INTERVIEW — VOL.09
Maiko Sugiyama
Text _ Solidus Editorial
After graduating from Musashino Art University with a degree in visual communication design, Maiko Sugiyama built her career as a designer in the world of entertainment — spanning lifestyle goods, film, anime, and games — before establishing herself as a freelance illustrator. From the full visual identity of confectionery brand "Now on Cheese♪" to department store event visuals, product packaging, books, and magazines, she works across a wide range of platforms. Her style has a way of gently drawing out the small emotions and scenes of everyday life, quietly accompanying the viewer's own world. Here, she talks about the song she discovered during a night in her university years — one she still can't let go of.
Could you tell us about your work?
I'm an illustrator.
When and where do you usually listen to music?
Mainly while drawing or commuting.
I also enjoy listening to music that matches a place — like playing a band's hometown on location, or a film soundtrack at the actual shooting site.
I love radio music programs too. I'm devoted to Kayō Scramble.
What song would you like to share with us today?
"火吹竹" (Hibukidake) by "高田渡" (Takada Wataru), from the album "石" (Ishi).
Listen on Spotify ›
How and when did you first come across this song?
Back in university, I made it a weekly ritual to stop by the Tsutaya in Shibuya on the way home from work and borrow a few folk albums. That's when I fell for "高田渡" (Takada Wataru).
This album became a particular favorite, and "火吹竹" (Hibukidake) is one I still listen to regularly today.
Do you have any particular memories or moments you associate with this song?
It opens with the line 「毎晩夜通しおきていて僕は 何にもしてやしないのです」("I stay up all night every night, and I haven't done a thing") — and it came on one night while I was alone, quietly preparing for an exhibition. It sank in deeply.
The lyrics were written by Takada Wataru's father, Takada Yutaka. There's a loneliness to it — small moments of life sung sparingly, with minimal sound. I love that sense of the everyday and that minimalism. It feels like it brings me back to a normal temperature.
How do you feel this song has influenced who you are today?
Finding material in everyday life, and slipping a little playfulness into my work — that might owe something to "高田渡" (Takada Wataru)'s music.
Is there any music you've been listening to lately, or any artists you've been interested in?
For the past few years, I've been consistently drawn back to "台風クラブ" (Typhoon Club).
They describe themselves as "the late afternoon light of Japanese rock" — and I love that dusty, dazzling quality, in the best possible way.
When I listen in the evening, I get this urge to hold the whole world close — and then immediately want to let it go.
Is there anything you make a point of doing in your everyday life?
Sleep well. Never forget what I love.
PROFILE
Maiko Sugiyama
After working as a designer in entertainment — spanning lifestyle goods, film, anime, and games — Maiko Sugiyama established herself as a freelance illustrator. Known for her work on the full visual identity of confectionery brand "Now on Cheese♪", she is currently active across department store event visuals, product packaging, magazines, and more.
THREADS
@sugiyamaikoSHARE