Interview with Otaka Noriko

As a student, I was interested in architecture, but I was drawn to the freedom of creating spaces without being bound by client requests. I wanted to design my own spaces and arrange objects within them, which led me to pursue a career in design.

I chose this career because it's my own will.

I have primarily been designing fashion items using natural materials, focusing on their unique textures and properties. Moving forward, I aim to create designs that not only make the most of these materials’ characteristics but also ensure that every part is utilized without waste. Additionally, I am committed to pursuing design approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability.

I believe age doesn’t matter. What’s important is to stay curious about a wide range of things, make an effort to learn, broaden your perspective, listen openly to others, think deeply, and continue taking action.

I believe that the value of design is not just economic value, but also involves a variety of other elements, including social and cultural factors.

Japan is currently an aging society. I would like to design things that people can think about in their daily lives to improve their quality of life. If I have time...

I am interested in many things, make an effort to learn, broaden my horizons, listen to others attentively, think deeply, and continue to act.

In this world,myself.

I'm currently working on a project with my colleagues. It's a fun project that involves people and I'm looking forward to it.

One such example is the cypress paper holder that won the A' Design Award & Competition. I am very pleased with the design, which incorporates traditional Japanese techniques and was created together with artisans.

"The evolution and transformation brought about by the age of AI are poised to create unprecedented changes in our lives and society. These changes will progress at a pace and scale beyond imagination, intertwining various elements in complex ways as we move toward the future. In such a time, I hope that design will continue to stay close to people, cherishing humanity and fostering connections that truly matter.

Inspiration and research

Case by case

Helping to expand creativity, evolving product production, and time performance

Beyond that

Various people

When I was a child, I wanted to be a musical star and express something through my body.

I work as a freelance designer. We also manufacture and sell products that we designed.

I would like to make use of the characteristics of the materials and think about designs that utilize the skills of craftsmen. Of course, after considering the user.

Wallet for men.

When I wake up from a light dawn, I get the most creative idea.

I focus on thinking as simple as possible.

We think that the design will be completed when the concept of materials, materials, and manufacturing facilities are all connected.

The things I design are made by craftsmen. It is important to be able to contribute to the transfer of craftsmanship. We also think that it is important to select the material in consideration of the environment and workers.

I am born and live in Tokyo. The environment is affecting me a lot. This environment, where things overflow and are often thrown away, has created the origin of my design.

When I start designing, pencil on paper is a must. Roughly write down the image that came to mind. At the time of design, I use Adobe software. For reference materials, I am watching old interior magazines.The source of inspiration is the "FMR" magazine.

Stacking is important for me.

The main request is to design fashion bags and small leather goods. There are requests from manufacturers and brands.

I am most interested in the process of creating a shape that I was thinking through trial and error. There is a lot to learn from craftsmen.

e-mail. otaka_n@corino2910.com