Kenta Hirai

Kenta Hirai creates furniture under the concept of “furniture that challenges established notions,” using Yoshino cedar—an esteemed wood from Nara Prefecture—and a bentwood technique called free form lamination. Yoshino cedar is traditionally used in architecture and typically traded in lengths of around four meters, allowing for the creation of seamless, knot-free furniture. We spoke with Hirai about his journey to becoming a furniture artist and the challenges he plans to take on in the future. Question 1 : After studying architecture in university and working at a major architectural firm,...