We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Takako Yoshikawa ("TY").
Captivating the World with Japanese Aesthetic Sensibility. Artist, Creative Director, and Designer. Born in Osaka. After majoring in literature at university, she began her career as a copywriter, working on advertising campaigns for major corporations. Determined to build enduring brand identities for products and establishments that would otherwise be consumed and forgotten, she founded her own branding company in 2003. She has never received formal training in either design or fine art. From 2014 to 2024, she traveled approximately 100 days per year. In 2018, her very first product design earned her the Red Dot Award — one of the world's largest and most prestigious international design accolades. Since then, she has gone on to receive more than ten international design awards, including the German Design Award and the A' Design Award (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) for product and interior design. In January 2025, she was ranked 4th in the world in the Cosmetic Product Design category of the A' Design Award, and was nominated as a DESIGN HERO by the same organization. In January 2018, she suddenly began to draw. She had no art supplies on hand. Starting from a single piece drawn with a blue ink pen in a ruled notebook, she produced over 300 works in less than six months. In 2019, she temporarily based herself in Oahu to focus on her art practice. Her abstract expression — in which geometric shapes and symbols proliferate and unfold — deepens with each new series, and such is the diversity and volume of her work that her solo exhibitions have occasionally been mistaken for group shows. Rather than refining her technical craft, she seeks to refine life itself. She cherishes the part of herself that "doesn't get better at drawing no matter how much she draws." She is a first-year natural farmer, a third-year beekeeper, and a fourth-year practitioner of fermented foods. She finds richness in a life that reveres plants and is bathed in the light of the moon and sun — while remaining equally curious about cutting-edge technology and other cultures. For over twenty years, she has worn Comme des Garçons exclusively, and has a particular fondness for the clothes she has stained with paint. She is also skilled at communicating through social media, and her Instagram account (@takako_artwork), where she shares her artwork and creative process, has surpassed 11,000 followers.
Takako Yoshikawa Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Takako Yoshikawa.
Takako Yoshikawa Design - Readey Reset and Detox Brush
Takako Yoshikawa Design - Shinsaibashi Project Restaurant and Wine Bar
Takako Yoshikawa Design - Nano Airy Hair Straightener
Designer Interview of Takako Yoshikawa:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
TY : I've been an expressive person since I was young.I feel incredibly fortunate. I studied literature in university, completely unrelated to design, but somehow found myself drawn into the creative world. Before I knew it, I was immersed in design. The first product I designed ended up winning a Red Dot Award.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
TY : Our company's slogan is 'Captivating the world with Japanese aesthetic sensibility.
DI: What is "design" for you?
TY : I think "design" has power to change everything, and to create some thing new, to know the meaning of my existence.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TY : I like mixed design of multiple styles, for example, something fresh, something new, and something traditional.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
TY : I think it's always.
DI: What makes a design successful?
TY : Imagine to be successful, always cleaning my eyes and my brain.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TY : The answer depends on the times and places. However, I think a designer is a wizard who makes the world evolve beautifully.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
TY : If my design style is verbal, it is oriental chic. Being symmetrical, being simple, having softness in a hard product, and having just a little oriental taste somewhere.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
TY : I am based in Japan and live in Osaka. I think I am influenced by Japanese traditional architecture and culture, such as shrines and temples, and Japanese culture like Kabuki. It's lucky for me. This year I am staying in Honolulu this spring to summer. The culture of Hawaii also have a big influence on me.
DI: How do you work with companies?
TY : I work as the branding partner / artistic director / project creative leader of our client companies.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
TY : First is to clarify a corporate mission. And then, to choose a designer who will fight together for the corporate mission.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
TY : I think it is important to image before design. Realistic image will be a real design. Check out the many beautiful designs and arts around the world for your eyes, do image training.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
TY : Keep fresh eyes.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
TY : To create as simple as possible.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
TY : Mostly it's Japanese listed companies. Please check our company website.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
TY : I am currently cearting on the second product for the brand. It's a cordless straight hair iron. The new product will be launched in the fall of 2019.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
TY : I develop my design myself. I also have my team.
DI: How can people contact you?
TY : Please email to my company.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
TY : Thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive this amazing award.