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An architect talks about the charm of Tokyo Tower
Celeina: Hashimoto-san, when you look at the city of Tokyo, is there anything that you think is cool about the architecture?
Hashimoto: The Tokyo Tower.
Celeina: Oh, you can see it from here! You can see it from here.
Hashimoto: Now that the other buildings are taller, it looks smaller, but I am from a rural area, so it is a symbolic building that reminds me that I have come to Tokyo. The buildings next to it are designed in various ways, but I feel that Tokyo Tower has nothing unnecessary.
Celeina: Simple is best.
Hashimoto: And yet it wears a nostalgic atmosphere. I think it’s cool.
Takano: It has a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It’s like a sense of security.
Celeina: Mr. Hashimoto, I’ve heard a lot about your work. Is there anything special you do to refresh yourself or have a hobby to make your work go smoothly?
Hashimoto: I really shouldn’t, but I don’t have any hobbies. …… (laughs). But before I opened my own office, I went to Africa to dig for the bones of the first humans, and I quite like that kind of anthropology and archaeology. I like visiting old shrines and so on.
Takano: No, going to Africa to dig for the bones of the first humans is beyond my liking (laughs).
Hashimoto: I also like going to see cave paintings and painting pictures that have nothing to do with my work.
Celeina: Tracing history.
Takano: It seems to lead to your work, doesn’t it?
Hashimoto: I guess you could say that I am interested in people in the end, such as why they painted there or why they were born there and lived there. I think that’s what I am interested in.
Celeina: I am interested in people.
Takano: After hearing this story, I would like to see Hashimoto’s architecture again.
Celeina: It adds depth, doesn’t it?
Takano: I encourage listeners to visit Mr. Hashimoto’s website.
Celeina: “FIST BUMP” today we welcome architect Naoki Hashimoto. Thank you very much.
Hashimoto: Thank you very much.
