Yukihiro Kaneuchi

Yukihiro Kaneuchi reveals more than just his personality in his clever product designs. For instance, upon closer investigation of his recent coffee mug creation, a meticulously drawn landscape of a girl dancing in a meadow can be seen inside of the cup. Even his red vase design is more than meets the eye; its shape skillfully emulates a ribbon holding a flower. Uncover more about this Japanese artist in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Emotional, primitive, personal.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Shiro Kuramata who is a Japanese designer.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Playing with my cat.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Treviso, Italy. I lived there one year when I worked in FABRICA – Benetton’s communication research center. I gained several valuable experiences there.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Librarian. I love books. And I think being a librarian is most peaceful job in the world.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I like to cook a NATTO pasta for my friends and family. NATTO is typical Japanese food. It looks bad, but actually tastes delicious!

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Flower vase by Shiro Kuramata.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Keep walking.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
I go to samurai.fm everyday. I usually work while listening to music. The collection of this website is so cool.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I can’t complete. Users keep changing my product. They add a stain to a coffee cup. They put a cake on a sweet plate. They write an idea in a pocket book. The color of a chair will be faded little by little…  I think the only person that can complete my work is the user. And I hope my works will be beautiful as time goes by.