Denmark and Tokyo, The Cement Linking the Two.
Vol.4 “So, to the future...”

Denmark has also made its name as a country that excels in design for interiors and products.

Does the way in which design is considered differ from Japan?

Overall, Danish design is of high quality and the aesthetic sense is much the same, urban and rural areas alike. For example, the high level is generally sustained even for discount supermarkets and exclusive furniture butiques, whereas in Japan, the difference in level would be strongly felt depending on the setting. The distance from a small aesthetic ceramic shop in Daikanyama to visual screeming Don Quioxe in Shibuya is huge. That said, the latter is probably good for individuality.

Depending on the item in question, Japanese design tends to be very simple and use very appealing colors, muted and subtle as well as being horizontally and vertically symmetrical. Conversely, a trip to Shibuya or Akihabara sees chaotic designs proliferate, with a wealth of shops urging you to buy, buy, buy and there, the difference is profound. But this is one of the things I really like about Japan.

That said, in the traditional art and craft sector, eliminating simplicity and ornate decoration for decorative craftsmanship leveraging material may emphasize a common point.

How do you think we can boost the level of design in Tokyo?

I find the juxtaposition of static and hectic items in Japan and the resulting mixture of contrasting designs fascinating and I don’t see the need to change it. Even now, Europe still has a trend of people wanting to learn ‘wabi sabi’ and perhaps in that sense, Denmark may seem a little boring.

Has anything currently sparked a trend in Denmark?

Let’s make life as simple as possible. Moving away from the urge to do everything perfectly like work 40 hours a week, raise your child properly, do a marathon. People wants to get away from the obsession of having to do things flawlessly, migrating from urban areas to rural areas and islands and the number of people starting to try a more simple life is increasing.

Helene, how do you, yourself, aim to live your life?

For me that’s simple, what matters is being happy and comfortable. With that in mind, I try to do whatever I want to do in the available time.
 
What time in my life should I work… how best to balance business and private matters…, how taxes should best be used – all these points related to the work/life balance are also underpinning a major national debate on the topic.

Is there a specific direction?

I think doing things for people is laudable, but so is doing something differently from others. Of course, I also want to do something for me, myself. Rather than just looking ahead to the future, also reflecting on the past at times and hoping I can think positively when pondering how to enjoy the moment at hand.
 
If we’re talking work and NDC, I have mostly been engaged in a counselling and advisory role and, I hope I can increase the amount of such work as project manager at Kontrapunkt

How was your experience of the exchange program between Denmark and Tokyo?

The projects I am working on are interesting and day-to-day it is fulfilling. The next challenge I face is how best to tangibly exploit the lessons learned from this scheme and I think this kind of exchange scheme, with reciprocal learning of methods, is important. Leveraging my experience of working in a country with a different culture and a different kind of context helped teach me more about myself.
 
The exchange program between Japan and Denmark probably facilitates various kinds of learning based on the cultural differences involved. Through my work in Denmark, I think I can look back at what I did in Japan from a different perspective.

Will this change your approach to work when you return to Denmark?

I think it would be difficult to instill a change in the work approach and how we do things at Kontrapunkt with this experience alone. Even so, I think the work approach will definitely change, as will the things I prioritize. Since Kontrapunkt also has a Tokyo office, I want to experience working there. I have already got to grips with working in Tokyo, so I think I would not have a problem working there.

Do you have anything you would like to pass on to the next generation, based on your experience up to now?

As I said it, the young generation of today is full of ambition. Today’s young people in their 20s show a similar veteran propensity to know everything, but I think getting away from this striving for perfection is important. It’s okay to make a ton of mistakes while you’re still young, as long as you can be patient and gradually gain experience and knowledge.
 
One thing that Danish people value, unlike Japanese people, is to express everything directly as you think, straight out. They don’t hide things or beat around the bush. Especially as a younger person, I think that I can be sufficiently honest and open to express my feeling of nervousness and fright.
 
Building on that, having realistic goals. Rather than the disappointment of failing to attain what were always infeasible objectives, it is better to set manageable and achievable goals and realize that it is wonderful to do things for others as well as for yourself.

In future, what do you think is needed to boost the sectors of creativity and design?

As far as society is concerned, I think art ideas and creativity are vital. To continue to nurture these things, everyone has to take this view on board and move it forward. We also have to teach small children how to have a perspective on creative things. Schools tend to prioritize the hardware portion of education, such as reading, writing and mathematics over creativity, but emphasizing arts, music and sports is just as important.
 
In Denmark, although refugee problems are also actively addressed, they are also set against the values of the Danish people themselves. If you live 2 years, or sustain four generations, are you Danish? Whether you can speak Danish or whether you look like a Danish person… all of these are difficult points on the agenda. Key points include the extent to which we share welfare with immigrants and the numbers of refugees accepted. There are very few refugees in Japan, which could change the situation completely, but I think here, too, creativity is imperative.
 
Being creative means having an open mind and remember – anyone can be creative, I think having creativity will help ensure a broad perspective.