Interview with Hiroshi Takahashi
A manufacturer that, even back then, never turned down requests for items others claimed were impossible to produce, instead persevering through trial and error to bring them to life this was the…
Designer Interview
29 September 2026
I am the second generation owner of a mold manufacturing company founded by my father.
I grew up in a house where the first floor served as a factory and the second floor as living quarters, so I was surrounded by a manufacturing environment every day from a young age.
As for design itself, I studied it for only three years in high school and joined my father’s factory immediately after graduation.
At first, I wasn’t involved in design, but after becoming the owner myself, I changed our client base and shifted from a passive manufacturing model to a proactive, proposal-driven approach.
Gradually, I began to get involved not only in mold making but also in product planning, and I gained the opportunity to design and propose products on my own.
I didn’t set out to become a designer; rather, I simply found myself in an environment where design became an inevitable part of my work.
I grew up in a house where the first floor served as a factory and the second floor as living quarters, so I was surrounded by a manufacturing environment every day from a young age.
As for design itself, I studied it for only three years in high school and joined my father’s factory immediately after graduation.
At first, I wasn’t involved in design, but after becoming the owner myself, I changed our client base and shifted from a passive manufacturing model to a proactive, proposal-driven approach.
Gradually, I began to get involved not only in mold making but also in product planning, and I gained the opportunity to design and propose products on my own.
I didn’t set out to become a designer; rather, I simply found myself in an environment where design became an inevitable part of my work.
My company manufactures molds for molding plastic products. I am the only employee, so I handle all the work by myself.
To manage such a heavy workload on my own, mechanization was the best solution. I would run up to seven machines on autopilot and use my free time to work on the next programming tasks or hold meetings with clients.
Because I’m so particular about my work and have such a strong attachment to it, I’ve been unable to delegate it to anyone else and half a century has passed.
To manage such a heavy workload on my own, mechanization was the best solution. I would run up to seven machines on autopilot and use my free time to work on the next programming tasks or hold meetings with clients.
Because I’m so particular about my work and have such a strong attachment to it, I’ve been unable to delegate it to anyone else and half a century has passed.
For me, design is the first step in giving shape to my ideas.
Since I’m not a professional designer, my work isn’t complete with just the design.
It’s only complete once the product is finished, so design is simply one of the tools I use to achieve that.
Since I’m not a professional designer, my work isn’t complete with just the design.
It’s only complete once the product is finished, so design is simply one of the tools I use to achieve that.
Right now, I’m focusing on wood-based products.
What I enjoy most is coming up with designs that transform discarded wood into products with high added value.
What I enjoy most is coming up with designs that transform discarded wood into products with high added value.
My favorite design right now is my own Com Plates.
As far as I know, there aren’t any other wooden products anywhere in the world with the same concept or functionality.
That’s why Com Plates are my favorite they’re packed with my own attention to detail and personal passion.
As far as I know, there aren’t any other wooden products anywhere in the world with the same concept or functionality.
That’s why Com Plates are my favorite they’re packed with my own attention to detail and personal passion.
The first product I designed was not for my own company, but for DENSO Corporation, a world renowned parts manufacturer.
In the late 1990s, DENSO’s “Iridium Racing” spark plugs came in paper packaging. The plastic packaging I designed at the request of a trading company we were working with at the time was the very first product I ever designed.
In 1998, inspired by the transparent body of the iMac G3 announced by Apple, I created design drawings and mockups, obtained approval from DENSO, and was involved in the process all the way through mold production.
In the late 1990s, DENSO’s “Iridium Racing” spark plugs came in paper packaging. The plastic packaging I designed at the request of a trading company we were working with at the time was the very first product I ever designed.
In 1998, inspired by the transparent body of the iMac G3 announced by Apple, I created design drawings and mockups, obtained approval from DENSO, and was involved in the process all the way through mold production.
Perhaps because I’ve been working with metal for so many years, my favorite material right now is wood.
What’s more, I even find a sense of purpose in adding high value to wood that would otherwise be discarded.
