INTERVIEW

“I have been a longtime friend of Tetsuo Yamaji, who was responsible for the architectural design of BIRTH LAB and BIRTH IN-RESIDENCE. Before the Ginza Takagi Building was demolished, he asked me to manage an art event called ‘CANBIRTH,’ and that became my starting point. Although the event had to end mid-term due to the impact of COVID-19, President Takagi reached out to me afterward, and that led to my joining the company.”

“At the university, I teach interior design and architectural-related subjects. So in that sense, there is overlap with my work at Takagi Building. But at the university, I see it as a place to absorb students’ free ideas and new proposals. Of course, there is always a gap between ideals and reality (laughs).
When working on internal projects, we discuss ideas among team members, but during the research stage of concept development, hints inspired by the students’ fresh and innovative ideas often become a great source of inspiration.
When presenting to President Takagi, I always make sure I can clearly communicate my ideas, intentions, and the background of the concept. I also see my communication with students as something that accumulates within me as a source of confidence.”

“Yes, for the first-floor space of ‘Hitotokian Tobitakyu,’ I was responsible for all aspects, including the selection of furniture.
‘Hitotokian’ is a condominium brand that differs in concept from Takagi Building’s office buildings and residences, targeting families. I approached the project from a new perspective while staying rooted in the concept, shaping what I wanted to create.”

“Although Takagi Building is a real estate company, it does not limit itself to conventional rental building operations. It actively takes on new challenges such as the BIRTH project.
Originally, real estate was outside my area of expertise, so when I joined, there was so much I didn’t know. But Takagi Building has true professionals in each field, and being thoroughly trained by them was incredibly valuable.
Beyond that, there are many initiatives—such as BIRTH events—that go beyond the traditional boundaries of real estate. The environment here allows you to engage in your work quickly and flexibly while constantly encountering new information, and I think that’s something unique to Takagi Building.”

“For me, it’s living in a way that allows me to discover something new while balancing work, family, and raising children.
I’ve always loved traveling, and I value experiencing cities, people, cultures, food, and architecture firsthand. These days you can find any information online, but I believe it’s important not to rely only on the internet—actually experiencing things matters.
I always want to output something new and make new proposals. That’s why I think it’s necessary to actively expose myself to new stimuli.
Right now, it’s difficult to travel to different cities or countries, but once things calm down, I want to be out exploring again.”