Interview with Keiji Ishikawa
After spending five years in Tokyo learning the traditional Japanese glass-cutting technique "Kiriko," a designer moved to Tokushima to establish his cutting-edge studio in 2019.
Designer of the Day Interview
5 January 2025
While working at a telecommunications company in Tokyo, I attended an Edo Kiriko workshop in 2015 to learn cutting techniques and independently researched hand polishing techniques. In 2019, I left the company and moved to Tokushima, where I established 'KJ Studio' to produce and sell Kiriko. Subsequently, I also acquired glassblowing techniques in Tokushima.
Driven by an inner urge to create new designs that bring healing to people, I became a designer.
The project's central theme is to bring healing and peace to people; for that, it is always about balancing with nature. The design motifs are first expressed in words and then visualized by hand. If the image is regular, it is refined through trial and error using illustration tools.
I felt great joy when the design motif was expressed in words that perfectly matched my envisioned image.
From a young age, I pursued the essence of things, which fostered a mindset that values harmony and balance with nature and shaped my foundation as a designer.
Currently, I design crafts using glass as a material, but my goal is to enrich people's hearts with the light that reaches their eyes. Therefore, I want to challenge myself with various materials.
It is about constantly seeking what is essential and new.
Immediately jot down any ideas that come to mind and review them later. Also, always consider the causes of small failures and improve upon them, facing everything with humility.
In the morning, I refresh myself by getting some fresh air and exercising while walking my dog. I spend the morning brainstorming ideas and focus on specific tasks in the afternoon.
I do not particularly adhere to design trends; instead, I aim to create new designs that reflect the world and people's hearts as they should be.
The story behind the creation of a design enriches people and fills them with healing.
Design is never complete and always has room for improvement. The time given to a design only marks a milestone.
The previously awarded designs 'Limpid Stream' and 'Elan Vital' are remarkable for their intended effects and the unexpected visual effects that can be felt when holding the designed glass.
No one in particular.
I have a studio in Shodoshima, Japan, surrounded by abundant nature, where I can gain inspiration for new designs.
I primarily work alone but also collaborate with other organizations on projects. During collaborative work, I strive for creative and constructive exchanges of ideas.
I offer affordable Kiriko workshops and classes, striving to spread the beauty of Kiriko.
The benefits of participating in contests are as follows:
・You can announce the international recognition of your design.
・You can build your career.
・It helps you acquire skills to challenge new designs.
・You can announce the international recognition of your design.
・You can build your career.
・It helps you acquire skills to challenge new designs.
Interview about Spiral of Life Glass Tableware Design Interview
Design Legend Interview
6 July 2024
While working at a telecommunications company in Tokyo, I started going to Edo Kiriko studios in 2015 to learn cutting techniques and independently study hand polishing techniques. In 2019, I left the company and moved to Tokushima to open "KJ Studio," which produces and sells Kiriko. After that, I also learned glassblowing techniques in Tokushima.
Because I love coming up with new designs.
I chose to become a designer myself.
I am developing designs for cuts to be put into glass products. I want to create new designs that heal people.
Continue to have the orientation to seek out new things and pioneer new designs.
A good designer gives people a sense of security, and a great designer gives people a sense of security as well as a hint at a new stage in the future.
The story that the design is created from should enrich people.
Good design is worth investing in because it enriches people's lives and fills them with healing.
I want to design something cut into all the glass products around us for someone special to each of us.
We are currently considering it.
Whenever I think of something, I write it down and review it later.
No one in particular.
I'm interested in designs that use light effects to make people happy.
My previous award-winning designs are great because they have unexpected visual effects that you feel when you hold the glass in your hand.
I think it's always about seeking something essential and new.
Some artisan.
Design means something new that innovates our daily lives.
My wife is my supporter.
Being humble about everything.
Nothing in particular. Even when problems arose, I didn't think of them as big an issue and solved them as they came.
I think it's essential to explain the story behind the design in an easy-to-understand way.
We are currently considering it.
To establish a method and train successors.
