After the Takikawa Conference
At the beginning three topics relating to design were raised for discussion: the problem of extremely market-oriented design in Japan, the problem of regional differences and the objectives of design. This time, we were not able to reach a coherent conclusion, but nonetheless, the exchange of opinion between people of different position was valuable. Various problems surfaced and still continue to occupy our thoughts today. To sow seeds for the future is more meaningful than forcing to reach a conclusion within a limited time.
As for me personally, the topic that still occupy my mind is that of regional differences in design. I am confronted daily with the other two problems, namely, of market-oriented design and objectives of design, and so I can understand why these topics were raised for discussion. Moreover, I do feel that I am able to face and come to terms with them concretely through dealing daily with my work within the society. On the other hand, working in Tokyo, it was at first difficult to even understand the meaning of raising the question of regional differences in design for discussion. I am still pondering on this theme, which I still do not fully understand. Assuming that the objective of modern design is “to make life better”, the fundamental meaning of “a better life” has become invisible with the passing of time. Our lives have certainly become more convenient materially. But is life really “better” in a society denying natural environment? This is a point to be discussed further. In my opinion “convenience” is not proportional to “better life”.
