Talking Techo with Makoto Kagoshima

ーー: Thank you for making time for us today. Both of the techo covers are finally complete.

ーー: We’re so glad we were able to work together, and your designs turned out amazing. We actually weren’t sure if you would accept the offer to design something for us, so we were a little nervous.

Makoto: There's nothing to be nervous about. (Laughs) The Hobonichi Techo isn’t some passing fad. It has gradually-growing popularity, and I like products like that. Products like that seem like they were difficult to make, yet the creators still went ahead with it because they wanted to make something interesting.

ーー: We’re happy to hear you say that. Your cover is so popular among the Hobonichi staff that some people are considering switching over to the A5 size just so they can use the “Cat Trio” cover.

Makoto: Wow, thank you so much. It’s difficult to print on linen, so I was worried it would come out a little rough. But this turned out nicely.

Makoto: I wanted to make many people happy, first of all. And because the techo is a very personal item that you always carry with you, I figured it would be more fun with three cats by your side.

ーー: That’s true. There’s something encouraging about feeling as though you’ve always got these cats by your side every day. And then there’s the Bird, Flower, Willow design that was a rearrangement of a work you’d painted ten years ago.

Makoto: Right. I changed it up quite a bit this time, but it is based on the original from ten years ago. I really loved the design a lot, but unfortunately, I haven’t had much chance to show it to many people. And because I’ve probably improved my skills since then, I wanted to revisit the piece and give it one more try.

ーー: The designs are both quite colorful now, but I remember they were both monochrome at first.

Makoto: At first I thought it would be a more versatile design if it was only one color. But after studying them for a while, they started to look a little dreary, so I gave them some color. Since this is something that will stay by your side all year, I figured it would be better to create something that comes across differently to all users every time they look at it, depending on how they’re feeling at the time. Like if someone were to really enjoy one part of the design one day, and find the next day that their favorite part is one of the flowers.

ーー: When we saw the finished cover in person, we were so thrilled to see how gorgeous the color scheme was. And it’s great to see the use of such subtle colors on a Hobonichi Techo cover for the first time.

ーー: In my [Makiko] personal experience, when I first learned about you, it was through some handkerchiefs on display at a gallery in the accessories shop doinel. Some were monochrome, and some were colorful.

Makoto: That’s quite a long time ago. Even before I worked with Hobonichi on a haramaki in 2012?

ーー: Yeah, it was before that. I remember finding both types quite beautiful. At first I wanted to buy the monochrome one, but then I couldn’t pull myself away from the colorful one. When I tried to make a decision on a color, I went back to being entranced by how amazing a design could be with nothing but lines. I’ll never forget how much happiness I felt in that moment, when I was unable to make a decision. So when I came to work on the techo, I could just imagine that same enjoyable moment for customers, and wanted to work with you on a cover.

Makoto: I’m glad you approached me about it. And I’m grateful to say that the handkerchief is a big hit for all kinds of people, and I’m glad I’m able to make them happy. They’re actually printed in India.

Makoto: Right. But some guys in India end up making some rearrangements on their own. (Laughs) They move the pattern around as not to lose some parts, and make changes without my permission so that it’s easier for them to carve out the press. Every time we get the products back, I think, “Ah, it turned out differently again.” It’s a little strange, but I see it as a good thing.

Makoto: Sure. (Laughs) There’s a part of me that sees myself not as a designer, but a creator of tools. I’d rather not demand that things be a certain way, and instead allow creators to do their job without stress, have the final product turn out well, and make my customers happy. All that matters is that everyone’s lives become a little more fulfilled because of it.

Makoto: Not in the traditional sense. I see art as something you create for your own sake. But that’s not the case for me. I feel like it’s something I’m able to do to make other people happy. The best part for me is making someone happy when they choose something I make.

(To be continued)