To make life more prosperous and more healing.
Yes, I think so.
I can't say anything specific, but I'm considering some new projects.
My previous award-winning designs are great because they have unexpected visual effects that you feel when you hold the glass in your hand.
I think we will see more design experiments with the help of generative AI.
I think it will become more segmented, and systems will be implemented to guarantee the originality of designs.
One week to 1 month.
I checked the users of the design and the design concept.
I am constantly being humble and always seeking new things.
It can be both.
It helps to broaden the scope of design and speed up its implementation.
When I use a lot of repeated patterns, I use image editing and spreadsheet software.
They are essential elements that create a sense of comfort and healing for people who touch and enjoy the design.
The story behind the design and the visual and sensory effects of the design.
Imagine the concept image that the design is aiming for.
I don't have one at the moment, but I think it would be fun to work with someone like that in the future.
No one in particular.
Nothing in particular.
I have always thought about the cause of even small mistakes and improved them.
I want to talk with people I can speak to creatively and constructively.
I am very honored to receive awards, and my increased recognition has positively affected my work.
I like pale colors, the sea, vegetables, autumn, glass crafts, etc.
I can't think of any stories to share here.
It is very encouraging to start making plans to start doing things that I didn't have time to do before.
We will experiment with design, partly with the help of generative AI.
In 1000 years, we will still be designing with more advanced devices and tools.
In 1000 years, we will still be designing with more advanced devices and tools.
Nothing in particular.
Designer Interview
5 July 2024
Since childhood, I have thought about things that give people heartwarming emotions. So, whenever and wherever I can, I have been creating something new.
The "KJ" in "KJ Studio" stands for "Kiriko J'adore," which means that everyone should know and love the beauty of Japanese cut glass, "KIRIKO." I would be very happy if you used glass in your daily life.
Design means something new that innovates our daily lives.
I like new objects that innovate our daily lives.
New objects bring interesting visual effects that refresh people's minds and give them a sense of security.
I made a cut glass with a " Wind " design on a rock glass.
My favorite materials are multi-layered glass and blown glass.
I feel most creative when seeing beautiful scenery or listening to inspiring music.
Novelty and balance.
The concentration to create something new.
When I create something good, I feel a sense of satisfaction.
The quality and timing of inspiration.
The natural expression of the concept and balance.
To create something that makes people happy.
I believe design grows and evolves in symbiosis with people.
It was in Tokushima in May this year. If I have the opportunity, I would also like to hold it in Tokyo.
I think design inspiration comes from the orientation to seek the truth of things.
The center of my design style is warm interaction and peace between people. To achieve this, I am always pursuing fundamental design.
I live in Tokushima, Japan, and have a second home in Shodoshima. The area's natural scenery and cultural heritage sometimes inspire my designs.
Companies ask me to make various custom-made products.
We suggest original and innovative designs to companies while following their requests. Companies are looking for designers who can create creative designs.
We consider several ideas and their developments based on an idea that inspires us and then select one.
Wine glasses, rock glasses, plates, tumblers, and lampshades.
Morning coffee, an early morning walk with the dog, thinking about ideas, a delicious lunch, working on Kiriko, an evening walk with the dog, and a nice dinner with my wife and friends.
Trust your sensibility. Accept all the good and bad things around you and sublimate them into ideas.
The good is being able to reproduce the creations you have thought of. The bad thing is the risk of losing vital essence because you cannot document the design.
Attention to balance.
Orientation towards always moving towards new things.
A notebook where I quickly jot down any ideas that come to mind.
I always set aside a block of time.
1 week to 1 month.
What drew you to Kiriko?
Custom-made work for a company.
Customers are looking for gifts for special people, companies are looking for exceptional interiors, etc.
We are working to come up with new designs.
I aim to apply Kiriko to various glass products we see around us.
I currently develop my own designs, but I would like to work in a team.
Not at the moment.
You can contact me by email or through the comments section on our website.
Nothing in particular.
Interview about Limpid Stream Glass Tableware Grand Interview