I would actually say that I am more interested in the artists than the artworks.
What role did art play in your childhood and teenage years? Were there any artists or collectors in your family?
Although there were no artists in my family, my parents and relatives loved art. In our home, I grew up surrounded by paintings, most of which were made by local artists from my hometown. Art is also something I have always felt drawn to. I recall the impact of the first time I saw a painting by Genichiro Inokuma at my uncle’s home, I was very impressed by it.
For you, what is art? Is it your passion, profession, addiction, or an alternative form of investment?
Art is one of the most exciting things for me. I have met a lot of great people through art.
What is your main motivation for collecting?
I once met an artist who explained to me how difficult life can be for artists in Japan. Indeed, even though there are many artists and galleries, there is a lack of collectors. I love the arts, and artists, and I don’t want to see them disappear, so I felt personally compelled to remedy this situation by encouraging people in Japan to begin collecting artwork. I was constantly trying to think of new ways to encourage more people to get involved in the art world and find interest in works of art. I once went to an ARCO art fair, where I met up with many of my friends from the art world. We had a great time, however, I couldn’t seem to find any Japanese collectors. I wanted to make people aware of the inherent pressures within the art world. This led to my creating an art community, ‘One Piece Club’, in 2007. We have certain rules; one of them is that we have to buy at least one piece of Contemporary Art per year. Another is that we only buy works by living artists. As such, one can both enjoy these artworks and support artists. I believe actions speak louder than words. I think buying a work of art is the greatest compliment for an artist. We also have an exhibition with works from members’ collections at the end of every year. One Piece Club has also been supporting art fairs through membership fees since 2008.
How and when did you start collecting?
The first artwork I purchased was an etching by Yayoi Kusama in 1991. It cost me around JYP 70,000 (USD 700). At the time Yayoi Kusama wasn’t as famous as she is now. For that, I was very lucky. I never intended to become a collector, even after I had began buying artworks. Therefore, I can only really say I started being a collector and having a collection when I bought an artwork by Bunta Inoue in 2007. I now own quite a few pieces by him.
How has your taste changed since you started collecting?
I was first interested in Antiques, but I’ve now become more interested in Contemporary Art, especially Objet Art. I currently have about 200 artworks. Saying that, I would only count 100 of those as being part of my collection, as I see my collection as being only the works of Contemporary Art.
How important is it for you to meet the artists who have created the artworks?
Meeting and talking to the artists is very important to me, and I like to buy an artwork after meeting an artist. I would actually say that I am more interested in the artists than the artworks. For me, it is very important to get to know what kind of person an artist is, especially what their ideas and thoughts are. Displaying my collection throughout my house allows me to look at the works everyday. When I look at an artwork, I can see its creator in it; if I didn’t like the artist, then I would feel a certain uneasiness, another reason why meeting and talking to the artists is so important to me.
Who are the star artists and artworks in your collection?
Yayoi Kusama, Kohei Nawa, Toru Kuwakubo.
Which three artists from your country do you think have the most potential?
Three, Takashi Kuribayashi, Youhei Sugita.
Which international artists do you think have the most potential?
JR(France), Antony Gormley.
Which three artists or artworks were your latest purchases?
Kiichiro Adachi, Three, Ichiro Endo.
Photo credit: artfair331.jp