What’s more, I even find a sense of purpose in adding high value to wood that would otherwise be discarded.
Whenever I come across a piece of scrap wood with a unique grain pattern or a type of wood I’ve never seen before I feel a real surge of creativity.
Are there any other designs similar to this one, or is it a knockoff?
Is the design well balanced and user friendly?
I consider whether it includes a touch of surprise.
Is the design well balanced and user friendly?
I consider whether it includes a touch of surprise.
I add to or subtract from the ideas and details I have in my head.
It’s incredibly exciting when a two dimensional image, represented by lines, gradually transforms into a three-dimensional one.
It’s incredibly exciting when a two dimensional image, represented by lines, gradually transforms into a three-dimensional one.
Since my creative process is self contained, I enjoy every single moment as the designs I’ve created take shape.
And when a piece is finished, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment.
And when a piece is finished, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment.
I’m not sure what defines a successful design, but I think it’s a success if my vision and attention to detail are perfectly reflected in the product.
I think whether a design is good or bad depends on the person evaluating it.
Since I’m not a professional designer, whether I think a design is good depends on whether it suits my taste.
Since I’m not a professional designer, whether I think a design is good depends on whether it suits my taste.
Every designer’s sense of responsibility toward society and the environment is unique.
My own sense of responsibility lies in finding effective uses for wood that would otherwise be discarded.
It takes decades or even centuries for trees to grow to a size suitable for use as lumber.
When such wood is milled into standard sized lumber, a large amount of scrap is produced, and that scrap is typically discarded as waste.
It is my mission and responsibility to give this discarded wood a new purpose and a new place to shine.
My own sense of responsibility lies in finding effective uses for wood that would otherwise be discarded.
It takes decades or even centuries for trees to grow to a size suitable for use as lumber.
When such wood is milled into standard sized lumber, a large amount of scrap is produced, and that scrap is typically discarded as waste.
It is my mission and responsibility to give this discarded wood a new purpose and a new place to shine.
AI is making inroads into the field of design as well, and I have a feeling that, eventually, the profession of designer will become obsolete.
However, since a designer’s sensibility has a major influence on design, I think that while designs created by AI may appeal to a wide audience, they won’t be truly one of a kind.
However, since a designer’s sensibility has a major influence on design, I think that while designs created by AI may appeal to a wide audience, they won’t be truly one of a kind.
Although it wasn’t an exhibition, the last time my work was displayed was at an exhibition of award winning pieces from a craft competition held in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
I’m planning to hold a private exhibition with my wife in September 2027.
I’m planning to hold a private exhibition with my wife in September 2027.
I believe nothing compares to the beauty of nature’s forms.
The Com Plates were also designed with inspiration drawn from four-leaf clovers.
Many of Japan’s iconic traditional patterns are also based on natural elements such as flowers and leaves, which have been stylized into patterns.
Seventy percent of Japan’s land area consists of mountains and hills.
We are fortunate to have daily opportunities to interact with nature.
This environment has a profound influence on my designs.
The Com Plates were also designed with inspiration drawn from four-leaf clovers.
Many of Japan’s iconic traditional patterns are also based on natural elements such as flowers and leaves, which have been stylized into patterns.
Seventy percent of Japan’s land area consists of mountains and hills.
We are fortunate to have daily opportunities to interact with nature.
This environment has a profound influence on my designs.
I don’t have a set design style; instead, I take the inspiration that strikes me the moment I encounter a material and pour my heart and soul into crafting it to perfection.
I was born and raised in Japan.
Japan has a culture that values innovation and creativity, and being part of that environment is a major strength.
On the other hand, perhaps due to the Japanese national character, people tend to be bound by stereotypes, and there are cases where they resist new ideas.
I believe that if people were to think more freely, without being constrained by stereotypes, Japan’s manufacturing industry would become even more vibrant.
Japan has a culture that values innovation and creativity, and being part of that environment is a major strength.
On the other hand, perhaps due to the Japanese national character, people tend to be bound by stereotypes, and there are cases where they resist new ideas.
