Bringing designs that have stood the test of time into our daily lives.
—The more I learn about it, the more interesting it becomes. Non-Native’s products place a great deal of importance on elegance, and I think that reflects Mr. Fujii’s aesthetic sensibility. Do you see any similarities in these stools?
Fujii: In that sense, I’d say it’s the design. Even within the minimalist style, the design really stands out—that sense of refinement, for example. It’s also interesting how different materials are used depending on the facility for which they were created. Whether it’s Africa, India, or Mexico, materials are chosen to suit the local climate and intended use. On top of that, we select them based on how well they balance with the room’s interior design.
Charlotte Perriand’s rattan stool has a certain Japanese feel to it, making it a perfect fit for a traditional Japanese-style room. “What matters is the texture and atmosphere when you touch it, and whether it blends in with the interior,” says Mr. Fujii.
—Do you tend to choose mostly French stools, Mr. Fujii?
Fujii: That’s true. Compared to Scandinavian designs, French pieces have a playful quality and fit beautifully into traditional Japanese rooms. Isamu Noguchi, who incorporated Japanese elements into his work, first made his name in Paris, so I suppose French and Japanese styles just go well together. Since both architects and decorative artists are professionals who design spaces, I think the furniture they create tends to blend harmoniously with interiors.
—Have you ever found something after searching high and low?
Fujii: I don’t think I’m quite that serious about it. There are plenty of serious collectors in the vintage furniture world, but I don’t really have that kind of “it has to be this one!” obsession or attachment… Of course, it’s different from categories where functionality is key, like electronics, but when it comes to clothes, cars, or cameras, I just buy whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.
—I feel like I’ve gotten a glimpse into Mr. Fujii’s approach to selecting items.
Fujii: “Of course, there are plenty of ”expensive, high-quality items” out there. But even if you’re in this line of work, once you have a family and a life to support, the line between what you can realistically afford and what you can’t is naturally drawn.
—We’ve talked about choosing items with family, but do changes in life stages also influence the choices we make?
Fujii: I think having a family definitely has an impact. When my kids were in kindergarten, they once drew a picture of Anpanman on the sofa, and there was even a time when the dog chewed it up (lol). In that sense, with a stool like this, you might find yourself thinking, “It still looks cool even with some scratches, so I guess it’s okay.”
—I’m curious to know what other items were in the running when you were deciding which ones to feature this time.
Fujii: It was really hard. I don’t take photos, so I don’t need a camera, and I’m not really interested in audio equipment either. I thought maybe a watch would be the answer, but when I really thought about it, I don’t have any particular preferences when it comes to watches either…
—I’d always assumed Mr. Fujii was the type who was very particular about what he chooses, so this comes as quite a surprise.
Fujii: Maybe I just get tired when I’m around things I’m really attached to. That’s why I don’t really mind if my shoes or clothes get dirty or torn. Also, I’m not that particular about things being authentic. For all I know, the pair I have might be a bootleg, and even if that were the case, I’d just think, “Well, I guess that’s just how it goes.”
—Are you sure that's okay?
Fujii: I used to have a lot of vintage denim, but I ended up selling it all. As for watches, I got rid of all my vintage Rolex models and replaced them with current ones. The current models are easier to maintain, and I don’t have to get caught up in the status competition among watch enthusiasts. Part of it is that I get bored easily, but more than that, I suppose I just don’t really care about the things I own.
—While I feel that jeans, sneakers, and watches are all on the same level in terms of everyday use, only the stool remains an essential item. Why is that?
Fujii: Unless you use a mirror, you can’t really see the whole picture of what you’re wearing, can you? Even with a car, you can’t see the exterior from the driver’s seat. But with a stool, all you have to do is put it in the room. I think it’s because you can admire the design you love whenever you want. They all have such a nice look to them, and even after all this time since they were made, they’re still here, intact. Whether it’s wood, rattan, or iron, natural materials really are amazing, aren’t they?
—I see. So, has having a favorite stool made a difference in your daily life?
Fujii: At the very least, I think having it in your living space makes a difference. There’s just something nice about having designs that have stood the test of time close at hand. The fact that they’ve survived to this day—amidst the countless pieces of furniture that have come and gone—is proof that they’ve been closely intertwined with people’s lives and cherished over the years. It allows you to view objects from that perspective. I think that’s one of the joys of owning a favorite stool.
—What if someone asked you to give them your stool collection?
Fujii: Well... I might hesitate a little, but in the end, I'd probably just say, "Oh, well, whatever. Go ahead" (laughs).
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