Mae & Yohei’s first meeting in Osaka
On 31 July 2023, Mae Engelgeer and Yohei Oue, the duo selected by the MMP, met for the first time in real life at Yohei’s head office in Osaka. As Mae had traveled from Kyoto to Tennoji station by train, the three of us walked from the station to Yohei’s office, while having an icebreaker session with short self-introductions on the way.
The meeting started when we arrived at the reception room and showroom in Yohei’s office. After a brief explanation on the company’s history and products, the duo discussed designs and ideas for the production of original washi paper samples using printing and dyeing techniques, while they exchanged their views on the end products they are conceiving, such as cushions, pouffes, lighting and other interior products. They also discussed the goals of the project and how to expand into Europe after the MMP is completed.
The meeting ended with the decision to visit a washi-dyeing craftsman in Kyoto (in August) as the next step.
Our next visit will be at a craftsman’s workshop in Kyoto. Keep an eye out for the next article!
