Dialogue - Jiro Nagase [Part 2] -

From metalworking to 3D printing

The "shibori" technique involves hammering a single piece of aluminum into a shape. The pieces are designed to inspire the imagination and can be used to create objects, vases, wine coolers, and more.
"I feel like the meaning of the word 'monozukuri' (manufacturing) is also changing. In factories where productivity is required, craftsmen use fully automatic machine tools, and the less skill or knack is needed in manufacturing, the more people feel interested in the acquired skills themselves, as in the term 'Living National Treasure'. I guess it's the kind of interest that makes you wonder why you would make something by hand these days."

Jiro combines craft techniques such as metalworking with industrial technologies such as presses, CAD, and 3D printers to create works that capture the results of unintended fluctuations and movements of materials.

A folding chair made of aluminum. "When it's printed by a 3D printer, it doesn't have the texture of an artificial object, but when you finish the material by hand, it feels like it can be seen in the same place as metal or earth." The parts printed by the 3D printer are used as fasteners without any sense of incongruity. You can customize it by combining parts. The folding chair is a made-to-order item.

Handicrafts and digital technology may seem like an unlikely combination, but Jiro sees things from an equal perspective.

"When I make structures like musical instruments or folding chairs, I often use CAD to design them, but I first roughly create something by hand, then draw a blueprint of it, then shape it, revise it, and draw a new blueprint again. I repeat this process, and I think it's very important to be able to do this quickly in a single workshop on an individual scale.

3D printers and laser cutters are very precise and are like craftsmen who work without sleep, but there is no sense of attachment to the printed parts. You have to make corrections and make it look good with your own hands. When you make things in this way, you start to see the significance of handwork."
This exhibition will feature a special summer holiday event at the Learning Space, called "Demonstration and experience of Nagase Jiro's new fire starter - baking potatoes in foil over a midsummer bonfire" on Sunday, August 1st. It is not just another outdoor item, but it has a sophisticated aluminum look and functionality. It is also different from fire starters and gas burners, so we hope you will come and experience the process of starting a fire and the joy of getting it started.

Aging of aluminum

Also on display at the exhibition are Jiro's plates that have been used in the dishwasher by Marui, the owner of Comptoir Coin, and have changed over time. Aluminum plates change over time depending on who uses them. They show signs of cuts from knives and forks, traces of food served on them, and a rich flavor that develops over time.
The "Nagase Jiro Exhibition" will be held from Saturday, July 24th.

The current exhibition space has been designed by Jiro, the creator himself.

It's a meticulous setup process that involves repeated attempts and then resetting to zero.

The resulting space is a place of reflection that is different from the usual.

I would like you to experience the scenery that can only be found in this place.

After this conversation, your impression of the item will change. I feel that this will happen when you actually see, touch, and use the item. Jiro, who loves cats, will be in the gallery many times during the exhibition. I hope that you will take this opportunity to listen to his demonstration of the fire starter and the background of how the work was made, and pick up the work. I'm sure your impression of aluminum will change.

[Interview article Part 1]

Dialogue - Jiro Nagase [Part 1] -

There are people who are challenging themselves to create new things using materials that everyone knows.

Interviewer and writer: Yoshiaki Ono

[Exhibition Information]

Jiro Nagase Exhibition Schedule
Saturday, July 24, 2021 – Sunday, August 1, 2021
No days off during the period Artist is in the gallery
24th,25th,26th / 30th,31st,1st hours
13:00－18:00

Comptoir Coin Dinner Party
July 24th (Sat) and 25th (Sun)
Start time 12:00¥8,000
An eight-course meal, all served in Jiro Nagase's aluminum creations