Judging Committee
ChairpersonVice ChairpersonJury Members
Seiichi Saito
Creative Director | Panoramatiks Principal
Born in Kanagawa in 1975. Saito began his career in New York in 2000 after graduating from Columbia University with a Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD). He returned to Japan after being selected as an artist for Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial 2003. After working as a freelance designer, he established Rhizomatiks Co., Ltd. (currently Abstract Engine Co., Ltd.) in 2006. Leading the internal architecture department Panoramatiks, he is working as a planning and implementation advisor on a number of projects for local communities led by governments and corporations, as well as solutions for cultural, tourism, and industrial issues. He was the Creative Advisor of Expo 2020 Dubai Japan Pavilion and is the EXPO Co-creation Program Director for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Jin Kuramoto
Product Designer | Representative Director, JIN KURAMOTO STUDIO Inc.
Born in 1976. After working at a home appliance manufacturer, he established JIN KURAMOTO STUDIO in 2008. With the approach of communicating the project concept and story through a clear formative expression, he has been involved in the design development of various genres, like furniture, home appliances, eyewear, and automobiles. He is also a visiting professor at Kanazawa College of Art and Musashino Art University and a part-time lecturer at Musashino Art University.
Yuko Nagayama
Architect | Executive Director, YUKO NAGAYAMA & ASSOCIATES
Born in 1975 in Tokyo. Completed studies at Showa Women’s University in 1998. 1998–2002, worked at Jun Aoki & Associates. Established Yuko Nagayama & Associates in 2002. Representative works: “Teshima Yokoo House,” “Central Garden – Goddess of The Forest,” ”JINS PARK,” “Japan pavilion for Dubai Expo,” “Tokyu Kabukicho Tower,” est. Awards received include L’Oreal Encouragement Award, JCD Design Award (2005), AR Award (2006), ARCHITECTURAL RECORD Award, Design Vanguard (2012), JIA Young Architect Award (2014), Yamanashi Cultural Prize of Architecture, JCD Design Award (2017) Silver Award, Tokyo Architecture Award (2018) Excellent Award, WAF Division Excellence Award (2022), etc. Plans are currently underway for the TOKYO TORCH project in front of Tokyo Station, the Panasonic Pavilion and the Women's Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai International EXPO.
01Accessories and Wearable02Personal Care03Stationery and Hobby04Household Goods05Home Appliances06Audio, Video Equipment07ICT Equipment08Equipment and Facilities for Manufacturing and Medical Care09Housing Fixtures10Furniture / Equipment and Facilities for Office and Public Space11Mobility12Housing (Detached House and Small Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)13Housing (Medium to Large Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)14Construction (Industry and Commercial Facility)15Public Facility, Civil Structure and Landscape16Media and Contents17System and Service18Initiative and Activity for Regional19Initiative and Activity for the General Public
UNIT 01Accessories and Wearable01-01Accessories and personal items01-02Accessories and personal items for professional use01-03Clothing
Tamae Hirokawa
Creative Director / Designer | SOMA DESIGN
Hirokawa established "SOMA DESIGN" in 2006, launched the brand "SOMARTA" at the same time, and participated in the Tokyo Collection. She won the Newcomer Award and the Shiseido Sponsorship Award of the 25th MAINICHI FASHION GRANDPRIX. In addition to a solo exhibition "Tamae Hirokawa - Body Genealogy," she worked on many collaborations with businesses, including the Canon "NEOREAL" exhibition, TOYOTA "iQ×SOMARTA MICROCOSMOS" exhibition, YAMAHA MOTOR DESIGN "02Gen-Taurs," etc. Her 2017 SOMARTA signature item, ”Skin Series,” was made part of the collection at MoMA and drew attention. She won the 2018 WIRED Audi INNOVATION AWARD. Co-developed the podium jacket for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with ASICS. In the same year, as an invited artist of Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, she organized a new festival, "Tamae Hirokawa in BEPPU" together with citizens.
Yoshiharu Hamada
Product Designer | Studio Galleryworks / Professor, Department of Product Design, Tama Art University
After working for a sports manufacturer, engaged in product development and brand- building works, he established Studio Galleryworks. Since 2018, he has been a Professor of Product Design at Tama Art University in the Department of Product and Textile Design. He is the project leader of ‘Design for Disposal’, which aims to build Circular Society. Since 2021, he has been a Research Supervisor for the ACT-X research area of Japan Science and Technology Agency. Since 2023, he has been a Jury member of the Design and Illustration Competition for the Prevention of Ignition Accidents Caused by Lithium Batteries, etc., organized by the Ministry of the Environment.
Sae Honda
Designer, Jewellery Artist | Lecturer, Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft design, Musashino Art University
After graduating from Musashino Art University, Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft Design, worked at IDÉE before moving to the Netherlands. Honda completed her study at Gerrit Rietveld Academie in 2016 and she moved from the Netherlands to Japan, in 2021 where she has been internationally showcasing self-initiated works as well as commissioned work. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the Museum Arnhem in the Netherlands. Author of 'EVERYBODY NEEDS A ROCK' and 'Anthropophyta / Artificial Plant Gate' (published by torch press). Lecturing at Musashino Art University, Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft Design.
Takashi Honda
Product Designer | Professor in the Department of Design, Aichi University of the Arts / Representative, Design Studio CRAC
After graduating Aichi University of the Arts and working at YAMAHA Corporation's Design Laboratory, Honda established Design Studio CRAC in 2000. He has been involved in product design for things such as audio products, furniture, household equipment and commodities. He received Red Dot Design Award, IF Design Award, Good Design Award, etc. He completed a master's degree at IAMAS (Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences). He has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Design and Craft, Faculty of Art, Aichi University of the Arts since 2015.
UNIT 02Personal Care02-01Wellness and massage items02-02Sanitary goods02-03Beauty care equipment and instrument02-04Childcare goods and accessories02-05Household childcare items02-06Household nursing and rehabilitation equipment
Gen Suzuki
Product Designer | Director, GEN SUZUKI STUDIO
Suzuki is a graduate of the Design Products Program at the Royal College of Art in the UK. After working at Panasonic Corporation and the London and Boston offices of IDEO, he established GEN SUZUKI STUDIO. He collaborates with domestic and international firms, including Herman Miller, Casper and OMRON with a seamless approach between living and design at a studio set up in his house. He has won prizes including IDEA Gold Award, GERMAN DESIGN AWARD Gold Award, and his works are part of the permanent Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum collection. He is a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University and Musashino Art University. Chair of Product Design of British D&AD Awards 2023
Shunsuke Ishikawa
Design Innovation | Founder, KESIKI INC. / Visiting Professor at Tama Art University, specializing in TCL
Graduated from Central St. Martins, London. Worked at Panasonic Design Company and PDD Innovations UK before joining IDEO Tokyo as a Design Director for its launch. Later, served as the Strategic Design Director at BCG Digital Ventures before assuming current position. Involved in numerous business creation and design management initiatives. Served as a judge for D&AD, Good Design Award, and various design selections nationwide. Author of the recent book "HELLO, DESIGN: Japanese and Design" (published by Gentosha). Currently the CEO of Wood You Like Company and Chief Design Officer (CDP) of Asahikawa City.
Masuko Unayama
Product designer, Space designer, Art director | SyuRo Co., Ltd. Representative Director and President
In 1999, he founded SyuRo Ltd. The company designs products and spaces for daily necessities in Japan and abroad, as well as directing shops, hotels and restaurants. In 2008, he opened a directly managed shop in Kuramae, Tokyo, contributing to the development of the Kuramae area. In recent years, he has opened SAMNICON in Miyota, Nagano Prefecture, a place where he can propose the next generation of recycling-oriented comfortable living and interior design. The company specialises in proposals that utilise materiality and space, and conveys total lifestyle design.
Keita Suzuki
Industrial Designer | CEO, PRODUCT DERSIGN CENTER
Suzuki is a designer, born in 1982. He founded the Product Design Center in 2012. Influenced by his grandfather, a renown art collector, he has gained big interests in the beauty of Japanese and Asian art and crafts since his childhood. He was later attracted by the field of product design with focus of people’s daily life and activities. Developing the idea of ‘steady innovation’, by which product design is seen as part of a historical time-line, he aims to move it forward with making a beautiful standards both in product and public design.
