Even things that look the same at first glance are actually completely different.
—By the way, what about the clip holding the palo santo in place?
Miyoshi: Palo santo is just like a pencil—once it gets short, it’s hard to use all the way to the end, so you have no choice but to throw it away. But isn’t that a waste? That’s why we at *Everybody* created this clip. You don’t need a tray, and when you stand the palo santo upright, the smoke rises better and the scent spreads differently. The design features our logo embossed on both sides, and I also use it for other things, like clipping papers together.
—It’s convenient to take with you when you travel, isn’t it?
Miyoshi: It’s super easy—just put 1 or 2 pieces of palo santo and this clip into the 〈Pake〉. Also, this 〈Pake〉 is made in Japan, and it’s great that it seals so well, so the scent doesn’t escape while it’s stored.
The Palo Santo in a zipper bag from “Pake”—a collaboration between “Cyclomorphium” and “Everybody”—is currently sold out but is scheduled to be restocked soon. The bag seals tightly, preventing the scent from escaping and keeping the Palo Santo fresh at all times.
—I hear you use it at home as well, Mr. Miyoshi. How has your family reacted to it?
Miyoshi: I think the response has been good. When it’s lit, kids have fun blowing on it to play with it, and since palo santo doesn’t burn for very long to begin with, it’s actually safer than incense. The smoke spreads throughout the room quickly, but it doesn’t linger forever—only a faint scent remains. By the way, it’s said that if you find this smoke or scent unpleasant, it means your mind is in a clouded state; conversely, if you find it pleasant, then mentally…
—You mean he’s put together. Is that just the way Miyoshi is these days?
Miyoshi: Thanks to you, I'm feeling really great (lol)
—Can you even buy palo santo just anywhere?
Miyoshi: I think you can find quite a few if you search online. As for brick-and-mortar stores, you’d probably have to go to a specialty shop… “PLAY MOUNTAIN” carries them, too. They’re really high quality, and I don’t think they’re any less impressive than *Cyclomorphium*.
—Now that Mr. Miyoshi has featured it here, it looks like it’s set to attract attention once again.
Miyoshi: A few years ago, when palo santo was gaining attention, lifestyle brands and shops jumped on the bandwagon and started selling it, but to be honest, the quality of none of them was very good. In the end, I don’t think there are many places that still carry it today. Shaping it the way does really does take a lot of time and money.
—Even though we generally refer to it as “Palo Santo,” there are differences in quality.
Miyoshi: That’s right. They might all look the same, but they’re actually completely different. I’d been wanting to share that at some point, so when I was offered this interview, I thought, “Now’s the time to talk about it” (laughs). I hope that products made with real care and attention to detail will become more widespread.
Inspired by Mr. Miyoshi’s passion, *Everybody* offers a variety of Parasant-related items, such as trays and clips. The metal clip serves a dual purpose: it makes it easier to light the product and acts as a stand once it’s lit.
—You mentioned Palo Santo earlier, but aside from that, what other items are essential to your daily life?
Miyoshi: Come to think of it, sparkling water. I guess I just like things that make me feel refreshed.
—I see. Could you also tell us about your “philosophy on creativity,” Mr. Miyoshi?
Miyoshi: My creative approach is to “engage in complex, multifaceted thinking and reflection, while keeping the final outcome simple.” That’s how I like to create things. This Palo Santo from *Cyclomoratorium* is a perfect example of that, isn’t it? As a product, it’s incredibly simple, but how they carve the raw wood and how they ultimately finish it—that’s where the value lies, a value that only they can create. I think that’s what’s important.
—And because the message is so simple, it allows the recipient to interpret it freely.
Miyoshi: That's true. Palo Santo can be viewed from both a spiritual and a fashion perspective.
—I’ve heard you also like incense. Is “scent” an important element for you?
Miyoshi: I’ve experienced this myself—don’t you find that people’s scents and the smells of places are linked to our memories? The atmosphere that customers feel when they visit our store, and that indescribable sense of comfort—I believe scent is an essential element that triggers those memories.
—Let me ask you again. What does “essential” mean to you, Mr. Miyoshi?
Miyoshi: I think the same goes for the items I design for “Everyone.” Pack T-shirts, Cool Neck sweatshirts, and socks—they’re all simple and readily available. That’s the kind of system I want to build. It’s not easy, but I think that challenge might help someone and become part of their essentials.
—If something is always available, it becomes indispensable to that person—in other words, an essential. Come to think of it, there was a mention of “one’s own personal space” at the beginning, and the studio I visited this time was absolutely lovely.
Miyoshi: I believe the environment in which you create is incredibly important. A tidy room is better than a cluttered one for immersing yourself in thought without distractions, and the music you’re listening to at that moment also influences your creativity. That’s why I think “space” is so important to me. It’s really interesting and fascinating to see how my creativity changes when I switch up my surroundings. And Palo Santo is an essential part of creating that kind of space.
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