The fact that the internet can send out interesting works to the world in a snap encourages me in many ways when I introduce works online.

Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

I've been in this field since 2000. Currently I work as an art director and interactive designer at wildcard inc.

What do you do for inspiration?

I enjoy taking a walk in a quiet atmosphere.

Tokyo is a city filled with excitement. So you don't really have to look for inspiration - you are constantly surrounded by it and inspired by it.

That is why I like to place myself in a quiet atmosphere, and figure out just exactly why I considered a specific inspiration so interesting.

It's really a very precious time for me. It turns a simple piece of inspiration into something more deep and solid.

Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

http://infosthetics.com/

http://ffffound.com/

http://www.cbc-net.com

and lots of other blogs.

What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

Onehour

What software couldn't you live without?

Flash and OS

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

Currently I am working on additional contents for the Onehour project.

And at the same time, I am preparing content which is a combination of InteractiveDesign and MotionGraphics at an upper level, for a different project.

Who do you rate as being the top 3 design companies?

http://tha.jp

http://www.group94.com/

http://www.psyop.tv/

What effect on traffic do your new designs have?

The more innovative approach I have with my designs, the more access I have not only within Japan but from all over the world. The fact that the internet can send out interesting works to the world in a snap encourages me in many ways when I introduce works online.

Who is your target audience?

Every project I do for my clients has a different target, so I aim to reach the designated audience the project is meant to be for.

On the other hand, in my private works such as the 'line project' of wildcard inc. I deliberately do not set a target.

I'd like to see how the general public reacts to my works that I personally find good and interesting.

What area of web design lacks the most?

The distinctive feature of web designing is that technical skills have a great influence on the appearance and functions compared to other fields of design.

That is why people tend to put weight on their skills which results in lacking the opposite angle, which is the emotional aspects - in other words the analog features such as the atmosphere and unforgettable impressions.

What did your very first site look like? Is it still online?

I created a site which was a collection of my works. It has been revised and updated during the past years, so it is different from its original appearance but you can view the current version at "wildcard inc."

Have you written any books, if not do you plan to?

I have written a couple of books concerning introduction of Flash works and its explanatory.

What was the toughest thing you ever did with Flash? How long did you spend on it? Is it still online?

The "DNA Menu" and "3D Globe" on Onehour. It took me three weeks to make the high-speed rotation of the 3D Globe work.

Do you think Flash is here to stay?

I believe Flash plays a role in interactive designing, similar to what Photoshop does in graphic designs.

But what I am looking forward to is that we can have other choices besides Flash, such as 'Processing' which aims in the same direction, but has different characteristics.

What are your views on design/graphic school. Do you think someone can get into the field without educational experience in a school environment?

Going to school is a good choice in taking a first step because they teach you from the basics. And it is also good to meet people who are hoping to succeed in the same field.

But like me, I think there are other choices, other than going to schools, to succeed in this field.

I don't mean you can succeed all alone, because whatever way you choose, you'll always need to learn from other creator's/designer's programming, works done by other people and you can learn from your associates as well. It will be pretty difficult to succeed completely by yourself.

It's not really important where your road to success started from. What is important is that you constantly need to study, have fun and create. That can lead you to success.

When your company was just getting started, what did you find was most effective for getting new clients?

That would be me my private site.

Up until now, ever since I established my company, I have never gone out seeking for business.

Good designs are appreciated by someone, and that someone leads to business.

As long as I continue to create good designs, the series of 'good designs leading to more customers' is repeated. So the best thing to do is create good designs.

How have you learned so many Flash/design skills and techniques and can you offer any advice for newbies?

I learned the basics of programming while I was a major of Computer Science and Systems Engineering at University. I learned about Flash on my own. And I learned the basics of designing when I was working at a graphic designing company.

The rest of the skills I have now, I learned on the job. Everyday is trial and error.

The size of the project or work doesn't matter. Just don't stop creating. Always have time to work on your private site, aside from business works.

And what is most important is to always enjoy and have fun creating.

What is the most expensive thing you've bought in the last week?

A poetry book.

What type of overcoat do you wear when Flashing, basically are you a labels man?

Casual clothing.

Any parting shots or pearls of wisdom?

Thanks for giving me this chance to have an interview.