge that allows me to share values and emotions with others.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

NK : My background has shaped me as a designer in several meaningful ways. Working at an advertising production company early in my career helped me build strong skills in client communication, presentation, and project management. These non-design abilities have been essential in bringing ideas to life and working effectively with others. In addition to design, I also pursue photography and writing, which broaden my perspective and add depth to my creative work. This combination of professional experience and diverse creative practices has greatly influenced my journey as a designer and continues to guide my approach today.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

NK : In the future, I want to focus on creating designs that are more essential and meaningful. My goal is not just to produce visually appealing work, but to design projects that touch the core of human experience and resonate on a deeper level.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

NK : I am still growing as a designer myself, so I cannot give advice from above, but I believe it is important not to lose sight of what you truly value in your creative journey. There will always be challenges and moments when things don’t go as planned, but those experiences also help us grow. I hope we can all continue learning and enjoying the process together.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

NK : Rather than saying I am truly successful, I feel I am still in the process of growing and challenging myself. What I try to keep in mind is to think simply, focus on the essence, and stay true to the core message I want to convey. While new tools and technologies are important, the foundation of design is always about how it resonates with people. Keeping this perspective can add depth and persuasiveness to any creative work.

What is your day to day look like?

NK : I value the routine I follow before starting work each day. After waking up, I begin with yoga to reset my mind and body, followed by breakfast, strength training, and even some practice with the katana to work up a sweat. After a refreshing shower, I sit down to begin my design work. Of course, everyone has their own approach, but I believe that moving the body and resetting the mind is important for any profession — and especially essential for creative work like design.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

NK : I do keep an eye on design trends, but I don’t let them dictate my work. Trends can offer inspiration and fresh perspectives, yet I believe that a design should hold deeper, timeless meaning rather than simply reflecting what is fashionable at the moment. I prefer to focus on creating works that resonate on a fundamental, human level. Inspiration for me often comes from observing nature, cultural heritage, and everyday life experiences rather than purely from trend reports.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

NK : I believe trends are necessary to some extent, but I do not pay too much attention to them. What I value more is whether a design has true essence and meaning. For me, creating something with depth and authenticity is far more important than following what is currently fashionable.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

NK : For me, a design feels ready when its message and essence are clearly conveyed without adding or removing anything. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but I believe there is a natural point where the work speaks for itself. When I reach that balance—where the design feels honest and complete—I know it is time to move on to the next project.

What is your biggest design work?

NK : One of my most significant works is the “Hiroshima Peace Song Exhibition” poster. This project is very special to me because it carries a message of peace from Hiroshima to the world. I used the English lyrics of the “Hiroshima Peace Song” and created a typography design that transforms into a waterfall, symbolizing how a single drop of water can grow into a stream and eventually reach the world. The process was both challenging and rewarding—I visited waterfalls to study the flow of water and was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches of water movement. What makes this work my biggest achievement is not only its visual impact but also its ability to inspire reflection on peace and humanity. Knowing that the poster has touched people and invited them to think deeply about peace gives me the greatest satisfaction.

Who is your favourite designer?

NK : One of my greatest inspirations is Leonardo da Vinci. He was not only a designer but also a scientist, artist, and visionary thinker. His deep observation of nature and his ability to connect art with science are qualities I greatly admire. For example, his sketches of water flow directly inspired me in my “Hiroshima Peace Song” design. If I could speak with one historical designer, it would definitely be da Vinci. I would love to hear how he approached the act of observing nature so deeply and how he managed to balance creativity with scientific curiosity. His multidisciplinary approach continues to remind me that design is not just about aesthetics but about understanding the world more profoundly.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

NK : I live and work in Hiroshima, a city of water and peace, which greatly shapes my design philosophy. My daily routine of yoga, strength training, and KATANA practice helps me reset and approach projects with clarity. Traveling to the Czech Republic was also an inspiring experience, as its architecture and culture gave me fresh perspectives. I believe good design connects people across cultures and carries meaning beyond aesthetics.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

NK : I usually work independently, but I collaborate with trusted partners when a project requires it. What matters most to me is sincerity, flexibility, and mutual respect. My business philosophy is rooted in capturing the essence of things — creating design that is not only visually appealing but also meaningful. I believe good designers need strong observation skills, patience, and the ability to empathize with people.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

NK : I contribute to society by participating in annual peace-themed poster exhibitions in Hiroshima, where I use design as a medium to share messages that go beyond commercial purpose. This work is not for profit but rather to inspire reflection and dialogue about peace. I believe design has the power to move people emotionally, and I want to use that power to give something back to the community.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

NK : Participating in the A’ Design Award has been a very positive and inspiring experience. The three main benefits I gained were: 1.The opportunity to share my design with a global audience. 2.Increased exposure through press features and publications. 3.The chance to learn from the works of other outstanding international designers. It also gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own work more objectively, motivating me to improve the quality of my designs. Being recognized as Designer of the Day was a true honor, and it gave me a great sense of encouragement and confidence.

Naoya Katagami Profile