Born in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture in 1988. Graduated from the Department of Metalwork, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, and completed graduate studies at the same university. Received international awards while still a student. Meanwhile, established "Atelier TOCOHA," a shared studio for young artists. Actively pursuing artistic activities both domestically and internationally.

What is an important message to convey when expressing oneself as an artist?

—What were your thoughts when you were selected as one of the four people for this event?

Mr. Yonei has a very strong belief in the development of traditional crafts and the spread of art in Japan. I create my works by linking "crafts," which are a culture closely intertwined with people's lives, with art, and I am very happy that we were chosen because our desires to contribute to the development of the Japanese art world align.

—What are the characteristics of Mr. Tashiro's works and style?

While fashionability and, in the case of high jewelry, material value are important, I often create my work with a mindset closer to contemporary art. The jewelry I try to create is based on the concept of how to generate value through expression, so it's the same feeling as creating an object or painting.
The objects and paintings displayed in art museums are in a world isolated from the human body, with people saying, "Please do not touch them." However, jewelry can be worn, and its texture and tactile sensation can directly affect people. That's why I've come to the conclusion that jewelry is the medium I should choose for my artistic expression.
My work may be difficult to wear, but I hope people can find value in it in other ways.


—How did you interpret this theme, "JEWELRY & LIFE"?

Since I started out in crafts, I create with the idea that my work should be closely related to people's lives and enrich their lives. When I heard the title, I thought that if we proposed how jewelry can be a part of people's lives and incorporated an artistic perspective, an interesting chemical reaction might occur.

—What is the most important thing to you in your creative process?

As an artist, I strive to create works that can influence people's way of thinking and their perspectives. Breaking down preconceived notions and redefining whether common sense is truly correct is a message that has been present in all of my works to date.


— What do you want customers at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building to see and feel?

I've previously presented my work at Mitsukoshi, and since department stores are places where people with diverse perspectives gather, I've achieved good results. Jewelry is basically something women wear, but I create it without considering gender at all. I want to send a stronger message to men, especially those working in the upper echelons of society.

NEXT Tsubasa Inai – Original jewelry that gives form to "phenomena" such as light and reflection.