Interview with MURAYAMA INC.

MURAYAMA INC. ("MI") interviewed on Wednesday, 21 June.

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

MI : After studying product design at Tama Art University, I joined MURAYAMA INC. as a display designer.

How did you become a designer?

MI : I have loved drawing since I was a child. I could look at a flat picture of a product, such as furniture, tableware, or a cartoon character, and imagine and express its three-dimensional shape and the unseen underside of the product. In the same way, I think display design is fun and interesting to show various aspects of objects and people.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MI : My design process is, first, to be self-directed and sympathetic to others, second, to think carefully about visual communication, and third, to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MI : It is best if you enjoy the process of working together to solve problems.

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

MI : I often use the ocean. Someday, I would like to participate in activities to clean up the ocean. This is also to protect wild birds, which I cherish. I am looking for a tangible way to work on preserving the natural environment through design. I believe that this will lead to protecting the lives of myself and the people around me.

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

MI : MURAYAMA INC. has a wide range of business fields. If you have a clear idea of what you want to do, please speak up. For those who want to experience a variety of work, please be aware of finding your own rewarding work. I did not have much knowledge of displays when I joined the company. MURAYAMA INC. has the soil to accept a variety of designers.

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

MI : I am interested in both traditional Japanese culture and Japanese pop culture. The spirit of Japan can be found in both the traditional Japanese technique of "Mitate" and deformed cartoon character representation. Both are expressed by breaking down elements, simplifying them, and interpreting them in new ways. I use this process as a reference for my designs.

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

MI : Participating in design awards is a positive experience: first, to showcase my clients and my company; second, to disseminate exhibition design case studies and pass the baton to better venues; and third, to be inspired by the work and words of great designers from across the ocean and expand my horizons.