What I Found Standing in a River | Troy Yoshimoto | TEDxKyoto University

Japanese American industrial designer and ceramic artist Troy Yoshimoto, who works in New York and is based in Kyoto, talks about finding joy and curiosity in everyday life. He describes how a focus on ultimate goals and results can lead people to overlook the process and the small discoveries around them. His approach draws on nature, which he respects for its rhythms, forms and the qualities of its materials. The talk was given at an independently organized TEDx event.

• Pressure and fear of failure when focused only on final results
• Working as an industrial designer in New York and a ceramic artist in Kyoto
• Nature as a source of inspiration for design and ceramics
• Living with joy and curiosity in daily life

Have you ever felt pressured or feared failure in your daily life because you were so focused on pursuing your ultimate goals or results? As a result, you may have overlooked the process of getting there and missed the small discoveries right in front of you. What is Troy Yoshimoto’s approach to daily life? He works as an industrial designer in New York, designing products we use in our daily lives, while also pursuing a career in ceramics in Kyoto. Drawing inspiration for his work from nature, respecting and loving it, he shares what he believes is essential for living a life filled with joy and curiosity. Japanese Translation: 日常生活において、最終的な目標や成果をひたすらに追い求めるあまり、プレッシャーを感じたり、失敗を恐れたりした経験はないだろうか。その結果として、そこに至るまでの過程を軽視し、目の前にある小さな発見を見逃してしまっているかもしれない。日常生活で使用する製品をデザインするインダストリアルデザイナーとしてニューヨークで働く傍ら陶芸の道にも進み、現在京都を拠点として活動しているTroy Yoshimoto氏が考える、日常との向き合い方とは何なのだろうか。自然から作品のインスピレーションを受け、自然に親しみを持つ彼が、喜びや好奇心と共にある人生を歩むために大切なことを語る。 A Japanese American originally from California, Troy Yoshimoto is currently based in Kyoto, where he works as an industrial designer while also pursuing his practice as a ceramic artist. He is passionate about shaping thoughtful and sustainable products and experiences that enrich everyday life. His work is consistently inspired by nature, reflecting a deep respect for its rhythms, forms, and the inherent qualities and expressions of its materials. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx