Judging Committee
Takashi Ashitomi
Product Designer | President, SAAT DESIGN Inc. / Professor, Department of Product Design, Tama Art University
After working at Sony Design Center, Ashitomi established SAAT DESIGN INC. in 1991. He has been a Professor of Product Design at Tama Art University in the Department of Product and Textile Design since 2008. He is involved in comprehensive design approaches including design development of electronic products such as information technology devices and home electronic appliances, local industry development, and design education.
Seiichi Saito
Creative Director | Director, Panoramatiks
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 free-lance designer, he established Rhizomatiks Co., Ltd. (present 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 governments and corporations. He was the Creative Advisor of Expo 2020 Dubai Japan Pavilion and Creator of Expo 2025 People’s Living Lab.
01Accessories and Wearable02Personal Care03Stationery and Hobby04Household Goods05Home Appliances06Cooking Appliances07Audio, Video Equipment08ICT Equipment09Equipment and Facilities for Manufacturing and Medical Care10Housing Fixtures11Furniture / Equipment and Facilities for Office and Public Space12Mobility13Housing (Detached House and Small Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)14Housing (Medium to Large Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)15Construction (Industry and Commercial Facility)16Public Facility, Civil Structure and Landscape17Media and Contents18System and Service19Initiative and Activity for Regional20Initiative and Activity for the General Public
UNIT 01Accessories and Wearable01-01Accessories and personal items01-02Accessories and personal items for professional use01-03Clothing
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.
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 2021
Shigeki Hattori
Designer/Creative Director | Representative Director of graf, Professor at Kyoto university of Art, Department of Infomation Design
Born in Osaka in 1970, Hattori is the creative director and designer of graf, a collective of different industries that started up in 1997. He is involved in design and branding direction for architecture, interior design, and product design. He extracts concepts from design research, and sees the local community and social infrastructure as a part of that area. He aims to design from projects to programs, and from movements to culture.
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.
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
Kaori Akiyama
Product Designer | STUDIO BYCOLOR
Akiyama founded STUDIO BYCOLOR in 2013, a design office that effectively utilizes colors and materials. She graduated from the Department of Design Science of the Faculty of Engineering at Chiba University in 2002, and worked for an office furniture manufacturer in Japan until 2012. She has won the German Design Award, DFA Asian Design Award, DIA Top100, Good Design Award and was also selected for LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PJ 2016. She is a part-time lecturer at the Department of Design Science of the Faculty of Engineering at Chiba University and the Department of Engineering and Design of the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Hosei University.
Keita Suzuki
Product 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.
Eisuke Tachikawa
Design Strategist/Evolution Thinking Inventor | Founder, NOSIGNER / President, JIDA
Tachikawa is a design strategist, an Associate Professor at Keio University, and the founder of NOSIGNER. In implementing social context—to create a beautiful future with social design, and structure design knowledge—to clarify different ways of thinking and increase innovators, we have continued design from a social perspective to realize various design projects related to social issues. He promotes "Evolution Thinking," a method that helps generate ideas and inventions by comparing innovation with the evolution of living things to foster game-changers.
Shizuka Tatsuno
Creative Director/Designer | CEO, Shizuka Tatsuno Studio inc.
Tatsuno is a Japanese native, born in 1983. After receiving Bachelor's degree in Product and Furniture from Kingston University London, she gained experience in the field and established her design office "Shizuka Tatsuno Studio Inc.". With a focus on designing furniture, interior and fashion accessories, she provides various services in client planning, creative direction, graphic design, branding, art production and other consultation services, both locally in Japan and abroad.
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
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 part-time lecturer at Kanazawa College of Art and Musashino Art University.
Yoshiaki Irobe
Graphic Designer/Art Director | Member of the Board, Irobe Design Institute, Nippon Design Center, Inc.
Born in Chiba in 1974, Irobe completed his Master's degree at Tokyo University of the Arts. He heads the Irobe Design Institute, Nippon Design Center Inc., and is a part-time lecturer at the Tokyo University of the Arts. He has worked on a wide range of design projects focusing on VI of public facilities and sign planning, such as VI of Osaka Metro, VI and design guideline of national park, Ichihara Lakeside Art Museum, Sukagawa Citizen's Exchange Center tette, and Cofufun in front of Tenri Station. He has won several design awards in Japan and overseas, including the Yusaku Kamekura Award, ADC Award, SDA Grand Prize, CS Design Award Grand Prix, JAGDA New Designer Award, and One Show Design Gold Pencil. He is a member of AGI (Alliance Graphique Internationale), Tokyo ADC, JAGDA, and the Japan Design Committee.