I believe that if people were to think more freely, without being constrained by stereotypes, Japan’s manufacturing industry would become even more vibrant.
I have absolutely no affiliation with any specific company.
For projects that are far beyond my technical capabilities, I will seek out partner manufacturers.
For projects that are far beyond my technical capabilities, I will seek out partner manufacturers.
This applies not only to the relationship between companies and designers, but to everything.
The most important thing is that it be a win-win relationship for both parties.
No matter how talented a designer may be, it is difficult to build a good relationship if there are issues with their personal qualities.
Be sure to consider the designer’s character as one of your selection criteria.
The most important thing is that it be a win-win relationship for both parties.
No matter how talented a designer may be, it is difficult to build a good relationship if there are issues with their personal qualities.
Be sure to consider the designer’s character as one of your selection criteria.
I handle the design myself and generally manage the entire process from planning to production on my own.
Since I currently focus primarily on woodworking, I base my designs on the intuition I gain from observing the material itself its texture, grain, and other characteristics.
Having worked in metalworking for many years, I design with a practical mindset, considering the feasibility of fabrication as I bring my designs to life.
I create CNC programs based on my designs to enable machining, and I fabricate the necessary molds and jigs for the process.
Additionally, as needed, I simultaneously work on product packaging design and photography for presentations.
Since I currently focus primarily on woodworking, I base my designs on the intuition I gain from observing the material itself its texture, grain, and other characteristics.
Having worked in metalworking for many years, I design with a practical mindset, considering the feasibility of fabrication as I bring my designs to life.
I create CNC programs based on my designs to enable machining, and I fabricate the necessary molds and jigs for the process.
Additionally, as needed, I simultaneously work on product packaging design and photography for presentations.
・All Stainless Steel Kitchen, MiraTap Grad 45
・Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
・Yanagi Sori Design's One Handed Saucepan
・Keen Mens Uneek 360 Sneakers
・Ikea Backstorn Led Pendant Light
・Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
・Yanagi Sori Design's One Handed Saucepan
・Keen Mens Uneek 360 Sneakers
・Ikea Backstorn Led Pendant Light
My days are quite ordinary: after waking up, I have breakfast while watching a video.
After eating, I work for an hour or two. Since my wife can’t safely use the stove due to an illness she had a year and a half ago, I start preparing lunch for both of us around 11:00 a.m.
After lunch, I work for two hours, then enjoy an hour-long tea time with my wife from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
After that, I finish up my work in about an hour, head to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and then end the day by enjoying a pleasant dinner together.
After eating, I work for an hour or two. Since my wife can’t safely use the stove due to an illness she had a year and a half ago, I start preparing lunch for both of us around 11:00 a.m.
After lunch, I work for two hours, then enjoy an hour-long tea time with my wife from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
After that, I finish up my work in about an hour, head to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and then end the day by enjoying a pleasant dinner together.
While it’s important to move forward single mindedly toward your goals, sometimes you should stop and look around from a different perspective. You might gain some new insights.
I don’t consider myself a designer.
If anything, I see myself as an artist.
I’ve worked on very few projects for clients, but that allows me to incorporate my own ideas and unique elements to the fullest extent possible.
However, the more unique elements I add, the higher the cost becomes, so I struggle to strike the right balance.
If anything, I see myself as an artist.
I’ve worked on very few projects for clients, but that allows me to incorporate my own ideas and unique elements to the fullest extent possible.
However, the more unique elements I add, the higher the cost becomes, so I struggle to strike the right balance.
When I design, I don’t rely on any set "golden rule".
I always give shape to the ideas that well up from within me.
I always give shape to the ideas that well up from within me.
It’s not just designers who need the ability to look at things from multiple perspectives.
I don’t think a one-sided perspective leads to good results in any situation.
I don’t think a one-sided perspective leads to good results in any situation.
I use GibbsCAM, a CAD/CAM software package, to digitize all my designs.
I transfer the programs created in GibbsCAM to each of the four NC milling machines via machining data management software, and then proceed with machining.
