Yoshihiro Minamide industrial designer redefining Japanese tradition through lighting and furniture
Yoshihiro Minamide is an accomplished industrial and CMF designer whose work spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design principles. A graduate of Nihon University College of Art, Minamide began his professional journey at Casio, where he contributed to the design of digital cameras, medical devices, and calculators.
Currently working at Mitsubishi Electric, he focuses on the design of refrigerators and cooling systems, while also engaging in new business development. Simultaneously, he maintains an active freelance practice, designing daily necessities and furniture that reflect his multifaceted approach to form and function.
One of his most innovative projects is a lighting design titled And-on, a reinterpretation of the classic Japanese andon lantern. This portable lamp, which doubles as a floor lamp while on its charging dock, emits a soft, comforting light and can be moved effortlessly from room to room.
The design pays homage to traditional materials through the use of urushi lacquer, reimagined in a pigment-free, translucent form that showcases its natural depth and warmth. Collaborating with Kyoto-based Makino Urushi Kogei Co., Ltd., Minamide explored the unique material properties of urushi to create two expressive textures—Oki and Kagari.
The Oki texture is achieved by manipulating urushi’s chemical curing process through humidity and temperature. Water is applied to cause surface-level hardening and cracking, which are then layered to form variations in light transmission. This results in a glowing, ember-like effect that evokes a quiet intensity.
In contrast, the Kagari texture embraces urushi’s interaction with proteins, increasing its viscosity and capturing dynamic brush strokes. This texture mimics the unpredictable motion of flames, giving the lamp a vibrant, organic quality.
Minamide’s sensitivity to traditional aesthetics is also evident in Shizuku, an incense holder designed to evoke stillness and simplicity. With a droplet-shaped aluminum holder and a base made of sumi-dyed maple wood, the piece embodies quiet elegance. The form is both sculptural and functional, as the holder can be inverted to conceal the incense hole when not in use, preserving a minimalist silhouette.
Yoshihiro Minamide design philosophy also extends to contemporary lifestyle challenges, such as urban living. Kusabira, a soft, floor-level stool inspired by the shape of a mushroom, is a response to the need for flexible, space-conscious furniture. Drawing from Asian traditions of floor living, the piece promotes comfort and openness in small environments. The name itself refers to a type of non-parasitic mushroom, symbolizing its adaptable nature.
Throughout his work, Yoshihiro Minamide consistently bridges the gap between modern life and timeless Japanese values, shaping a future where heritage and innovation coexist seamlessly.
All images courtesy of Yoshihiro Minamide
https://www.yoshihirominamide.com
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