Makoto Hashikura
Product Designer | CEO, MAKOTO HASHIKURA DESIGN
Hashikura received his bachelor's and master's degrees in science and technology from Keio University. After having worked at a home appliance manufacturer, he joined NAOTO FUKASAWA DESIGN as a senior designer, where he was involved in the design of products across diverse fields including consumer electronics, cars, household goods, furniture and public equipment. In 2018, he established MAKOTO HASHIKURA DESIGN. Basing its activities on product design, the studio carries out integrated creative pursuits transcending the barriers of design across a number of fields including interior design, art direction and corporate design consulting. He is a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University.
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 disabilities as well as engaging social understanding within the design and industry world. SHIBUYA FONT, where she is art director is one such project, which has been accoladed with many awards such as GOOD DESIGN award in 2019 and Judge's Choice award at Japan Open Innovation Award in 2022. Cassim is also a Research Associate at Tokyo University and tutor at Kuwasawa Design School.
UNIT 04Household Goods04-01Kitchen goods, cookware, tableware and cutlery04-02Daily necessities04-03Cleaning goods04-04Emergency supplies04-05Bedclothes04-06Religious supplies
Gaku Otomo
Designer/Brand Director | CEO, stagio inc.
Born in 1978. Through participation in numerous design competitions, self-taught designing and he became independent at age 22. Incorporated stagio inc. in 2008. Mainly through product design, he engages in a wide range of brand-defining creations in 2D and 3D formats. Major exhibitions include "Chocolate" (the 1st 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Special Exhibition) and guest participation of an original accessory brand in Tendence-Messe Frankfurt. Winner of Good Design Award and other design competitions.
Yusuke Hayashi
Product Designer | CEO, DRILL DESIGN co.,ltd
Hayashi established DRILL DESIGN with Yoko Yasunishi. He creates designs in a number of categories centered on product design. He often participates in projects from art direction, material development, and technological development, and broadens new possibilities with clients in Japan and abroad. Awards he has received include the Red Dot Design Award, the German Design Award, the Good Design Special Award, and the Wallpaper* Design Award, among others.
Shigeki Fujishiro
Product Designer | CEO, shigeki fujishiro design Co.,Ltd
Fujishiro left the acclaimed IDÉE Co., Ltd. in 2005 to found his own studio: shigeki fujishiro design. He has been active with interior products as the main axis. He has recently collaborated with Hermès, adidas, CAMPER and Arita ware "2016/." He also engages in planning, producing and selling products on his own. He recently joined the project "Knit!" by textile brand Kvadrat in Denmark.
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 15 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.
Yu Yamada
Buyer | President, method inc.
Born in Tokyo. After working as a buyer for IDEE SHOP in Minami Aoyama, Yamada founded method inc. in 2007 and began working as a freelance buyer dealing with various projects related to items in Japan and overseas. Presently, he is the president of method inc. and chair of the Tokyo Business Design Award judges. In 2013, he released Discover Japan Special Issue: Specialty Shops for Living through Ei-Publishing, and in 2014, he released Sales through Design and Taste: The Method of Shop Success through Seibundo Shinkosha Publishing.
UNIT 05Home Appliances05-01Home appliances05-02Environmental appliances and equipment
Miyuki Tamai
CMF Designer | CEO, FEEL GOOD CREATION Inc.
After working for Honda R&D Design Studio, Tamai established FEEL GOOD CREATION Inc., the only company specialized in CMF design in Japan. The company provides design and consulting services for a wide range of industries such as automobile, household appliance, architecture and interior. She launched "CMF TOKYO - SENSE," an activity to dynamize manufacturing in Japan, adding the perspective of CMF design to develop a material processing technology, and received the Good Design Award in 2019. Presently, she is dedicated to the development of sustainable materials and environmental issues. She is a Part-time lecturer at Musashino Art University and Nagaoka Institute of Design.
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-). 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.
Mitsunobu Hozumi
Product Designer | President, Hozmi Design
Hozumi completed Graduate School at Kyoto City University of Arts. After working at the Head Office Design Department of Misawa Homes Co., Ltd., he established Hozmi Design. He is involved with developing common products, industrial equipment, housing equipment, building components, furniture for public spaces, and local industry. Awards received include the iF Design Gold Award, IDEA Gold Award, Red Dot Design Award, German Design Award Special Award, Good Design Special Award, etc. Part-time lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, Nara Women's University, Nara National University Organization.
Satoshi Yoshiizumi
Designer/Creative Director | Representative, TAKT PROJECT Inc.
Yoshiizumi graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tohoku University. After positions at Design Office nendo and Yamaha Design Laboratory, he co-founded TAKT PROJECT . He has undertaken experimental independent research projects seeking to "create other possibilities" through design and exhibited them at art museums and design exhibitions both in internationally. He develops a diverse selection of projects with our clients based on those results. Received many domestic and international awards, including iF Award, Red Dot Award, German Design Award, Good Design Award. Also, his work has been collected in Hong Kong M+.
