[English Script is below.]

🎧 Podcast/YouTube配信 第3回 🎙
「素材の物語：なぜ今、天然素材が再注目されているのか？」を公開しました。
⁠
私たちの暮らしに欠かせない「素材」。
そのひとつひとつには、歴史と文化、そして人との深いつながりがあります。
⁠
今、世界中の建築やアートの現場で天然素材が見直されている背景、
そしてヘンプという素材の可能性について、制作の現場からお話ししています。
⁠
素材を選ぶということは、「どんな未来をつくりたいか」を選ぶことでもあるのかもしれません。
⁠
📺 YouTube & 🎙Podcastで配信中！プロフィールのリンクからぜひお聴きください。

#天然素材 #素材の物語 #ヘンプアート #サステナブルデザイン #アートと空間 #自然素材 #ヒロミキム #hemp #sustainablematerials #artandspace

---

[English Script]

🎙 Episode 3: The Story of Materials — Why Are Natural Materials Being Rediscovered Today?

Hello, I’m HIROMI KIM.
Welcome to my podcast, where I explore stories related to art, materials, and space through the lens of design and culture.
Today’s topic is:
"The Story of Materials: Why Are Natural Materials Being Rediscovered Today?"
I’ll share my thoughts based on my own practice, research, and the latest trends in the art and architecture world.

I was first drawn to natural materials—especially hemp—about 10 years ago.
It was a time when I began to feel a deep concern about the imbalance between our environment and social systems.
During my search, I encountered materials that have accompanied humanity since ancient times—materials that return to the earth:
hemp, washi paper, soil, wood, stone, fabric…
I began to realize that these weren’t just "materials," but carried memory, history, and culture within them.

So, why is there a global resurgence of interest in natural materials?
A major reason is the growing awareness of sustainability.
Modern society has long relied on industrial products, petroleum-based materials, and efficiency-driven systems.
But this has come with consequences: environmental destruction, health concerns, and emotional disconnection.
Natural materials offer an alternative.
For example, breathable materials naturally regulate humidity and temperature in a space.
They create a sense of comfort and security that synthetic materials often can’t replicate.
Also, natural materials are deeply connected to local cultures and landscapes.
So choosing a material is also about choosing a set of values—how we want to live and interact with the world.

The appeal of natural materials isn’t just about their texture or function.
Each material holds a story—one built over time.
Hemp, for instance, has been used for over 10,000 years in clothing, food, shelter, and even spiritual rituals.
It’s not only a practical material—it has played a cultural and symbolic role throughout history.
To me, materials are a kind of media of memory and culture, connecting us to the past while shaping the future.

What did you think?
Today we explored the theme:
"The Story of Materials: Why Are Natural Materials Being Rediscovered Today?"
Choosing a material isn’t just about design—it’s about shaping the spaces and societies we want to create.
I encourage you to listen to what the materials around you are saying.
In the next episode, I’ll talk about:
“Art and the Urban Environment: Creating Silence in the City.”
Please subscribe or follow if you haven’t yet.
Thank you for listening, and I’m HIROMI KIM. See you next time.