Jian Zhang
Market Research Analyst | Senior Research Director, Interact Analysis
After graduating from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Jian embarked on her career at Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Co., Ltd., specializing in exterior styling design for automobiles. Transitioning into market research, Jian has held roles at prestigious institutions such as IHS Markit and IMS Research, accumulating extensive experience leading research activities in scaled, high-growth industrial and technology markets, including industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and robotics. In her current role as Senior Research Director at Interact Analysis, Jian leads global initiatives, providing invaluable market intelligence to clients worldwide.
UNIT 03Stationery and Hobby03-01Stationery and office supplies03-02Teaching materials and educational supplies03-03Toys03-04Sporting goods03-05Leisure/Outdoor/Travel goods03-06Hobby goods and pet care supplies03-07Garden tools03-08Musical instrument
Yuma Harada
Designer | Representative, UMA /design farm
Born in Osaka in 1979. He graduated from studies as an architecture major in the design program of Kyoto Seika University’s Faculty of Art. Representative, UMA/design farm. Special Visiting Professor at Nagoya University of the Arts. Based in Osaka, at the center of projects related to culture, welfare and community, he aims to visualize philosophy and to create new experiences through graphics, space, exhibitions and planning and development. He also works on design through continued dialogues and experiments focusing on “Think Together, Make Together.” He is the author of “One Day Esquisse: Design class for finding ‘a point of view’ in thinking.”
Hiromitsu Kimura
Creative Director | Director, Design Division, Panasonic Corporation
After graduating from Tama Art University, Hiromitsu Kimura joined Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (currently Panasonic) and designed audiovisual products such as video and cameras. In 2010, based in London, he oversaw the creative direction of audiovisual equipment. In 2021, as the director of the design center, he led the overall design of home appliances and beauty products. Since April 2023, he has been overseeing the design division of the entire Panasonic Group as Director.
Chiho Sasaki
User Experience Designer | Founder, infield design inc./ Professor, Tama Art University
Based on ethnographic research, Sasaki provides consultation on design covering various areas such as domestic and international health care, nursing care, community, mobility, resource protection, and city planning. She co-authored “Product Planning from Scratch” (Sekigakusha). Professor in the Department of Integrated Design, Tama Art University and part-time lecturer at Aichi University of the Arts. She previously worked for IDEO and GK Graphics. She completed her master’s degree at the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology.
Kazutoyo Yamamoto
Designer | Representative Director, dessence Inc.
Born in 1976. Founded dessence in 2005. Active in various fields such as architecture, product design, and corporate branding.
Laila Cassim
Art Director / Designer | General Incorporated Association SHIBUYA FONT
Through collaborative design, Cassim links creative activities of social welfare workshops with design to create social inclusion, financial independence for people with disabilitiesas well as engaging social understanding within the design and industry . SHIBUYA FONT,where she is art director, is one such project, which has been accoladed with many awardssuch as GOOD DESIGN (2019) and Judgeʼs Choice award at Japan Open InnovationAward in 2022. Most Recently, the project also won the Best Design Award at Golden Pin Award in Taiwan.Cassim is also a Research Associate at Tokyo University and tutor at Kuwasawa Design School. As of April 2023 she has been appointed Associate Professor at Nara Womenʼs University’s Engineering Department.
Thomas Garvey
Industrial Designer | President, World Design Organization
Dr. Thomas Garvey is President of the World Design Organization, an international non-governmental organisation that promotes the profession of industrial design and its ability to generate better products, systems, services, experiences, and ultimately a better environment and society. Prior to WDO, Garvey was Associate Professor in the School of Industrial Design at Carleton University where he was Director from 2007-2017. He specialised in design for extreme and minimal environments. His interest in small-scale living spaces grew out of work in New York on space station interiors and led to doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo on the topic of housing and urban density. In 2022, he was appointed as Distinguished Visiting Professor in the School of Design of Hunan University. Garvey and his teams have earned numerous awards, and their work has been presented around the world. He holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Carleton University, a M.Sc. in Communications Design from Pratt Institute in New York, and a Ph.D. in Architectural Planning from the University of Tokyo.
UNIT 04Household Goods04-01Kitchen goods, cookware, tableware and cutlery04-02Daily necessities04-03Cleaning goods04-04Emergency supplies04-05Bedclothes04-06Religious supplies
Shuko Yaginuma
Buyer | enfactory inc
Yaginuma joined "STYLE STORE", the online specialty store in 2006 after she worked at a department store in Tokyo. She has 17 years experience as a buyer while she plays her role as an advisor for product development and market development as well as a judge of various design competitions.
Tadahito Ishibashi
Product Designer | CEO, IDL corporation
Graduated from Chiba University's Department of Industrial Design in 1995. After working for a domestic electrical manufacturer and a business consulting company, founded IDL Co., Ltd. in 2005. Involved in design and consulting for domestic and international home appliances, information and communication equipment, furniture, and daily necessities. Selected as a designer for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's overseas dispatch program in 2010 and 2011. Also serves as a part-time lecturer at Hosei University's Department of Design Engineering.
Daisuke Kitagawa
Product Designer | Representative Director, DESIGN FOR INDUSTRY INC.
After working for a Japanese consumer electronics manufacture, Daisuke Kitagawa established DESIGN FOR INDUSTRY INC. in 2015. Based on the principle of creating "enrichment" that can be shared with everyone involved, he has been engaged in variety of fields, both at domestic and international, from furniture and daily necessities to traditional crafts, home appliances, robotics, advanced technology R&D, new material R&D, business development, and city branding. He always provides design and creative direction from the perspective of "comfortable innovation." He has won many awards, including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Design award, and German Design Award. He is a part-time lecturer at Kanazawa College of Art.
Yoko Yasunishi
Designer | Director, DRILL DESIGN Co,.Ltd.
Established DRILL DESIGN with Yusuke Hayashi. She creates designs in a number of categories centered on product design. She often participates in projects from art direction, material development, and technological development, and broadens new possibilities with clients in Japan and abroad. Awards she has received include the Red Dot Design Award, the German Design Award, the Good Design Special Award, and the Wallpaper* Design Award, among others.
UNIT 05Home Appliances05-01Home appliances05-02Environmental appliances and equipment05-03Cooking appliances
Noriko Kawakami
Journalist | Associate Director, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
1986, Kawakami joined editorial dept of AXIS. 1994, she became freelance journalist. 2007, Associate Director of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. She has assisted in numerous exhibitions, including Japanese Design Today 100 (Japan Foundation, 2014-2023). She had also was co-curator extensively, including for "Japon Japonismes. Objets inspirés, 1867-2018" (Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 2018). She is Guest Professor in Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft Design, and concurrently Lecturer in Department of Scenography, Display and Fashion Design, Musashino Art University. She is also Lecturer at Nagaoka Institute of Design, and Kuwasawa Design School. She is a member of the Board Directors of Tama Art University.
Sosuke Nakabo
Product Designer | Representative, Sosuke Nakabo Design Office
Graduated from Product Design, Department of Design, Kyoto City University of Arts, Nakabo completed his master’s degree of design products at Royal College of Art in UK. After working at Panasonic Design Center (former Matsushita Refrigeration), Ryohin Keikaku Planning and Design Office (former Muji), and Jasper Morrison Office for Design (London), he established Sosuke Nakabo Design Office. He worked as an associate professor at Graduate School of Kyoto Institute of Technology and a chief of Ryohin Keikaku Planning and Design Office. Currently, affiliate professor at Kyoto City University of Arts. He received many international awards including the GOOD DESIGN AWARD, the iF Design Award (Germany), IDEA (U.S.), and the Red Dot Design Award (Germany).
