Interviews with Masuo Fujimura
Designer profileDesigner of the Day Interview
17 May 2026
Born in Japan in 1964. Worked at Togashi Desigh Studio from 1990 to 1999. Established my own design studio, Fujimura Design Studio in1999. An Interior Designer who creates a wide range of designs from space to products. Works, 2000~ WEDGWOOD interior design.2004~ De'Longhi interior design.2004,WASEDA HOUSE.2007~ LE CEUSET interior design.2008,Korean Barbeque Restaurant 'An-Kissho'2009,Bansho-ji Temple Ossuary Crystal Palace.2012,Bridal Jewelry Shop 'LUZIR'2015, "Ningyocho" house, Tokyo/Japan.2016~ BELSTAFF interior design.2017, Bansho-ji Temple 'HAKURYU-KAN'and many others.
Since the age of the teens I was interested in beautiful objects which human creates.Especially, I was attracted to the organic design of Isamu Noguchi, Charles Eams.
My design always aim to be harmony with human and things. Sending our rich daily life by the harmony is my major premise.
I get inspiration for my design from insignificant occurrences in daily life. I think it is because I always have questioning , why? and I get a new idea. I feel exciting when I found the answer of these questions.
I am an Architect ,but I am influenced by industrial design like Pininfarina and Marcello Gandini. I admire their works very much.
I was born in Japan, and I am proud of our culture. I will create in the future the Japanese design only Japanese can design.
I advice that young designers have respect designers and copy their works . I think it becomes your skill someday.
I don’t take the picture of the work which I think this is very good design.If I record the design, it becomes to other people’s design.If I memorize the design once, it belongs to me.
Before I work , I cook my breakfast and drink a cup of coffee and I refresh. When I have a time, I draw an image of furniture. The finest new design which I have not seen before was born. I am very excited about the time when the new design was born.
I check the new trend design from magazines and SNS. I follow it up by talking with designer’s friends. But I only know the trends, I do not imitate them. I need only to know as a designer.
I think that good design is harmony with beautiful and function.and it gives people the happiness and a smile .
When I give shape to my thought, it is time to be solved all of matters completely.
“ A Place of Light where the Soul Rests” The light charnel , Crystal Palace
I praise an architect Louis I. Kahn.Especially I was deeply impressed with his words “ What is the beauty of Space?The space an architect create is not natural.The beauty of space is not only just beauty itself but also the meanings are necessary.The beauty of space is the meaning of the space and is filled with the meanings.”Every spaces have meanings .
I’m proud of the fact I was born as Japanese. I want to create design to express a heart of respect other person Japanese have.
I work with my wife. I want to create design with my wife (not group) as one of creator.
I am the member of Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association and I work as the official judge of Asia Design Prize 2018 and K.Design Awards 2018.
My design reliability is increased by participating in A’Design Award. and there are the most merit to continue the next work.
Design Interview
17 May 2026 · Birdcage Chair
My design inspiration comes from harmony with Japanese tradition.
We aimed to incorporate traditional Japanese aesthetics into contemporary lifestyles, striving for harmony between the past and present, technology and innovation.
I’m planning a new project derived from this concept. I’d love to develop it into a full product series, including items like tables and stools.
The basic shape can be completed in a few days, but deciding on the design concept takes more than six months.
Since I was commissioned by Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, I drew inspiration from the traditional crafts of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Manufactured and sold by a manufacturer in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
I wanted to elevate traditional Japanese aesthetics into something new through contemporary craftsmanship.
This design was influenced by traditional Japanese crafts, but not by any particular personal designer.
Our target audience is everyone who loves design and art.
This is a unique concept, unlike anything else in the world, rooted in the traditional beauty of Japan (Suruga bamboo craftwork).
We directly translated the appearance into the name, aiming for a straightforward and appealing presentation.
The design process involved the use of CAD, physical models, and 3D modeling.
I think being Japanese is my most distinctive feature.
This piece was created by a master metalworker, and I believe this beautiful design was born from his skill and sense of aesthetics.
We don't particularly focus on the latest technology; rather, our work is created with traditional Japanese techniques in mind.
I went to the production factory, talked to the craftsmen, breathed the air there, and experienced the entire environment before designing.
We had thorough discussions with the craftsmen about things like post-welding treatment, bending size, pipe diameter, and so on.
I wanted the world to experience the traditional beauty of Japan.
The point is that aesthetic sensibilities know no borders.
Nothing in particular.
Design Interview
13 June 2023 · One Stroke Chair
Inspiration is always in our lives.
