If my son is to take over as a 'kumiko' —the art of intricate wooden lattices— artisan in the future, I want to create a situation where he can make a living from it. Therefore, I aim to make the world of 'kumiko' attractive. There has always been a plan to expand this craft internationally, and spreading the technique of kumiko has been a goal. That led me to this project where I met Ms.Suzuki, who has been studying kumiko and 'iki' (a concept of chic or stylishness in Japanese aesthetics). We decided to team up. I am a traditional kumiko craftsman, and Ms.Suzuki is a creator who also utilizes modern technologies. While I am accustomed to making products of fixed designs, her innovative ideas involve creating versatile developments that intentionally don't specify a single use. These have provided a fresh perspective to traditional kumiko product development. Initially, there was some anxiety, but it was coupled with excitement and anticipation as well. I aim to nurture CELL with a long-term vision.

"My encounter with a 'kumiko' craftsman in Shimane prefecture sparked my fascination with the sophisticated and traditional craft of 'kumiko’. Which embodies the Japanese aesthetic sense of 'iki'. I have pursued the study of 'kumiko' from both physical and digital perspectives. Currently, I am exploring beyond the conventional flat-plane kumiko, blending traditional craftsmanship with digital fabrication to design wearable art such as kumiko dresses, exploring new possibilities.
The project 'CELL' focuses on the smallest units of kumiko, creating a scalable system that allows the product to adapt, using free imagination and the specific demands of its users. I hope that 'CELL' users can create playful and 'iki' lifestyles without being bound by conventional rules."