Kazuhisa Horikiri
Product Designer | Design Center General Manager, FUJIFILM Corporation
After graduating Tama Art University, Horikiri joined Fujifilm as a product designer in 1985. His most famous work is the design of the first Cheki (Instax). He has won many design awards in Japan and overseas. In 2014, he assumed the position of Design Center General Manager and promoted design in a wide range of fields, from cameras and cosmetics to medical devices, under the slogan of “honest design.” He opened CLAY Studio in Nishiazabu in 2017 and Creative Village New CLAY Studio in Minamiaoyama in 2023, practicing design management as an executive officer of the Design Center, Brand Management Group, and Design Strategy Office.
Hiroko Matsumoto
Design Director | Vice President, Director of Research Institute, Head of Department of Collaborative Design, Joshibi University of Art and Design
As Designer and Design Director at the Toshiba Design Center, Matsumoto undertook product development and mechanical design, including household appliances, audiovisual equipment, healthcare products, etc. and has received many awards both in Japan and overseas, including the Good Design Gold Award, and iF/Red Dot Design Award Gold Award. Currently, in addition to university administration as Vice President of Joshibi University of Art and Design, she is involved in many collaborative projects with local governments and companies as part of her education, strengthening her ability to identify and solve problems through design. Based on her experience in both business and education, she conceived of the Department of Collaborative Design, which will open in April 2023.
UNIT 06Audio, Video Equipment06-01Audio equipment for personal use06-02Broadcast and sound equipment for professional use06-03Camera and peripherals06-04Video equipment
Kazushige Miyake
Designer | CEO, miyake design co., ltd.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1973. He established miyake design in 2005. He designs a wide range of products, from consumer electronics and furniture to household goods and bicycles for companies both domestically and overseas.
Tetsu Kataoka
Product Designer | President, KATAOKA DESIGN STUDIO
After working as Chief Art Director at Sony Corporation's Creative Center, Kataoka started his own business in 2004. He established the Kataoka Design Studio, and is currently widely involved domestically and overseas in products such as electronics products, furniture, general merchandise, medical equipment, robotics, AI, etc. He received many awards including the Good Design Award, iF Product Design Gold Award, Best of the Best for the Red Dot Design Award, etc. Part-time Lecturer for the Department of Design, Nihon University College of Art. Full member of the Japan Industrial Designers' Association.
Hisakazu Shimizu
Product Designer | President, S&O DESIGN Co.,Ltd.
As chief designer of Canon’s IXUS Digital series of digital cameras, Shimizu raised product branding to achieve top market share worldwide. Numerous accolades include Germany’s iF Design Award and Japan’s Good Design (G Mark) Award. He established S&O DESIGN in 2012. He employs and promotes original new “continuous design” 3D design method. He has been attracting attention for wide variety of projects, including his “Lovable Bad Design” research activities spotlighting the charms of insignificant things in everyday life, and his participation in the Setouchi International Art Triennale. Adjunct instructor at Tokyo University of the Arts / Kuwasawa Design School.
Mihoko Hotta
Sustainability Business Designer | General Manager,Sustainability Consulting Office, DENTSU INC.
After working as product designer at major consumer electronics company and design director at telecommunications company. After that, manager of product branding, marketing and public relations for the Japanese market at global telecommunications equipment company. Hotta joined DENTSU INC. in 2016. Mainly in charge of Circular Economy field.Domestic and global design awards received include iF Product Design Award, red dot design award, and GOOD DESIGN AWARD. Certified human-centered design professional and certified professional ergonomist.
Byung-wook Chin
Industrial Designer | Professor, Dept. of Convergence and Integration, Hansung University
Training future designers in University based on experience of working as a corporate background. A bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design of Dong-A University in 1988. A master’s degree in Industrial Design of Hongik University Graduate School in 2012. A doctor’s degree in Industrial Design of Hongik University Graduate School in 2016. The study of emotional design was mainly conducted. From 1987 to 2009, worked as Managing Director of Samsung camera Industrial design team. And Worked as Vice President for Samsung Digital Imaging Company from 2009 to 2010. And From 2010 to 2014, worked as Vice President of Samsung Electronics Mobile Division. From 2015 to present, work as professor at Hansung University. Also, from2012 to 2013, worked as Vice chairman of Industrila Design Society. From 2014 to 2017, work as Vice chairman of KAID (Korea Association of Industrial Designers). And From 2015 to 2017, act as Design managing consulting for various kinds of company. From March, 2018 to present, Vice Chairman of Korea Federation of Design Associations.
UNIT 07ICT Equipment07-01Smart phone and peripherals07-02Smart watch07-03PC and peripherals07-04ICT equipment for the general public07-05ICT equipment for professional use
Kenta Ono
Design Researcher, Industrial Designer | Professor, Design Research Institute, Chiba University
Professor, Design Research Institute, Chiba University. Ono is currently researching for system design, design theory in the system planning research unit. Receiving ME (1998) and Ph.D. (2001) from Chiba University, his previous experience includes Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Mitsubishi Telecom Europe S.A. (France) as interface designer.
Mariko Higaki
Product Designer | Associate Professor, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
After graduating from the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Higaki joined LEADING EDGE DESIGN and graduated from the Department of Product Design, ArtCenter College of Design. She has designed both products and services as a product designer. She won IDSA Gold Award, the James Dyson Award, and the GOOD DESIGN AWARD. She is the author of “Observational Sketching: Hone Your Artistic Skills by Learning How to Observe and Sketch Everyday Objects" She works as a part-time lecturer at Keio University from 2020, and an associate professor at the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo from 2024.
Tetsu Miyazawa
Design Director / Product Designer | President, &design Co., Ltd.
After working as an in-house designer in Japan and overseas, Miyazawa founded &design Co., Ltd. in 2007. While working with other companies as a product designer, his company also develops and sells its own products. He won the GOOD DESIGN BEST 100, iF DESIGN AWARD Gold, Red Dot Design Award Best of the Best, and many other awards. Part-time lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, Hosei University.
Shigeya Yasui
UI Design Researcher | Professor, Faculty of Systems Information Science, Department of Media Architecture, Future University Hakodate
Yasui completed master program at University of Tsukuba in Design. After working as UI Designer at Sony Corporation's Creative Center, he has been a professor at Future University Hakodate since 2012. His research theme is UI Design. Award: Haptic Design Award 2016 Grand Prize.
Shikuan Chen
Product Designer | CDO/SVP, Compal Electronics, Inc.
Shikuan Chen is Chief Design Officer (CDO) and Senior Vice President of the Marketing and Innovation office of Compal Electronics, Inc. in Taiwan, one of the world's largest research and development centers and computer manufacturers. He manages a team of more than 350 design experts. Shikuan is also a Board Member (2015-2019) of the World Design Organization (WDO/ICSID) and Professor of Design at Shih Chien University in Taipei. From 2000 to 2004 Shikuan served as Managing Director Greater China Region at GE/FITCH and from 2004 to 2009 as Global Account & Design Director at Philips Design. In 1995 he graduated from the Cranbrook Academy of Art (USA) with a Master of Fine Arts in Design.
UNIT 08Equipment and Facilities for Manufacturing and Medical Care08-01Working tools and instruments08-02Agricultural tools and equipment08-03Equipment and facilities for production and manufacturing08-04Medical equipment and facilities08-05Materials and parts08-06Manufacturing and production technique08-07Equipment and facilities for research and experiment08-08Other product for medical use and manufacturing
Shigenori Asakura
Industrial Designer | President, GK Industrial Design Inc.
After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Asakura left for the US and after graduating from the Art Center College of Design, he entered GK Inc. With the principle "Designing for Authentic Ideas, Aesthetic Forms and Empathic Relations", he is active in the areas of industrial equipment, products for the public transit, and consumer products. He has received many awards including the Good Design Grand Award, iF Award, Red Dot Award, and IDEA Award.
Yoshiki Ishikawa
Public Health Researcher | Well-being for Planet Earth Foundation
Yoshiki earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Tokyo, a Master of Science in Health Policy and Management from Harvard School of Public Health, and a PhD in Medicine from Jichi Medical School. As a public health researcher, entrepreneur, and science journalist, Yoshiki is working at the intersection of science, business, and government as a catalyst with the aim of advancing the well-being of society.