We wanted to explore the possibilities of "pipe design" structures.
I would like to implement this chair in a building project I am working on.
About a month after the idea was born.
We designed this chair in pursuit of a low-cost, feasible design that can be integrated into a variety of interior spaces.
My furniture designs are intended to be used in the spaces I design.
We wanted to pay homage to Bauhaus design and revive its design philosophy in the modern age.
MARCEL BREUER
Residential and Commercial
The search for harmony with space through minimalism.
A single unbroken line
3D modeling is done after the model is fabricated.
A single unbroken line
I design with my own experience and skill.
Improvement of pipe welding techniques.
We researched furniture of the period designed by Bauhaus.
Simplicity diminishes the characteristics of the product.
Because no other design like this exists.
Designs that seem ordinary are the most difficult.
I can't think of any.
Design Interview
29 April 2020 · Xray Chair
I was excited when I saw my own radiograph.
Because it was the inspiration for furniture design.
Because it was the inspiration for furniture design.
I wanted lightness and transparency.
We plan to work on commercialization.
This design took half a year.
I pursued my own inspiration.
I would like to sell the manufacturing rights.
Furniture design is my lifework.
General family
The difference with others is that I imagined X-ray.
CAD (Vector Works)
The difference with others is that I imagined X-ray.
I designed it with my skill.
Manufactured by NC cutter.
I studied the structure of furniture.
Nothing in particular.
Because a new design was made.
I realized again the difficulty of furniture design.
Nothing in particular.
Design Interview
28 January 2014 · Turf Rug Lounger Lounge chair
I get inspirations for my designs from our daily lives.
I believe that designs need to send messages to society and change something better.
I believe that designs need to send messages to society and change something better.
I wanted to create a brand new living space which we had never had.
I don’t have any particular plans.
It took about one week to design and create concept for this Rug Lounger.
I pursued my inspiration because I believed this Rug Lounger would create a brand new concept.
My design is not used or produced by another company.
I have no plan to sell or lease the production right.
This is just a prototype and mass production is a next challenge.
I have no plan to sell or lease the production right.
This is just a prototype and mass production is a next challenge.
I designed this because it was a brand new idea.
I respect Jean Prouve. His work influenced my work.
I designed this Rug Lounger for whoever would like to use.
I believe that my design is very unique.
I gave my design a name as you can see.
I used CAD while designing this Rug Lounger.
The most unique aspect of my work is to use artificial grass rug.
I own my design company and work alone.
Nothing, specially.
I ran a simulation by creating a real-size model.
I wanted to make this Rug Lounger universally user-friendly.
I adjusted the slope angle of Longer and armrest position many times.
I adjusted the slope angle of Longer and armrest position many times.
I usually submitted my design to an exhibition when its organizer had invited me.
Not during designing, after designing, when I checked the real thing, I found some points to be improved such as hardness and strength of material.
Nothing, specially.
Design Legend Interview
17 May 2026
Graduated from Japan Designer Academy,
After that, I trained at a design office.
After that, I trained at a design office.
I was influenced by Mid Century Modern.
I volunteered to become a designer myself.
I design various spaces, architecture, interiors and products.
To like design and to enjoy life.
Design is human feeling, not shape.
Design is a person, and all things have meaning.
Good design gives a rich life.
Design furniture for yourself.
It's a villa plan.
that is difficult.
But it is possible if all the details have meaning.
But it is possible if all the details have meaning.
I was influenced by "Louis Isadore Kahn".
I like "JEAN PROUVE".
Bansho-ji Temple Ossuary Crystal Palace,It impresses people.
To like it.
I do not understand.
My design aims for harmony.
I was studied under "Katsuhiko Togashi".
It's effort and time.
To lose sight of the design.
publication
From architecture to furniture, we have design projects.
Making things that are loved for a long time.
I am expected to solve the problem.
Useful for others.
I'm looking forward to a new furniture design project.
"Rug lounger" was the best idea.
Design quality will continue to improve. Design evolves as people evolve.
The design becomes more familiar.
It will take about 3 months to design.
Start with a computer simulation.
There are both.
Technology is important, but overall balance is also important.
Vector Works.
Emphasis on presence.
Do you want to buy my design?
How to use it yourself.
I think "co-design" is good.
fashion designer.
"Louis Kahn" architectural theory.
Anyway, draw.
Is happy.
I like my hometown and Japanese food. And I like spring.
Hobby model making.
When I was little, I wanted to be an F1 driver.
I do not understand. . .
But I want people to be the same.
But I want people to be the same.
