BRIDGING CULTURES WITH TERUO KUROSAKI

Words: Jonna Hunt Photography: Christopher Hunt

Teruo Kurosaki bridges Japanese and Swedish culture for a living. We met him at Ett Hem hotel in Stockholm during the design week, and later in Tokyo over Soba noodles.

left

 Teruo in OH-06

WHAT SIMILARITIES ARE THERE BETWEEN SWEDISH AND JAPANESE CULTURE?

Japanese culture matches the Swedish sense of design and attention to details. Sweden is western but much calmer in its approach. The design is settled and noble. The Japanese need that.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST INTERESTS?

Basketball, fashion, art and design.

YOU OWN SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL CREATIVE COMPANIES IN TOKYO, INCLUDING COMMUNE 2ND AND FARMERS MARKET. YOU ALSO WORK FOR SABAE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE TO PROMOTE THE EYEWEAR CRAFTSMANSHIP BASED IN THE CITY – IN OTHER WORDS A PERFECT MATCH BETWEEN YOU AND OH MY EYES.

It’s interesting to see a Swedish fashion brand, designed in Italy and crafted in Sabae, Japan. Japan is known for its traditional craftsmanship and high quality. Sabae is not good at promoting itself, it needs to be pushed put to the modern world.

WHAT AREA IN TOKYO IS BEST FOR FASHION SHOPPING?

Daikanyama has many sophisticated shopping areas. There is also a nice shopping in Meguro and Omtotesando.

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR THE BEST SOBA NOODLES?

Ryan near Shibuya. They also have a great natural wine selection.

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR THE BEST COFFEE?

Cafe De L’mbre.

WHERE DO YOU EAT THE BEST RAMEN SOAP?

Kuroki.

Afuri.