I was born and raised in Kyoto, immersed in traditional culture. Later, I pursued design studies in Milan, a historically rich city, and have since worked in the design industry for many years. As a part of the generation that grew up during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, I have witnessed the effects of climate change, particularly through natural disasters. These experiences have deeply influenced my creative work. While I acknowledge that the creative process inevitably involves using the Earth’s resources, I am committed to exploring ways to address the responsibility and karma that come with these choices.
My work reflects a vision in which coexistence with the Earth is one of the most critical issues of our time. I have replaced the materials that contribute to environmental degradation with natural alternatives, and integrated this approach into everyday life, conveying messages through my designs. In a time marked by despair, hope, destruction, and renewal, I strive to create works that bring light to society and inspire others. My pieces are shaped by a unique aesthetic that fuses environmental consciousness with a forward-looking vision, challenging the conventional approaches to sustainability.
Over the past decade, hemp has been my primary material. This plant has been a part of human history for over 10,000 years. In ancient China and Egypt, it was used in fiber, paper, clothing, and even food. In medieval Europe where it was encouraged as a critical crop, its strong fibers were used for ship sails and ropes. Notably, in the United States, leaders such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson advocated hemp cultivation, which became widespread during the Revolutionary War.
Hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, is defined in the U.S. and Canada as a variety containing less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana). The industrial hemp used in this study was derived from the stalk of the plant and contained negligible THC.
In the 20th century, hemp was unjustly regulated alongside marijuana due to its minimal psychoactive content. However, recent years have seen a revival in the understanding of its environmental benefits. Hemp improves soil quality, reduces the need for pesticides, and can be used to create bioplastics, biofuels, construction materials, and pharmaceuticals. Compared with cotton, hemp uses far less water, produces double the yield, and its fibers are four times more durable. Unlike cotton that pollutes with pesticides, hemp contributes to soil purification and improvement. Additionally, hemp seeds are highly nutritious, packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, and are increasingly recognized as superfoods. As an annual plant, hemp grows and replenishes much faster than bamboo or wood and has long been integral to traditional life and culture in Japan.
In Japan, hemp plays an important role in Shinto rituals and festivals. It is used in sacred ropes in shrines, amulets, and ceremonial clothing, symbolizing purity and protection. This deep cultural history holds a special place in the Japanese spirit, reflected in the “Jingu-taima,” the sacred talisman of the Ise Grand Shrine. However, modern awareness of this history is fading.
By incorporating hemp into my work, I intend to deepen public understanding and encourage its broader use, hoping that it can contribute to the healing of the Earth. I seek to create designs that promote harmony between humanity and the planet, thereby offering a vision of sustainability for future generations. My work strives to be a gift to those who will come after us–an exploration of new value systems in the design of a world in which people and nature coexist.
Portfolio:
https://molfo.net/archive/HIROMIKIM_Portfolio_en.pdf