Maholo Uchida
Curator | Head of project for Takanawa Gateway City, Center for culture and Innovation (TBD), East Japan Rail Foundation for Cultural Innovations
Uchida worked at the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation from 2002 to 2020, and works at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as an overseas trainee for the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2005. She specializes in the combined field of art, technology, and design, and promotes art & science projects. She actively involved with introducing Japanese culture through technological innovation and robots. She has participated in the Barbican Centre (London), Milano Triennale, and Paris Cultural Center as a guest curator and commissioner. She serves as a planner and advisor for museums outside of Japan.
Takashi Shigeno
Product Designer | Representative, HERIO DESIGN LLC
Representative of HERIO DESIGN. With a goal of seeking and achieving optimal UX originated on design research, Shigeno conducts product design development across genres focusing on medical, health care and industrial equipment, and other various fields. In 2022, he established HERIO DESIGN to work on crosscutting new designs. He has won many awards, including the iF Product Design Award Gold Prize and Good Design Award. Previously. He has been a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University.
Tamotsu Murakami
Design Engineering Researcher | Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Murakami graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Tokyo in 1984, and the Department of Industrial Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo in 1989. Doctor of Engineering. In English, the term, “design” is used for both engineering design and industrial design. His areas of expertise are research and education on the mathematical methods and software/hardware technology that assist designers and give full scope to their originality and diversity to design (design by human) and create products that can provide new values to meet the users' needs, sensibilities and diversity (design for human).
UNIT 09Housing Fixtures09-01House lighting appliances09-02House air conditioning machines/fixtures09-03House building materials/fixtures09-04House interior materials09-05House exterior materials09-06Kitchen fixtures09-07Bathroom and wet area09-08House machines/fixtures
Noriko Hashida
Product Designer | Professor, Dept. Engineering and Design , Shibaura Institute of Technology
After graduating from the Department of Design, Tokyo University of the Arts, Hashida joined the TOTO Ltd. Design Center where she designed toilets, faucets, kitchen, and system baths, and became Design Director in 2005. Assumed the post of Professor at Shibaura Institute of Technology in 2008. In addition to household equipment, she has designed office furniture and living ware, and also promoted local industries, making proposals for new uses which fit with the times. She obtained her Doctor of Engineering in 2013.
Hiroki Sato
Ph. D. Design | Professor, Department of Design, Chiba Institute of Technology
Doctorate (in Design) obtained at Graduate School of the University of Tsukuba. Sato specializes in studies of kansei (sensitivity) evaluation on design. He worked in design development of automobiles at Honda R&D Co., Ltd. and served as a full-time lecturer at Nagoya Zokei University of Art & Design prior to taking up his current position at Chiba Institute of Technology in 2007. Vice President, the Japanese Society for the Science of Design. Member, the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering. Chairperson of the Qualifications and Examinations Committee, the Japan Industrial Design Association. President, Street Design Research Organization. Co-author of “Product Design [Revised Edition] 105 Essential Knowledge for Product Development” (co-author)
Naoki Terada
Architect/Designer | CEO, inter office ltd.
Terada completed the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA School) diploma course in the UK in 1994. He has designed and built brands for a variety of products, architecture and interior design. He founded Teradadesign Architects in 2003. He founded Terada Mokei in 2011. He opened Terada Mokei shop in 2013. He has assumed the post of COO at the Inter Office since 2018.
Tsuyoshi Matsuzawa
Design Editor | President, E&YCo.,Ltd、Professor, Osaka University of Arts Junior College.
President of E&Y CO., LTD. Design editor. Matsuzawa produces domestic and overseas designers’ works, mainly furniture and products. Currently, E&Y has collected more than 50 pieces of artwork. He announced the collaborative edition with ZANOTTA in 2006 and released a new collection line of “edition HORIZONTAL- multiple collection line” at the Design Museum London in 2015. Some of their works are housed at MoMA NY, Design Museum London, Musee des Arts Decoratifs Paris, Sweden National Museum. He also serves as director and advisor for planning, editing, and curating domestic and international projects and exhibitions.
UNIT 10Furniture / Equipment and Facilities for Office and Public Space10-01Home furniture10-02Furniture for shop, office, public space10-03Display furniture for shop and public space10-04Equipment and facilities for public space10-05Kitchen equipment and facilities for professional use10-06Equipment and facilities for professional use10-07Building materials and equipment for commercial space
Hiroaki Watanabe
Industrial Designer | President, Plane Co., Ltd.
After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School and working at a business machine manufacturer, Watanabe moved to the U.S. He worked at Frog Design and Ziba Design before returning to Japan and establishing Plane Co., Ltd. He has been involved in manufacturing in various areas and scopes, both in Japan and internationally.
Hisae Igarashi
Interior Designer | President, Igarashi Design Studio, Professor at Musashino Art University
Born in Tokyo. After working at Kuramata Design Office, she established Igarashi Design Studio in 1993. She plans space, considering relations between the environment, things and events. With a focus on spatial design, she has engaged in a wide range of development projects for furniture, products and children’s play equipment for commercial and education facilities. Awards received include CS Design Award, Good Design Award, JID Award (Design category), Kukan Design Award, and Kids Design Award.
Mana Kobayashi
Interior Architect | Design office ima
Since 1998, Kobayashi has been co-sponsoring Design Office Ima with Takashi Kobayashi. Centered on store design, she undertakes products, residential buildings, venue configurations for exhibitions, etc. Her upbeat spatial designs that skillfully incorporate colors and materials are demonstrated in products, housing, hotels, kindergartens, and others. Her main pieces include "marimekko," "IL BISONTE," "INOKASHIRA HOUSE," etc. She was selected by ELLE DECO as one of the "50 Women Creators Active in Architecture and Design" in 2022.
Tomoya Tabuchi
Designer | Representative, office for creation LLC.
Born in 1974. After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School, he oversaw planning, design, and development at a furniture manufacturer. He established “office for creation“ in 2010 where he has been involved in comprehensive creative work from graphics to art direction mainly in product design including furniture and daily goods. He has won many awards, including the Architizer A+ Awards and the Archiproduct Design Awards. Part-time lecturer at Aichi Prefectural University of Arts and Musashino Art University.
Teruhiro Yanagihara
Designer | CEO, TERUHIRO YANAGIHARA STUDIO LTD.
Born in 1976, Yanagihara is a designer. Based on the idea of designing the state of design, he undertakes projects that surpass the boundaries of countries and genres. His works are part of collections at France's National Centre for Visual Arts (CNAP), the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam (Amsterdam's contemporary art museum), etc. He wrote "Real Anonymous Design" (Gakugei Shuppan-Sha), "The Design Methods of 11 Designers of the 2000’s” (Rikuyosha), among others.
UNIT 11Mobility11-01Passenger car, Passenger car-related instruments11-02Commercial vehicle, Commercial vehicle-related instruments11-03Motorbike, Motorbike-related instruments11-04Personal mobility and bicycle, Personal mobility and bicycle-related instruments11-05Railway, Shipping, Aircraft11-06Transportation system and service (logistics / physical distribution)
Kota Nezu
Creative Communicator | CEO, znug design,inc.
Graduated from the Department of Design, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba University. He joined Toyota Motor Corporation and served as the concept development leader for the "i-unit," which was exhibited at EXPO 2005 AICHI, etc., He established znug design, inc. in 2005, and has been involved in the concept planning and design for many industrial products and contributed to the vitalization of corporate creative activities. While promoting projects including the electric motorcycle "zecOO" upholding the slogan 'from small town factory to the world' and the soft, small fabric mobility "rimOnO," he is also engaged in the development of GROOVE X "LOVOT," Toyota Motor Corporation's concept vehicle "Camatte," and others. Awards he has received include the Good Design Gold Award, the iF Design Award, the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering Kawaii Kansei design top prize, the JAPAN WOOD DESIGN AWARD top prize, and others.
Ayako Taniguchi
Urban Transport Planner / Engineer | Professor, Faculty of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba
With a background in transport engineering and urban transport planning, she is currently exploring the application of psychology to social dilemmas related to mobility in order to ease social problems. She has served as a board member of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the Council for Regulatory Reform Promotion Council of the Cabinet Office, and a member of the Council for Social Infrastructure Development of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In addition to theoretical and practical research on soft transport measure “Mobility Management, she has recently been involved in quantitative and qualitative evaluation of social acceptance of new mobility technologies such as autonomous vehicles and electric scooters.
