The brand name is my own name, so in a way, the concept is simply myself. You might say, "What are you talking about?" but ultimately, I want TAMIYA to be an expression of who I am.
Quietly, more richly. As stated in my profile, this is a life theme and a phrase I want to reflect in the brand.
1. Dissatisfaction with modern society
Some of you might think this is negative right from the start, but I believe it's something everyone harbors, and I feel that I can't discuss the concept without addressing it.
The internet and cities are overflowing with information, and a vast amount of created content is consumed at an incredible speed. Truly. Also, verbalization and visualization are considered good, and things that are clear and easy to understand often appear brilliant. It's dazzling, and sometimes even enviable.
Living amidst such things, or constantly seeing only such things, can lead one to neglect their own sense of rightness or what they hold dear. On screen, people are overly concerned with others, losing time to confront themselves. This can sometimes lead to being overwhelmed by anxieties and worries from unknown sources, even offline. It has certainly become convenient. Even in my short life, I'm astonished by the evolution of the times. While I benefit from many aspects of this era, I still find it difficult to live. That's how I feel.
2. Experience as a nurse
For five years, I worked as an emergency nurse at a city-run hospital. Five years flew by in an instant, but it was an irreplaceable time for me, filled with so many emotions.
In the stark environment of white walls, I cared for various people: those whose lives were on the verge of ending, those whose thread of life had already snapped, and those who had overcome great challenges and seemed to be pulling through their life-threatening crises. Of course, these interactions often involved not just the patients but also their families and friends. However, there was no time for emotional attachment; I had to move on to the next patient, and then the next. To be brutally honest, each person's critical day was just one in a continuous stream for a nurse. Unconsciously, I became exhausted by the work amidst all this, and of course, there were many dilemmas. There were times when tears would well up for no apparent reason.
As I gained control over my work, including my emotional and mental aspects, I was able to direct my focus inward. It was then that I finally realized that ordinary things—eating meals, walking, reading books, wearing clothes, being moved, laughing—are incredibly precious. I began to feel that I needed to engage more with the part of myself that can do these things, while I still can.
3. Launching the brand
Carrying the negative feelings mentioned above, and with my experience as a medical professional, I went through various emotions and, with the convergence of many connections, launched this brand.
4. Favorite Japanese culture
I deeply appreciate invisible aesthetics and ambiguous cultures. Some might say this is a negative trait of the Japanese, but I believe such history and culture preserve things like the bow that respects others, thoughtful gestures and words, and the spirit of hospitality. These are also things I unconsciously valued.
5. Quietly, more richly.
"Quietly" expresses the feeling that even though the world is difficult to live in, I still have to live, and I want to live. Therefore, I want the world I create to be calm and peaceful. It also includes the meaning of "ma" (space/interval) and the spirit of respecting others, reflecting my desire to honor Japanese technology and culture.
"More richly" embodies the desire to create products that can bring joy to people—enjoying wearing clothes, feeling excited with accessories, experiencing exhilaration, and simply enjoying everyday things as they are. My hope is to create items that resonate with people who want to live this way or who already do. I hope that through these items, people can experience various emotions. Including myself, of course.
