Since its founding in 1905, Kokuyo has expanded continuously from paper, office supplies, and office furnishings, to become the world's largest and most complete supplier of office products. In 2004 Kokuyo reorganized into separate companies within a holding company structure, and in 2005 it celebrated its centennial by redesigning the company logo. The activities of the Group now encompass a broad range of products and services including office supplies, furnishings, store equipment, construction management, logistics, and outsourcing services in administration, human resources, and accounting. Kokuyo's office design business has established a presence in the rapidly growing Chinese market. The offices supplies division is focused on the development of products characterized by universal design and intuitive use.

 

Kokuyo Co. Ltd. has won 150 Good Design Awards, including 3 special prizes, for product design.

 

KOKUYO CO. LTD

6-1-1, Oimazato Minami, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-8686 Japan

Tel. 06 6976 1221

 

 

A universal design notebook with diagonally cut page edges, facilitating the act of turning pages in either direction, even with dry fingers or if wearing a Band-Aid.

 

Designers: Toshiki Kimura and Eriko Hamada

You'll never be without the corner of an eraser again! Kadokeshi is a unique concept in rubber erasers, composed of small cubes joined together for a total of 28 corners. When one corner has become worn down and rounded there is always a fresh corner to use. Kadokeshi is made of an elastomeric resin, which means low environmental impact.

 

Designer: Hideo Kambara

This magnet is actually composed of two very powerful magnets. The hinged structure allows users to remove the magnet from the wall by simply squeezing it together.    

 

Designers: Shigeharu Kawai, Kou Kayama, Tatsuya Kato

A push pin that is easy to use. Its point is covered by a soft plastic guard that prevents users from being pricked when handling it. Its pleasant design and colors tend to overshadow this very important safety feature. The plastic guard also provides a better grip when removing the pin from the wall.  

 

Designers: Shigekazu Tanaka and Shuro Osato

Award Year: 2001

 

A recent development, this glue tape offers unprecedented ease of use. The dispenser holds 13 meters of tape and applies the right amount uniformly without leaving sticky edges. The glue is very strong, does not cause wrinkling, and keeps your fingers clean. It is perfect for sealing envelopes, mounting photos in albums, or wrapping presents. The dispenser is made of recycled, solvent-free, environmentally friendly  plastics.

 

Designers: Takashi Mitsui and Hideto Shima