Illuminating innovation with Tokujin Yoshioka

Tokujin Yoshioka is a world-famous Japanese designer and artist known for his work across three worlds: design, architecture and contemporary art. From extraordinary masterpieces such as the Sakura Torch for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to the Rainbow Church, Yoshioka’s works are first admired and then exhibited all over the world in establishments like the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This interview tracks his journey and inspiration, capturing the very essence of the mixing of art, design and light that his work carries.

hube: What inspired you to become involved in design, architecture, and contemporary art?

Tokujin Yoshioka: I have created works with the desire to naturally realize my vision, regardless of genre. I think that people objectively describe whether my work is art or design. I also like to create ideas that make the impossible possible or innovative ideas within the context of unresolved problems and predetermined constraints, which are often described as design. I also believe it is wonderful to express ideas freely, as in art. With that said, I consider myself a natural creator.

h: Could you reflect on your experience working under Shiro Kuramata and Issey Miyake and how it influenced your creative approach?

TY: Both Mr. Kuramata and Mr. Miyake were open to various values and perspectives and I greatly respected them. They accepted my ideas with curiosity and gave me many opportunities. I am glad that through various projects, I was able to convey many things to people around the world.

h: Your work spans various mediums, from glass to natural crystals to paper. What draws you to experiment with such diverse materials?

TY: I have always had a desire to create something timeless and something that has never been seen before. I have always felt that there is no longer anything new in the expression of forms, and I have created works inspired by the various senses that human beings can feel. In this context, light and other natural phenomena are very important elements. Using natural phenomena to create works of art is one of the themes that I have pursued throughout my creations.