Hiroko Takahashi

Photo Courtesy Hiroko Takashi  

WHERE ARE YOUR RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?

I'm in my studio in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. No. I live near my studio with my family.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?

Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo. 

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?

There is a mixture of new and old. 

WHY DESIGNER?

The title is actually an artist. I work regardless of genre, but of course I also work in the field of design. Our lives are supported by the existence of many people. There are many people in the background of everything, for example drinking water, vegetables, and cooking utensils, and so on. I am working with the desire to create a trigger which everyone can think and appreciate them and feel happy about it.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR TRAINING?

Department of Crafts, Tokyo University of the Arts.

WHAT IS SPECIFIC TO THE ART OF CREATING KIMONOS?

Creating graphics that matches the shape of kimono. Dyeing, weaving, Japanese tailored technique by hand.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

Manufacturing technology, manufacturing process, materials. 

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?

Grandmother. She was adept at creating a variety of garments.

WHERE DO YOU STAND IN THE "CULTURAL APPROPRIATION DEBATE" OF WHO OR WHO SHOULDN'T BE WEARING WHAT?

I have nothing to protect culturally or religiously. I think that "not to make people uncomfortable" is the most important thing in living while interacting with others, so I think the same thing about this matter. However, if the person who feels uncomfortable is bound by stereotypes or thoughtless, I think that we should approach that point first.

 HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL AESTHETIC? 

Whether it can inspire people is more important than beauty.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?

Drinking hot water first after waking up in the morning. 

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?

Play with our kids.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?

Meditating while listening to quiet music on the bed befor sleeping or in the morning.