Fujimura Design Studio creates the best designs in harmony with our lives while delivering innovation to society.
Designer Interview
17 May 2026
When I was 17 years old, I saw mid-century modern design in a magazine, and it made me decide to be a designer in the future.After I started to work, I learned design technique from the products and onsites.
Fujimura Design Studio creates a wide range of designs from products to interiors.
I believe that through “design” I can express myself.
I like designing architecture works.
I love Katsura-rikyu(Katsura Imperial Villa) in Kyoto, Japan because it includes various kind of tradition Japanese culture.
My first designing work for a company was a shopping center.
My favorite medium is the use of paint. I like to choose the best application from various methods for my works.
I am the most creative in the morning. After resting I feel fresh.
I usually focus on creating a message while designing my works.
Designing is very enjoyable and exciting.
I am always very happy to see that my idea was materialized.
A great variety of experiences help a lot in developing a successful design.
I can judge the overall design by looking at the design concepts.
I believe the responsibility of a designer is to make society and the environment better, more convenient and more comfortable.
Design should be more human/eco-friendly in the future and improve our living environment.
My last exhibition was during Tokyo Designer’s Week in 2013, and the next one is in Milano Salone in 2014.
My source of inspiration comes from our daily lives.I try to be critical and think “Why” always. It is very important to find inconvenient and uncomfortable things in our lives so that I can come up with ideas about how to improve them.
My design style is very simple and so-called minimal modern.Japanese traditional beauty influences my design.
I live in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese cultural heritage absolutely influences my designs.
I highly respect personal relationships. Business is done between people.
It is very important that companies and designers understand each other.It is ideal to be introduced as a good designer by someone with good taste and you should know them very well
My design processes are from Sketch to 3D model to drawing.
My favorite designs at home are my chairs, my tables, my sofas, my kitchens and my rest room.
I design in the morning because I can come up with fresh ideas in the morning. I do paper works on my computer in the afternoon.
See both the whole picture and the detailed picture.
One positive aspect of being a designer is to have the fun of creation and negative aspect is to be critical always.
A flash of inspiration is very important for me.
The most important skill for a designer is to realize the image and idea.
I usually use pencils and a 3D software for designing.
I make it a rule to design in the morning.
It takes about 10 minutes at shortest and 1 week at longest.
What is design?
My most important job experience is to design my home. I could experience a lot of different things from client's side which I can't experience as a designer.
Some of my clients are the Wedgwood, the Le Creuset and the PARCO.
I enjoy products designing. They have clear functions which I can focus on and I can improve myself through designing them.
I would like to give my skills to young people.
I own my design company and work alone.
I have nothing, specially.
People contact me by e-mail.
Grand Interview
14 June 2026 · Birdcage Chair
Suruga Takesensuji Zaiku, a traditional craft from Shizuoka, Japan, is known for its delicate beauty, characterized by the elegant arrangement of thin bamboo strips. The Birdcage Chair captures this essence, translating it into a modern form by carefully welding steel pipes together.
We recognize that for the future of local communities, it is important not only to preserve regional traditional crafts as historical objects, but also to pass their spirit down to new products.
The slender yet strong structure, achievable only with steel, is not merely thin. By narrowing the pitch toward the back, the center of gravity shifts rearward, creating a structurally sound design. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility of steel gently envelops the sitter.
While this product pays homage to Shizuoka's traditional crafts, manufacturing it at local workshops in Shizuoka also contributes to regional revitalization. Furthermore, this reliable craftsmanship demonstrates the solid production capabilities and outstanding technical skills of the local industry to the world.
The highly intricate process of hand-welding each piece one by one is not merely a routine task. A crucial theme of this design is enabling the makers to understand its intent, pour their heart into the process, and take genuine pride in their work.
To give the chair its flexibility, we used steel pipes instead of solid steel rods. This approach successfully achieves a balance of strength, flexibility, and a lightweight design.
Moving forward, we aim to collaborate with other local industries, elevating their exceptional craftsmanship into new products.
Product design is meaningless if it merely creates beautiful and user-friendly objects. I have come to realize that what is truly needed is a design that harmonizes with a sustainable society and, above all, a fulfilling daily life.
The mirror finish used on the seat gives the chair a sense of depth and creates a tension as if one were sitting on the surface of water. It is a crucial element that elevates what would otherwise be a mere chair into a piece of art.
Incorporating structural mechanics and ergonomics, this chair features an inevitable proportion born from a thorough pursuit of the relationship between seating comfort and structure. And hidden within that very proportion lies the essence of traditional craftsmanship.
