The Problem of Excessively Market-Oriented Design — Design for a Better Earth
Our world is ruled by a money supremacy doctrine. China has joined the struggle for money, putting spur to the game. Through free competition, the sense of happiness given by “God” is not to be found anywhere. A society in a reckless bid for competition was born, where even culture is used as stage. Our “beautiful Japan” has disappeared. The human race has to unite to change our values, taking power into our hands. We must question what is important for mankind. The answer is education. I would like to add “design” to the present art and handicraft curriculum in elementary schools, teaching “design for a better earth”.
The Problem of Local Differences in Design — Design for the Region
This problem concerns me personally. In fact, I might be one of the protagonists causing regional differences. Local designers do not have a “will”. It is expected that the design fee is included in the printing bill. A profession cannot exist without payment. That is why local designers are demoralized and are without a “will”. Unfortunately, this is the reality in the provinces. In spite of it, I would like to aim for design that is regional with a local touch, seeking for new values in design.
The Purpose of Design — Design for the Future
Modern design aimed to revolutionize society and life to create a better future. This statement truly expressed our feelings in the 1960’s when we encountered Toshiba’s rice-cooker and Sony’s transistor television. Today, we do not feel this revolutionary feeling when we look at Roppongi Hills or Midtown. I feel anxious if they are supposed to be our “guiding signs” for the future. If these are supposed to serve as our “model” screened through the filter of design, then I ask myself what is the role of design? The purpose has become invisible. I will think about it in long terms far away from the Hills out in the province, based on the questions raised by Mr. Igarashi and arranged into three themes by Mr. Kashiwagi.
