Lemnos Staff (LS): You have such a memorable name, Ufufu Maiko. It carries the same poetic quality as your work.

Ufufu Maiko (UM): Back in my student days, I was overjoyed to see my friends smile at something I made. In that moment, I truly felt alive and thought how wonderful it would be to bring more smiles to people’s faces. That feeling inspired the name Ufufu (an onomatopoeic Japanese expression for a soft, gentle chuckle). After graduating from university, I worked as an art director at an advertising agency, which I really enjoyed, but eventually, I wanted to create original works that could make people around the world smile, so I decided to go independent.

Even before I went independent, I really wanted to turn one of my clock designs into an actual product. That’s when I reached out to Lemnos, a company known for its beautifully designed clocks. At first, they turned me down, saying my design didn’t quite fit their style, but I just couldn’t give up. I contacted them again later and said, “Please make the clock. I’ll handle the sales myself.” At that point, I didn’t have a sales network or any real resources. I just had this strong desire to make the clock, and that alone kept me going.

LS: The uhuhuclock became the starting point that eventually led to the creation of Herstory.

While carrying forward the concept of a story unfolding each hour when the clock hands meet, the initial design of Herstory centered on the theme of “dreams,” in which three girls are represented by the clock hands. Do they each have their own character?

UM: Yes, of course. Each one has her own personality. The balloon girl loves feeling the wind on a hilltop. She’s free-spirited, friendly, and full of curiosity, like a gentle breeze. The butterfly girl loves flowers. She waters them every day and cares for them with a kind and nurturing heart. The shooting-star girl is a bit of a dreamer, but when it comes to what she loves, she’s steady and hardworking. What all three share in common is that they each embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams with determination—a reflection, I think, of women today.

LS: You have an energetic spirit, yet we understand the journey of bringing Herstory to life was a long one.

UM: I had been working on it for years, but the project came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Around the same time, material costs surged, the Japanese yen weakened, and the world around us changed dramatically. On a personal level, I was also going through childbirth and parenting, and there were moments when I wondered if I would ever be able to finish it. Still, I refused to give up and continued refining the design through constant exploration. Bringing together the concept and design I mentioned earlier into a finished clock was truly a process of trial and error.

LS: You’ve worked extensively in graphic and package design. Did you notice any differences in the creative process when designing a clock or other products?

UM: I’ve always been fascinated by clocks as moving products, but I soon realized that making them look beautiful at every moment in time is far from easy. It really made me aware of the true challenges of design.

At the idea stage, the numerical indices started as an original font inspired by the gentle flow of the wind. It gave the face a light, delicate feel while maintaining clear legibility. The overall balance of the face was carefully considered. Choosing the clock frame was challenging, but when an aluminum frame was suggested, it felt immediately right. Its metallic texture adds a crisp sharpness, and the inclusion of glass creates a sense of peering into the story itself.

After several years of development, the Herstory prototype was unveiled at the 2023 Interior Lifestyle Exhibition. I was overjoyed to see it displayed alongside other Lemnos products and to receive such positive reactions from visitors through direct conversations. It felt as if all the years of effort had finally paid off. The following September, I was thrilled to receive pre-orders for the clock at the minne exhibition.

Herstory came to life thanks to the support of so many people. Executive Director Kikuchi offered honest and encouraging feedback on the design; Mr. Omichi from Lemnos accompanied me throughout the entire process, and everyone at the Tokyo office and headquarters stood firmly behind the project. Their unwavering dedication, from prototyping to launch, made Herstory possible.

LS: What inspires your creativity?

UM: My creativity comes from ideas that naturally make people chuckle. That sense of joy is also the theme of my everyday life. Even when I have disagreements with my family, I try to make them laugh, so we can reconcile quickly. I’m always thinking about how to bring happiness to my family, friends, and those around me, and I believe that spirit is reflected in my work.

I’ve loved drawing since I was a child and still spend every day sketching or designing. I feel uneasy if my hands aren’t moving. Being able to make creation my life’s work brings me true happiness.

LS: Lastly, could you share your thoughts on Herstory, which took years to complete?

UM: The girls on the clock hands are the main characters of Herstory. They remain positive and keep moving toward their dreams. Even when they stumble or feel discouraged, time does not stop or turn back. They remind me that the only way is forward, and they gently guide me along the way.

Achieving a dream is never easy, but I believe that if you stay proud of your dreams and continue working toward them, something meaningful will always come from your efforts. I hope Herstory can inspire women around the world to reflect on their own dreams and serve as a supporter for those who are striving to make them a reality.


Brought to life by the hands of Ufufu Maiko, Herstory radiates warmth and positive energy. Speaking with a smile, she shared her vision of creating a clock that serves as a song of encouragement for anyone chasing their dreams.