Visual Artist & Designer, Director of Spazio Works
• Education: Graduated from Tama Art University (Fine Arts) in 1982.
• Career: Established Spazio Works as an independent visual artist and designer in 1988.
As an artist, I have installed monuments and sculptures throughout Japan, focusing on the theme of “Nature and Order,” where the environment shapes my artistic style. I have created environmental art, such as transforming a 200-foot smokestack into work that addresses waste issues. My artworks are featured in places like train stations, hospitals, cultural facilities, private residences, and villas. I also create art and commemorative works for large corporations. My work has reached the Imperial Family, with commissions including items for the Imperial House, the championship trophy for the Japan National Soccer Cup (German Cup), and commemorative items for the Ise-Shima Summit.
I have strong ties to Japan’s world-class cultural heritage shrines and temples, actively engaging in recycled art that incorporates ancient materials and festival artifacts. I also create and present items that serve as commemorative gifts or offerings.
In terms of material development, I’m actively working to integrate traditional techniques with modern innovations, creating a unique, personal style.
My individual artworks, center on the overarching theme of “Nature and Order” and have been presented under various sub-themes over the years. Initially, my focus was on intangible concepts such as “shadows” and later “heart,” exploring ideas like “melting,” “giving life,” and “gravity.” More recently, I am pursuing works that reflect “Japanese identity” and “the moon” as central themes.
I specialize in custom-made works and look forward to collaborating with others to bring these creations to life.
Currently, as an artist, I install monuments and sculptures across the country. At the same time, I am expanding my activities beyond traditional design fields into interior, product, environmental, and spatial design. I also serve as a design advisor for local government projects, promoting comprehensive branding that utilizes traditional crafts, local products, and technologies found in regional areas.
Additionally, under the direction of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and ODA (Official Development Assistance), I am working on branding that connects Japan with other countries, laying the groundwork for expansion into foreign markets. If successful, I hope to open these pathways to others as well.
I am also involved in branding sacred items that use old materials and offerings from the restoration of shrines and temples, such as Nara’s Yakushiji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kashihara Shrine, and Shimogamo Shrine.
My strength lies in developing strategies for market entry and branding, as well as creating presentation and expansion methods. Since I am also a creator myself, I work closely with other creators to foster new collaborative projects. I emphasize the importance of logo and name development for new brands. I also advocate for intellectual property management and work closely with experts in that field, promoting IP integration, including patents, designs, and trademarks (as recommended by the Japan Patent Office).
In my personal work, I focus on the theme of “Nature and Law of the Universe,” crafting products that reflect this philosophy, blending technology and tradition to create originality. Recently, I have been actively exploring new material development, incorporating textiles, leather, and Japanese paper, and developing various products centered around the theme of the “Moon.”
Connections are treasures!