What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
When I wake up, I brush my teeth — naturally — then I drink a glass of warm water.
A drink you never get tired of?
Water.
What’s been playing in the background lately?
I always listen to David Bowie and the Rolling Stones — timeless classics for me. More recently, I’ve been discovering several very interesting young Japanese artists, such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Kaze Fujii, SIRUP…
Your go-to outfit, the one you put on without thinking?
A simple T-shirt.
Which clothes feel like a second skin to you?
I like all styles, especially mixing them. I have a particular fondness for vintage pieces: they carry a story, a past, and the finishes are often truly artisanal.
The last book you read or film/series that really stayed with you?
More than a recent film, it was an era that marked me. Before arriving in France in 1983, I watched many films from the 1970s that made me dream of Europe. The French New Wave deeply influenced me, and especially Luis Buñuel — particularly That Obscure Object of Desire, which I found strange and fascinating.
When was the last time you were completely moved by a work of art?
That’s hard to say — there is so much talent and so many beautiful things that move me. With contemporary art fairs happening right now, I’m discovering many artists. But I always return to the great classics: Matisse, Picasso… their use of color continues to inspire me endlessly.
What’s the last thing that truly surprised you?
I’m always seeking to be surprised. And for that, I travel.
Something you collect or are obsessed with?
The little Usagi, of course ;-) They’re everywhere in my creations. When I arrived in Paris in 1983, I landed at Charles de Gaulle, and as the plane touched down, the first thing I saw through the window was… a colony of little rabbits hopping around, forming something like a wave. From that day on, this animal became my lucky charm. I paint it, I draw it, and it spontaneously finds its way into everything I create.
A meal you’ll never forget?
To me, gastronomy is the real trend of the moment. We’re always interested in art, of course, but cuisine is drawing increasing attention — especially through these unexpected blends: Japanese, French, Italian…
Recently, for my birthday, I went to Le Doyenné, south of Paris. Set in former stables surrounded by a vegetable garden, it’s run by two Australian chefs who offer a cuisine that is both refined and relaxed. In the kitchen and the dining room alike, the teams are numerous and perfectly coordinated — great mastery, warm service… It left a very strong impression on me.
A trip that changed the way you see things?
Travel always inspires me: a language, a culture, an architecture, a landscape — everything interests me. And then there’s Paris, of course: I’ve lived here for almost 40 years, even though I travel back and forth to Japan. I have a large house in Kyoto that I love, but I feel at home in my small Paris apartment. This city plays an essential role in my life.
Where do you feel most at ease?
In Paris, obviously. And in Japan, naturally.
But the way I live means I’m a bit of a foreigner everywhere — it’s a feeling I experience in both countries. In the end, I’m a free spirit.
Where do you go when you want to disappear?
My studio. My work is my passion, my life.
The most beautiful gift you’ve ever received?
Friendship. It’s my friends and precious encounters that have brought me to where I am today.
What remains unfinished in your life today?
So many things! In my head, I’m still a kid. I’d love to learn how to skateboard, to dance hip-hop…
I always want to learn, to accomplish, to discover.
What’s next on the horizon?
Several projects! I’m planning to create a large ceiling fresco for a Parisian restaurant. Next year, I have several projects in Japan — including a fresco and ceramics on a 30-meter exterior wall, as well as another stoneware project for a hotel in Kyoto. And of course, the exhibition I’m preparing for next year.