Masayuki Moriguchi
Mobility Journalist | CEO, MOBILICITY Co., Ltd.
Moriguchi gathers information on traffic conditions at home and abroad for magazine, radio and Internet presentations. He also undertakes research and consulting on mobility and urban development. He is a member of the Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society and the City Planning Institute of Japan. His publications include Transportation Revolution from Toyama, and MaaS Changes Regions, How to make sustainable regional transportation.
Takumi YAMAMOTO
Product Designer | Takumi YAMAMOTO, Designer, Principal
After studying car design in Japan and the UK, he worked as a car designer at Peugeot and Citroen, France. In 2017, he founded Takumi YAMAMOTO in Paris. His design is consistent and trusted by his clients in Japan and overseas, covering CI, branding, planning, products, and PR. He designs things of various sizes from land-sea-and-air mobility transportation including cars, flying cars, and ships, to spoons. Having worked at Sony Interactive Entertainment, he has deep knowledge of video games and digital content, and his activities span real and virtual worlds.
Baonan Du
Product Designer | Cofunder / VP of Design, Singulato
Co-founder and Vice President of Design of Singulato, Former Chief Designer of PSA China Design Center. Before participating in the founding of Singulato, Du Baonan has been working in traditional industries. From automobile design to electronic digital product design, Du Baonan has rich experience in cross-border work. Graduated from the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts in 1996, now the Academy of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University. China Automotive Technology Research Center, MOTOROLA North Asia Center CXD, Senior designer of Shanghai GM Pan Asia Technology Center; Director of COOLPAD Innovation Design Center of Shenzhen Yulong Computer Communication Co., Ltd.; PSA Peugeot Citroen Group China Design Center, chief designer of Citroen
UNIT 12Housing (Detached House and Small Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)12-01Commercial/industrialized housing12-02Detached house12-03Small sized housing complex12-04Small sized cohousing / dormitory12-05Construction method for housing12-06Service and system for detached house and small-sized housing complex / HEMS(Home Energy Management System)12-07Interior for detached house and small sized housing complex
Yui Tezuka
Architect | President, TEZUKA ARCHITECTS
After graduating from Musashi Institute of Technology, Tezuka studied at the University College of London, Bartlett School of Architecture. In 1994, she established TEZUKA ARCHITECTS with Takaharu Tezuka. Including Fuji Kindergarten, which was selected as the best school by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) and UNESCO, she undertook many spatial design projects for children. She received the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture from UNESCO. The awards she has received in Japan include the AIJ Prize, JIA Award, Good Design Gold Award, and the Award of the Association for Children's Environment. She is the author of "Takaharu + Yui Tezuka: Architecture Catalog (1 to 3)." She has been a part-time lecturer at Toyo University since 1999, a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley in 2006, and a part-time lecturer at the University of Tokyo since 2023.
Hiroyuki Ito
Architect | Reprisentative, Hiroyuki Ito Architects/ Professor, Kogakuin University of Technology and Engineering
Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and completed the Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo. After working at Nikken Sekkei, he co-founded OFDA in 1998, and established Hiroyuki ITO Architects in 1999. He mainly designs apartment buildings as well as hotels and office buildings in Japan and overseas. His major works include Tenjincho Place, Mikumi-zaka Flat, Prism Inn Ogu, and Tatsumi Apartment House. He won the AIJ Annual Architectural Design Commendation, the GOOD DESIGN BEST 100, the RIBA Award for International Excellence, the Tokyo Society of Architects and Building Engineers Residential Architecture Prize, the SD Review Kashima Prize, and the JIA Tohoku Architecture Prize.
Shunsuke Kurakata
Architectural Historian | Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University
Born in Tokyo in 1971, he graduated from Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Architecture, and earned a PhD in Engineering. Alongside researching the history of modern Japanese architecture, he is actively engaged in promoting the value of architecture to society. He has been involved in various architectural events such as the “Tokyo Architecture Festival,” “Open House Osaka,” and the Ginza Sony Park Project since their launch. He has written numerous books including "Yoshisaka Takamasa and Le Corbusier" and "Introduction to Architecture" (winner of the 2021 Good Design Award's Best 100).
Masahiro Harada
Architect, Professor | Founder/Architect, MOUNT FUJI ARCHITECTS STUDIO, Professor, Shibaura Institute of Technology
Born in Shizuoka in 1973. He graduated from Shibaura Institute of Technology in 1997. He established MOUNT FUJI ARCHITECTS STUDIO with Mao Harada in 2004 after working at Kengo Kuma & Associates, Jose Antonio Martinez Lapena and Elias Torres (Barcelona) as National Fellowship for Artist, and Arata Isozaki and associates. He has been a professor at the faculty of architecture at Shibaura Institute of Technology since 2016. His recent works include Seto(company housing), Chiryu Afterschool (Afterschool+local community center), Roadside Station Mashiko, Sengyo-ji(charnel house), Riamfuji, ROOFLAG, Entô, etc. He won many awards such as the Leaf Awards 2010 and 2014, Young Architect Award of the Japan Institute of Architects 2015, JIA Awards Grand Prix 2018 and BCS Awards 2018/2021/2023, Prize of AIJ 2020.
UNIT 13Housing (Medium to Large Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)13-01Medium/large sized housing complex13-02Medium/large sized cohousing / dormitory13-03Service and system for housing complex/HEMS13-04Interior for medium to large sized housing complex
Mari Tochizawa
Architect | Co-Founder, SALHAUS Inc.
Born in Saitama in 1974. After completing graduate school at Tokyo University of Science, Tochizawa worked at Riken Yamamoto & Fieldshop. In 2008, she co-founded SALHAUS with Motoki Yasuhara and Masashi Hino. She works on creating public spaces/facilities through designing various types of buildings. Her major works include Kanazawa College of Art, Rikuzentakata Takata Higashi Junior High School, Moriguchi City Library, and Ofunato Fire Department Sumita Precinct. She has won many awards including the GOOD DESIGN GOLD AWARD, the AIJ Annual Architectural Design Commendation, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award for Public Architecture, the Grand Prize and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award of the Mokuzai Katsuyou Competition, and the BCS Prize.
Miho Iwatsuki
Architect | CEO, studio velocity / Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Nagoya Zokei University
Born in 1977 in Aichi, Iwatsuki worked at junya Ishigami + associates. She established studio velocity in 2006. Representative works: “House in Chiharada,” “House Open to the City,” “Aichi Sangyo University Educational Center for Language and IT,” “Kowa Public Apartment Complex in Mihama,” “Office in Sanno,” “AWAZUKU HOUSE,” Awards received include SD review 2006, 2007・2021・2022 JIA Award, 2011 International Architecture Awards, JCD Design Award 2011 Gold Prize, AR HOUSE AWARDS 2013 Highly Commended, AIJ Young Architect Award for Selected Architectural Designs 2016, 2016 JIA Young Architect Award, Good Design Award 2015・2018, SD review 2018 Asakura Prize , etc.
Manabu Chiba
Architect | Professor, Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
After graduating from the University of Tokyo's Department of Architecture, Chiba completed a master’s program at the same university. After working at Nihon Sekkei and After graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Department of Architecture, Chiba Factor N Associates, he established Chiba Manabu Architects in 2001. He took up his present post in 2013. In 2016, he became Vice President of the University of Tokyo (until 2018). His main work includes the Japan Guide Dog Center (Prizes of AIJ (Architectural Institute of Japan)), Otaki Town Hall (UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation), and the Kogakuin University 125th Anniversary Education Building (the Murano Togo Prize). He is also author of “Rules of the Site- Sokonishikanai Keishiki” (Toto Publishing), “How is Life?” (Toto Publishing) and “hito no atsumarikata wo design suru” (Ohkokusha), among others.
