Born in the United States as a second-generation Japanese-American, Nakashima began his career as an architect. During World War II, when Japanese-Americans were interned due to the Pearl Harbor attack, he encountered traditional Japanese craftsmanship. From then on, he learned woodworking and integrated Eastern traditional aesthetics with his architectural training to create his own furniture. His design philosophy believed that good design could be universally understood, embracing cultures from various countries within the vast framework of nature.
Amidst the heyday of plywood as a furniture material in the 1950s and 60s, Nakashima focused on the intrinsic forms of wood itself—its grain, splits, knots—seeking to reveal the natural essence of wood as much as possible. He pursued joinery techniques using wedges instead of nails, aiming for a fit that emphasized craftsmanship. This approach allowed users to feel the natural state of the material, contributing to the distinctively comfortable and warm feel of Nakashima furniture.
In the library of the Guggenheim Museum, Nakashima's iconic pieces such as the 'Conoid Bench' with its conical-shaped backrest and the 'Settee' sofa featuring arms and frames that highlight the natural shapes of wood are on display, showcasing his commitment to preserving the original forms of wood in his designs.
