Today we’d like to introduce you to Jun Kawai
Hi Jun, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Japanese designer and artist currently based in Los Angeles with a background in architecture. I left Japan when I was 15 years old to study abroad in Vancouver, Canada. Since then I’ve always followed my curiosity of trying something new and challenging myself- it was a lot of trial and error to make a progress. This has lead me to my experience, which includes collaborations with firms like Meier Partners (Richard Meier), where I’ve worked as an architectural designer in New York. I also earned my MFA in Industrial Design from the California College of the Arts (CCA) in May 2024. I am excited to share that this is just the beginning of my new journey as an artist merging my experience and expanding my curiosity in new challenges.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has never been a smooth road! At the beginning of my journey, I left my home country by myself, not knowing any English and not knowing anyone. I struggled with homesickness, and everything was a new challenge every day. On the other hand, my excitement for all the experiences pushed me through the hard times, and I started loving this bittersweet feeling.
Studying architecture was another big challenge for me. With my limited English skills, learning architectural language, designing, and presenting were all very challenging. I had no time to sleep and kept tackling the problems. I always felt like I was on the edge of it, but I didn’t even have a chance to stop and worry; I just focused on doing the best I could.
Throughout my journey, the reason I was able to get through the tough times was the people who supported me—especially my family, who always believed in me, and my friends, who cheered me up when I was feeling down.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work lies at the intersection of Japan’s rich artisanal history and contemporary material innovation. Having lived outside of Japan since the age of 15, I’ve developed a perspective that allows me to both honor and reimagine my cultural origins. With the current societal challenges in Japan – such as aging population, shortage of successors, and the rapid advancement of technology alongside fast-paced lifestyles – many traditional practices are at risk of extinction. This motivates me to not only preserve, but also expand Japanese traditional culture by reinterpreting it through modern design, ensuring it doesn’t fade away. By adapting these elements, I aim to create and reintroduce designs in new ways that will connect not only spaces, but also people, heritage, and culture.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to believe in myself and always do my best, trusting that the results will follow. I’ve come to understand that the true meaning of failure is not trying or not doing anything about it. I’ve also learned to always appreciate the people around me and those who are part of my journey. When I enjoy my journey, the right people seem to show up and make it even better. Even during hard times, I see them as part of my journey—moments that are meant to help me grow and not to stop me or end my path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jun-kawai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gubnuj21/