Toshiharu Naka
Architect | President, Naka Arcthitects' Studio
After completing the Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo in 2001, Naka worked at Riken Yamamoto & Fieldshop and established Naka Architects’ Studio in 2009. He worked as an assistant designer at Yokohama Graduate School of Architecture (Y-GSA) from 2009 to 2011 and participated in La Biennale di Venezia Giaponne 2016. He design buildings focusing on circulation. His major works include Kanazawa College of Art (co-designed), SCOP TOYAMA (GOOD DESIGNS BEST 100), and Apartment with a Small Restaurant (GOOD DESIGN GOLD AWARD, the AIJ Young Architect Award). He authored “De-housing” and “Two Circles.”
Shu-chang Kung
Architect / Interior Designer | Professor, Graduate Institute of Architecture, NYCU / Co-facilitator, Public Service Group of Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), / Honorary Chairman, Chinese Society of Interior Designers (CSID)
After he received M.Arch (1992) and M.Des. (1993) from GSD, Harvard University, USA, in 1997 he established AURA Architects & Associates in Taipei. Currently, he is the professor at the Graduate Institute of Architecture, NYCU, Taiwan, and vice-president, Taiwan Design Alliance (TDA). His recent works received many awards - The Special Jury Award of TID Award (2007/ 2008/ 2009); iF Communication Design Award (2007); Far Eastern Architectural Design Award (2003/2005); Taiwan Architecture Award (2004/2006/2008); JCD Design Award, Japan (2004/2006). He was also the chief curator of the 2011-2012 Hong Kong and Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture - Taipei Pavilion; 2013 Taipei Design & City Exhibition - Adaptive City Design in Motion for 2016 World Design Capital; 2018 Hsinchu 300th Anniversary Expo - See You Tomorrow; 2018 Taichung World Flora Expo - Harvest Blessings Pavilion; 2019 Open Library of General Village; 2019 TAIPOWER D/S One; 2020 Bricking The Wall, Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB); 2020 Taiwan Design Expo - Check in Hsinchu; 2021|2022 Creative Expo Taiwan; 2023 Hakka Expo Taiwan Pavilion; 2023 Taiwan Design Expo, etc.
UNIT 14Construction (Industry and Commercial Facility)14-01Construction and environment for office and industrial facility14-02Interior for industrial facility and office14-03Construction and environment for commercial facility14-04Interior for commercial facility and shop
Yuri Naruse
Architect | CEO, NARUSE INOKUMA ARCHITECTS Co., Ltd.
Naruse co-founded Naruse Inokuma Architects in 2007. Their concept is to plan and design architecture with shared place. Her major works are LT Josai and Dance of light, and publications include “Designing Shared Place” and “Working As a Architect While Raising Children”. She has won many awards including Newcomer’s Prize of the Architectural Institute of Japan in 2015, the special recognition Award at the 15th Venice Biennale of Architecture and the Prime Minister’s Award at the Korea Public Design Awards.
Taro Igarashi
Architectural Critic | Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
Igarashi was the Artistic Director of international exhibition “AICHI TRIENNALE 2013”, Commissioner of Japanese pavilion VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE 2008, Supervisor of touring exhibition “LEGENDARY HOUSES IN POSTWAR JAPAN” 2014-2015, Supervisor of touring exhibition "Impossible Architecture", "Windowology" and "Quand la forme parles". Minister of Education Award for Arts. Author of "Tokyo of Architecture", "Introduction of "Japan-ness" in Architecture", "Contemporary Japanese Architects: Profiles in Design "(JPIC).
Yoshiaki Irobe
Graphic Designer / Art Director | Managing Director of Nippon Design Center, Inc. Director of Irobe Design Institute
Born 1974 in Chiba, Japan. Received M.F.A. degree from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. Major works include branding for Osaka Metro and National Parks of Japan, furniture brand "kettal," VI and sign design for Ichihara Lakeside Art Museum, sign design for Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and VI and sign design for Sukagawa Community Center. He has won several domestic and international design awards, including the Yusaku Kamekura Award, Tokyo ADC Award, SDA Grand Prize, Good Design Award, CS Design Award Grand Prix, JAGDA New Designer Award, and One Show Design Gold Pencil. He is a member of AGI, Japan Design Committee, Tokyo ADC, and JAGDA.
Chikara Ohno
Architect | CEO, sinato
Born in Osaka in 1976. Class-1 architect. After studying urban engineering at Kanazawa University, Ohno worked as a freelancer and established sinato Inc. in 2004. He has worked on more than 500 international and domestic design projects for of various scales and purposes including architecture, interiors, and installation. He was in charge of the overall design of JR Shinjuku Station New South Area (new concourse around the ticket gate, station plaza, commercial facility NEWoMan), which was completed in 2016. Part-time lecturer of Kyoto University of Arts.
Yuko Maruyama
Architectual Project Manager | CEO/COO, Yamashita PMC Inc.
After graduating from the Department of Housing at Japan Women's University, joined a major construction company and was responsible for design at the design department. After working for a real estate developer, joined YAMASHITA PMC in 2009 and has been engaged in building project management. At the same company, launched hotel project management services and handled the construction of numerous hotels in Japan and overseas. Also involved in the management of large-scale facilities such as sports facilities, offices, schools, hospitals, commercial facilities, museums, manufacturing and R&D facilities, broadcasting stations, and public facilities.
UNIT 15Public Facility, Civil Structure and Landscape15-01Construction/space design for public facility15-02Interior for public facility15-03Landscape, civil engineering structures15-04Block and community development15-05Construction method for industry, commercial, public facility
Kentaro Yamazaki
Architect | Representative Director, YAMAZAKI KENTARO DESIGN WORKSHOP Co.,Ltd., Professor, Kogakuin University
Yamazaki is known for receiving many international and domestic awards such as the GOOD DESIGN GRAND AWARD, the JIA Grand Prix, the AIJ Young Architect Award for Selected Architectural Designs, and the iF DESIGN AWARD Gold Award. His works include Itoman Gyomin Shokudo constructed by piling Ryukyu limestone with residents in Okinawa; Hakusui Nursery School, a stair-like building by making the most of the slope; Hospice in Shinfuji, a hospice with a quotidian atmosphere; and Long House with an Engawa for everyone in the community to gather. He aims to design architecture for everyone from children to elderly people, rather than creating flashy buildings.
Ryoko Iwase
Architect | Principal, Studio Iwase、Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University
Principal of Studio Iwase and Assistant professor at Kyoto University. After working for EM2N Architects in Switzerland and at Kengo Kuma and Associates, she established her own firm.Her practice covers multiple areas from architectural spaces to public-works infrastructure and public space design including ‘Tocotocodandan’ ‘Rock Garden of stopover-gravels’ ‘Masumi Park’’Venice Biennale Japan Pavilion 2021:Co-ownership of Action Trajectories of Elements’.She has received the grand prize of The Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture Award, the Good Design Gold Award, the Tokyo University of the Arts Emerald Award, and the Best Debutant Award.
Yasuyuki Kawanishi
Architect, Designer, Facilitator | President, ICHIBANSEN Co.,Ltd.
Born in Nara in 1976, Kawanishi completed the Master's Programs at Chiba University, and studied at the Royal Danish Academy School of Architecture as a guest student. After working at AREP-SNCF the group of the French National Railway, he designed Nakamura Station for Tosa Kuroshio Railway (Good Design Award of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Watford Group Brunel Award, Japan Railway Award, Civil Engineering Design Grand Prize, JCD Award Rookie of the Year Award, and others), the resort train Echigo Tokimeki Railway SETSUGEKKA (SBID International Design Awards Public Space Design Winner, IDA International Design Awards GOLD Prize, and others), the high-speed vessel SEA SPICA (Good Design Award 2020 BEST 100 Good Focus Award, Ship of the Year 2020), WEST EXPRESS GINGA (Good Design Award 2021 BEST 100 Good Focus Award.) He is the president of ICHIBANSEN Co.,Ltd., which undertakes designs of mobility, architecture and communities comprehensively, as well as being a part-time lecturer at Kogakuin University.