I transfer the programs created in GibbsCAM to each of the four NC milling machines via machining data management software, and then proceed with machining.
Machining takes up the majority of my time when making products, and I manage four machines on my own.
Once I set up a machine, the machining process takes several hours to complete, so during that time I set up the next machine, design new products, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Once I set up a machine, the machining process takes several hours to complete, so during that time I set up the next machine, design new products, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Using Com Plates, which won the Bronze Award, the process takes about 32 hours in total.
Since I don’t hold the title of designer, I’ve never been asked questions as a designer.
As expected, mold making my family business is the most important factor.
I watched my father create things from a young age, so I believe the spirit of craftsmanship has grown deep within my DNA.
Furthermore, the approach to mold making back then wasn’t data-driven like it is today; experience was key.
Rather than designing through meticulous calculations, it was a style of developing the work as we went along.
There were also many structure changes sparked by sudden flashes of inspiration.
The sensibility honed in that environment is the foundation of my current approach to craftsmanship.
I watched my father create things from a young age, so I believe the spirit of craftsmanship has grown deep within my DNA.
Furthermore, the approach to mold making back then wasn’t data-driven like it is today; experience was key.
Rather than designing through meticulous calculations, it was a style of developing the work as we went along.
There were also many structure changes sparked by sudden flashes of inspiration.
The sensibility honed in that environment is the foundation of my current approach to craftsmanship.
Since I started focusing exclusively on woodworking, I haven’t had any regular clients.
While it would be nice to have clients and a steady stream of work, I want the freedom to create whatever I want.
While it would be nice to have clients and a steady stream of work, I want the freedom to create whatever I want.
I enjoy every step of the process equally.
The time spent conceptualizing the form itself, and the time spent designing what’s needed for actual production.
Since I mainly use an NC milling machine, the time spent programming the machining data.
The time spent actually running the parts through the machine.
As the machining progresses, the time when the full form of the designed product begins to take shape.
My excitement builds with each of these moments.
The time spent conceptualizing the form itself, and the time spent designing what’s needed for actual production.
Since I mainly use an NC milling machine, the time spent programming the machining data.
The time spent actually running the parts through the machine.
As the machining progresses, the time when the full form of the designed product begins to take shape.
My excitement builds with each of these moments.
As for my future plans, I’m scheduled to hold an exhibition with my wife in September 2027, so I’d like to create products that take Com Plates to the next level in preparation for that.
Not only that, but I also want to create products designed based on an entirely new concept.
Not only that, but I also want to create products designed based on an entirely new concept.
There is no team.
It's just me.
It's just me.
It’s still just an idea, but I’m thinking of creating products that combine wood and tin.
Since tin has a relatively low melting point of about 232°C, it can be melted even on a standard household gas stove.
I don’t have any experience with tin casting, so I’m not sure if it will work, but I’m envisioning hybrid products that incorporate tin into wooden items.
Since tin has a relatively low melting point of about 232°C, it can be melted even on a standard household gas stove.
I don’t have any experience with tin casting, so I’m not sure if it will work, but I’m envisioning hybrid products that incorporate tin into wooden items.
I’m not very good at English, so I’d be at a loss if you called me directly.
If you need to contact me, email is the best way.
If you need to contact me, email is the best way.
People tend to keep special technologies they have developed to themselves as trade secrets, shielding them from the outside world.
While this may be beneficial for the company in question, it is detrimental to the industry and society as a whole.
There are limits to technological progress within a closed environment.
By making everything open, others will likely come up with something even better.
I believe that constantly striving to outdo one another and pushing each other to improve creates a stronger energy that drives development, which is why I always remain open.
While this may be beneficial for the company in question, it is detrimental to the industry and society as a whole.
There are limits to technological progress within a closed environment.
By making everything open, others will likely come up with something even better.
I believe that constantly striving to outdo one another and pushing each other to improve creates a stronger energy that drives development, which is why I always remain open.
Interview about Com Plates Wooden Tableware Grand Interview