Tezzo Nishizawa
Architect | Director of Tezzo Nishizawa Architects, Kyoto Institute of technology – Specially Appointed Professor
Born in 1974. Architect. In 2000, Nishizawa completed the Graduate School of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. After working at Jun Aoki & Associates from 2000 to 2005, he founded Tezzo Nishizawa Architects in 2007. He has been involved in various design projects of museums and cultural facilities including the renewal of galleries in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (2012), the exhibition floor design of “Reading Cinema, Finding Words: Art after Marcel Broodthaers” (2014) and “Re:play 1972/2015 – Restaging Expression in Film ‘72,” the basic design and the supervision of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art project (2019, cooperated with Jun Aoki & Associates), and the design of Hachinohe Art Museum (2021, cooperated with Yoshihide Asako and Junpei Mori). He has received various awards for the Kyoto City Museum of Art (2019) including the Tokyo Architecture Award, the Architectural Institute of Japan Prize, the JIA Grand Prix, the AACA Prize, and the 62 Mainichi Art Award for his work at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.
Osamu Nishida
Architect | CEO, ondesign / Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science
Born in 1976. He is the principal architect of ondesign co., ltd., which designs "open and impartial" architecture in various type of buildings, using their unique method to communicate with users to enhance the creativity. His representative work includes "Yokohama Apartment" (JIA rookie of the year award and the special jury mention at Venice Biennale (special entry at Japan Pavilion)), "ISHINOMAKI 2.0" (Good Design Special Award - Disaster Recovery Design and Community Recovery Award - Special Award) and "TOKYO MIDORI LABO." (Good Design BEST100)He is the author of "Kenchiku o hiraku (Open the architecture)", "Experiment from OnDesign".
Jian Liu
Urban Planner & Designer | Associate Professor / Vice Dean, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University
Liu received her Bachelor degree in Architecture and Master and Doctor degrees in Urban Planning & Design from Tsinghua University. She is Registered City Planner in China, Vice Dean and Tenured Associate Professor of Urban Planning & Design at Tsinghua University School of Architecture, and Managing Chief-Editor of China City Planning Review. She was Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Graduate School of Design Harvard University in 2016, visiting scholar at l’Oservatoir d’Architecture de la Chine Contemporaine in 2000 and 2003, and visiting scholar at UBC Center for Human Settlements in 1995. She works as professor, researcher and city planner and designer, with particular interests on town and rural planning, urban design, urban regeneration, and international comparative studies. She publishes both domestically and overseas and is active in both national and international academic circles. She either chairs or participates both research and practical projects of urban planning and design which cover a number of Chinese cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Nantong, Jining, Qufu, and so on, and have been rewarded with either national or ministerial prizes.
UNIT 16Media and Contents16-01Media16-02Contents for the general public16-03Contents for business16-04Method for advertising/PR16-05Exhibition / display16-06Branding / CI / VI16-07Font16-08Packaging for the general public16-09Packaging for professional use
Wataru Nozaki
Project Director | President / Chief Creative Officer, Smiles Co., Ltd.
Graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University and Graduate School of the University of Tokyo. After working at IDÉE Inc. and AXIS Co.,Ltd., Nozaki joined Smiles in 2011. He oversees branding and creativity of all projects that the company handles and launches new businesses. Currently he provides consultation and produces outside projects such as Bunkitsu, a bookstore with admission fees, and Yaesu Public, a public space in Tokyo Midtown Yaesu. He served as a judge for the design category of ACC CREATIVITY AWARDS 2020 and the media and contents unit of GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2023. Major awards he received include the GOOD DESIGN BEST 100 and the GOOD FOCUS AWARD New Business Design. He authored “Creating Only What You Want! Smiles’ Marketing Based on 'Intuition and Empathy’ That Produced Soup Stock Tokyo” (Nikkei BP).
Mamoru Kano
Designer | Professor, Tohoku University of Art and Design / Advisor, WOW
As a founding member of the visual design studio WOW, Kano worked on designs in various fields, from commercial videos to software development. He has presented many experience-based video works at exhibitions and museums in Japan and overseas. He has also been involved in many design projects with businesses and municipalities. In recent years, he has put much effort into the research of design education at Film and Media of Tohoku University of Art & Design and has been working on the development of tool design for online lectures and finding next-generation talent based on media expression.
Yasuharu Sasaki
Creative Director | Global Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Group Inc.
He joined Dentsu in 1995. After gaining experience as copywriter, interactive director, and ECD of Dentsu America, he assumed his present post. Utilizing a hybrid of his digital and creative knowledge, he works as leader of a new area of creativity, while also carrying out global client relations in cooperation with overseas group bases. He has won many domestic and international advertisement awards, including Cannes Loins, One Show, and D&AD. He also has experience in judging for domestic and international awards, as well as in international keynote lectures.
Akiko Sekimoto
Graphic designer / Art director | President, HIDAMARI Ltd.
Born in 1976 in Tokyo, Akiko Sekimoto received her M.D. at Tokyo University of the Arts and currently runs her own design studio “HIDAMARI Ltd. and is a teacher at Tokyo University of the Arts. Her works include the direction of company, brand and product launches and developments. Her goal is to create the designs that are loved and functioned for a long time. She has won many awards including Tokyo ADC Award, JAGDA Award, Red Dot Award、Design For Asia Awards Silver.
Daisuke Moriuchi
Designer | Head of Program Design Center, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
After joining NHK, Moriuchi worked as a designer in the stage design of the program and CG production of NHK Special. While working at an NHK-related organization, he planned and produced several experiential contents including the projection mapping of Tokyo Station. After that, he was involved in corporate branding, program development, and sales strategy, and as been in his current position since 2022. His major works include NHK Logo, Kohaku Uta Gassen, Tokyo Reborn, and AI Misora Hibari. He has received the GOOD DESIGN GRAND AWARD.
UNIT 17System and Service17-01Application, software for the general public / apps for smartphones and tablets17-02System/service for the general public 17-03Insurance/financial service and system17-04Software for professional use17-05System/service for professional use17-06Social infrastructure system / infrastructure
Hidetomo Nagata
Strategist | Executive Officer, Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.
Over 10 years of experience as a strategy consultant at IBM and PwC, specialize in new business strategy and service design for urban development including smart cities. Joined Airbnb Japan in 2016, contributed to creating sharing economy in Japan. Currently serving as an Executive Officer at MUJI, leading Social Good division. Graduated from the University of Tokyo (Faculty of Law), and was a Visiting Professor at Kyoto University of the Arts (2019-2022).
Tomomi Sayuda
Experience Designer | Design Researcher, DLX Design Lab, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
Graduated from Royal College of Art MA Design Products, Grand Prize winner of WIRED Creative Hack Award 2023, a jury member of D&AD 2021, selected work for Japan Media Arts Festival 2021. Tomomi Sayuda was involved in exhibition experience and service design at FJORD London, a museum design company GSM project Dubai, and Bascule in Tokyo before acquiring her current position at The University of Tokyo. She has been involved in project direction and implementation of international design led science research projects centred on Citizen Science. She was a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore and a Lecturer at Musashino Art University.
Dominique Chen
Information Studies Researcher | Professor, Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University
Born in 1981. Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Informatics. He has worked as a researcher at NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC] and co-founder of Dividual, Inc. before taking his current post. His research focuses on the relationship between technology, humans, and more-than-human worlds, as well as digital wellbeing. He is the author of many books, including "Japanese Modern Literature as Commons" (East Press) and “Words to Create the Future: To Connect our Misunderstandings” (Shinchosha). He has also translated “Positive Computing: Technology for Wellbeing and Human Potential” (MIT Press) and edited "To Create Our Well-Being: Philosophy, Practices, and Technologies" (both published by BNN Shinsha).
Tasuku Mizuno
Lawyer | CITY LIGHTS LAW
Lawyer (Tokyo-Based) Director of Creative Commons Japan and Arts and Law. Visiting professor at Kyushu University Global Innovation Center (GIC.) Part-time lecturer at Keio University SFC. External board member of note inc. and other corporations. Mizuno provides hands-on legal advice on business and management strategies for various entities from start-ups in various industries such as technology, creative, city/vitalization of local community to industrial giants and public institutions. His publications include "Designing Law: How Creativity and Innovation Can Accelerate Law" (Film Art Sha), as well as a series titled "A New Social Contract (or Something to Replace It)" (WIRED JAPAN).
Ana Arriola-Kanada
results-driven executive, product designer, researcher, and engineering leader | Founder & CEO, ICMG Next
Ana is a results-driven executive, product designer, researcher, and engineering leader with experience in zero-to-1, 1-to-many at scale innovation, global strategic development for consumer, enterprise, AI/machine learning organizations at Microsoft, Apple, Meta, PlayStation, Sony, Adobe, Samsung, Theranos, and IDEO. She has been the recipient of Good, iF, EISA, Red Dot, Cool Hunting, and Tokyo Type Director's Club awards. Ana is a mentor and adjunct lecturer at UC Berkeley's Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET) and CalArts Graduate School. She is a queer Latine, a Women's rights and LGBTQIA+ human rights spokeswoman, and a mother of four. they / them / she / her / ella / ella
UNIT 18Initiative and Activity for Regional18-01Initiative and activity for regional18-02Initiative and activity for community development
Jun’ya Yamaide
Artist | CEO, Yamaide Art Office Inc.
After working as an artist, Yamaide established BEPPU PROJECT in 2005. He served as general producer and planning manager in many projects related to culture and art, such as Kunisaki Art Festival (2014) and in BEPPU (2016–). He also works on various projects that aim to solve issues of governments, corporations, and communities from a creative perspective. He is the author of “BEPPU PROJECT 2005–2018” (2018). In FY2008, he received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists. In March 2022, he resigned as president of BEPPU PROJECT to take his current post.
Shogo Kishino
Art Director / Graphic Designer | President, 6D-K co.,Ltd.
Born in Tokyo. Kishino established 6D, a graphic design firm, in 2007. Focusing on VI, he has worked extensively on logo, packaging, and space information design. His recent works include rebranding of Fujiya, the graphics for the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2024, Tsushima Museum, Kanagawa Prefectural Library, the logo and sign plans of Kyoto ShinPuhKan, planning of signs around Kadonowaki Elementary School Ruin, and the package design of LOTTE ZERO. He has won many design awards in Japan and overseas including Tokyo ADC, JAGDA, SDA, D&AD, and Cannes Lions, and DFAA.
Motoko Tanaka
Ground Level Designer | CEO, Ground Level Inc.
Tanaka has been involved in developing architecture-related media as a writer and architecture-communicator since 2004. In 2016 she founded Ground Level Inc., and has since worked around Japan to build spaces, facilities, and towns that enable each person in a local community to play a small leading role in their town under the idea that creating a good ground level floor is essential to build a town. In 2018, she opened "Cafe Laundry" in Tokyo's Sumida Ward. This establishment won the award for "Design of Community Development" at the 2018 Good Design Award. Her publications include "My Public and Ground Level" (Shobunsha) and "1s Floor Revolution" (Shobunsha).
Naohiro Niiyama
Creative Director | President, TSUGI lcc.
Born in Osaka in 1985. Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Kyoto Seika University. After working at Sabae City Office, Niiyama founded TSUGI LLC. in 2015. He has worked on innovative community planning utilizing local resources, such as “RENEW” and “SAVA!STORE,” as an advocate of in-town designers. He established SOE, a tourism town planning company, in 2022 and opened LIVE DESIGN School, an educational group to search local communities and design, in 2023. He received many awards including the GOOD DESIGN SPECIAL AWARD. The author of “Designers in fascinating communities.”
Ai Yoshida
Architect | CEO, SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE Co.,Ltd.
Born in Hiroshima in 1974, co-founder of SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE. The company is based in two cities, Hiroshima and Tokyo. She has worked on various projects in Japan and overseas from interiors to residences and complex facilities. She has won many awards, including the JCD Design Award 2016 Grand Prize. Her major works include ONOMICHI U2, Public Toilet in Sendagaya, NOT A HOTEL NASU, etc. Lately, she has been working as a director and general manager of various new projects, including Vantage Point Properties and Sha-shokudo. In 2021, she established "etc inc." which focuses on spatial design and interior styling as a core business. In 2023, the commercial facility "NEKOYACHO Bldg.” run by own company opened. She works in a cross-sectoral manner based around architecture.
Li-Chin Kuo
Curator, Community Planner | Founder, Co-create Planning & Design Consultancy
Born in Taiwan in 1976, Li-Chin combines anthropology and urban/rural planning expertise and founded an atypical planning & Design consultancy firm “Co-create Planning and Design Consultancy”. Deeply rooted in Taitung, her position focuses on how local traditions can be sustained through contemporary innovation and community engagement. Serving as the curator of Taitung Slow Food Festival, she has received accolades such as the Japan Good Design Gold Award 2021, and the Taitung Action Award – Jury Grand Award 2022. In recent years, Li-Chin has been actively involved in revitalizing public spaces through the integration of design into public policy, serving as a consultant for various government projects. Her impactful contributions were recognized by LaVie Magazine, naming her one of the most influential figures in 2019.
UNIT 19Initiative and Activity for the General Public19-01Initiative and activity for the general public19-02Awareness improvement for individual and public19-03Awareness improvement, management method and Initiative for industry19-04Education/promotion/support method19-05Research and development method
Miyuki Tanaka
Curator, Producer |
Under the theme of “disability as a perspective that redefines the world,” she produces exhibitions, performances, and various projects to interpret the way we perceive expressions with the audience including people with disabilities. Her recent projects include Dance Work in Progress with Creative Audio Descriptions (KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre and various venues, 2017-ongoing), the film NIGHT CRUISING (2019), the exhibition Rules? (2022), and the exhibition “Ways of Telling” (2022). In 2022, She conducted research on the disability culture in New York as a visiting scholar at New York University with a fellowship from the Asian Cultural Council.
Himari Saikawa
Architect | Tsubame Architects
Born in Niigata in 1986. Saikawa graduated from Yokohama Graduate School of Architecture (Y-GSA), Yokohama National University in 2012 and co-founded Tsubame Architects in 2013. Associate professor at Waseda University Art and Architecture School and part-time lecturer at Yokohama National University. Her major works include BONUSTRACK (commercial facility, row house), MORINOHA Office, and room & house. She won the AIJ Young Architect Award for Selected Architectural Designs (2022), the SD Review Asakura Award (2022), and the Tokyo Architecture Grand Prize (2022). Activities are carried out under two divisions: DESIGN, which designs the space, and LAB, which considers the framework before the space is established and how to use and develop it after completion, and conducts research.
Okisato Nagata
Planning Director | Director, N-ARK Inc / Co-President, Tetete Consortium / Co-founder, DESIGNART TOKYO
After working part-time at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and at a design consulting company, became an independent creator advocating for "making things." Involved in manufacturing from multiple perspectives. Since 2012, launched the "Tetete Consortium" with volunteers and continues to hold events such as the "Tetete Business Meeting." In 2016, jointly launched DESIGNART TOKYO. In 2021, co-founded the ocean construction venture N-ARK. Dedicated to creating the next generation of manufacturing platforms.
Naoko Hirota
Design Director | CEO, Hirota Design Studio / Professor at Joshibi University of Art and Design
After graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, Hirota has been involved in numerous product designs as a product designer. From a design management perspective, she works to solve issues from business schemes to product development in a single step, and conducts branding design aimed at creating corporate value. Hirota has been Director and Creative Director of Sumida Local Brand Promoting Committee, Chairperson of Tokyo Business Design Award (2019 - 2020). She won the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, Good Design Award, and many others.
Kaie Murakami
Designer / Creative Director | CEO, SIMONE Inc. 、GCD, DESCENTE LTD.
After working at Miyake Design Studio, established SIMONE Inc. in 2003. He integrates design, marketing, and technology to work on business, product development, and branding. Major works: Parfums Christian Dior, adidas, Shiseido, Isetan Mitsukoshi, SHIRO (business/product development). LOUIS VUITTON, BURBERRY, LEXUS, GSIX, UNITED ARROWS (advertising/UIUX development). Awards: Cannes Lions GOLD, NY ADC, etc.