UNIT 06Cooking Appliances06-01Cooking appliances
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.
Hiroko Matsumoto
Design Director | Vice President, Director of Research Institute, Professor of Product 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, she is involved in university management as Vice President at Joshibi University of Art and Design and is engaged in many co-creation projects with municipalities and corporations.
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.
UNIT 07Audio, Video Equipment07-01Audio equipment for personal use07-02Broadcast and sound equipment for professional use07-03Camera and peripherals07-04Video equipment
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. He is also a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University.
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.
Chiho Sasaki
User Experience Designer | Director, infield design inc.
Sasaki has been performing consulting for UX design based on ethnographic research over a wide area, including healthcare, nursing, community, mobility, resource protection, and urban planning fields both domestically and internationally. She is author of "The 1st step of product planning" (Sekigakusha, joint authorship) and a part-time lecturer at Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music. She also worked at IDEO and GK Graphics. She holds a master's degree from the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology.
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).
UNIT 08ICT Equipment08-01Smart phone and peripherals08-02Smart watch08-03PC and peripherals08-04ICT equipment for the general public08-05ICT equipment for professional use
Tetsu Miyazawa
Design Director/Product Designer | President, &design Co., Ltd.
After working as a designer at manufacturers in Japan and overseas, Miyazawa established &design co., ltd. in 2007. While collaborating with corporations with a focus on product design, his company also works as a manufacturer to develop its own products. He has won many awards, including the iF Gold Award, red dot design award "best of the best." He is a lecturer at Hosei University Faculty of Engineering and Design, and has also worked as a product design director at NTT DOCOMO, INC. since 2011.
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.
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.
Nobuyuki Hayashi
Hayashi is a freelance journalist/consultant covering the social impact of digital technology since 1990. More recently, his focus has been on seeking cultural value worth inheriting toward the 21st Century and started covering traditional culture and contemporary art. He is also known as the author of more than a dozen Japanese books, director of James Dyson Foundation in Japan, external director of Revolver, Inc., and a social media influencer.
Mihoko Hotta
Business Designer | General Manager, Business Transformation Creative Center, 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 sustainable business 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.
UNIT 09Equipment and Facilities for Manufacturing and Medical Care09-01Working tools and instruments09-02Agricultural tools and equipment09-03Equipment and facilities for production and manufacturing09-04Medical equipment and facilities09-05Materials and parts09-06Manufacturing and production technique09-07Equipment and facilities for research and experiment09-08Other product for medical use and manufacturing
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 and health care 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 worked at GK Planning & Design and ACINC. He has been a part-time lecturer at Tama Art University since 2016.
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.
Ricca Tezuchi
Product Designer | Director, PROPELLER DESIGN
Born in Chiba in 1971. After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School and working at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (now Panasonic Corporation) and IDEO Japan, she established PROPELLER DESIGN in 2003. Part-time Lecturer of Kuwasawa Design School.
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 10Housing Fixtures10-01House lighting appliances10-02House air conditioning machines/fixtures10-03House building materials/fixtures10-04House interior materials10-05House exterior materials10-06Kitchen fixtures10-07Bathroom and wet area10-08House machines/fixtures
Manabu Tago
Art Director/Designer | Representative, MTDO Inc.
After being involved in household appliances and information equipment at Toshiba, then taking part in the startup period of REAL FLEET (current: amadana), a household appliances venture company, and being responsible for design management, Tago established MTDO Inc. Through research of corporate and organizational design and innovation, his specialty is "design management", overall design from concept creation to product development, across a wide range of industrial fields. A designer that carries our new value creation completely from start to finish, including branding, UX, product design, etc. Many works have received awards domestically and from overseas.
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.
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 2017.
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.
UNIT 11Furniture / Equipment and Facilities for Office and Public Space11-01Home furniture11-02Furniture for shop, office, public space11-03Display furniture for shop and public space11-04Equipment and facilities for public space11-05Kitchen equipment and facilities for professional use11-06Equipment and facilities for professional use11-07Building materials and equipment for commercial space
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. Member of the Qualifications and Examinations Committee, the Japan Industrial Designers' Association. Director, Street Design Research Organization. Co-author of "Product Design [Revised Edition] 105 Essential Knowledge for Product Development" (co-author)
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.
Nobuyoshi Yamazaki
Product Designer/UX Design Researcher | Associate Professor, Faculty of Fine Arts Department of Design, Tokyo University of the Arts
Yamazaki graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts. After working at Hirano Design Co., Ltd. and NEC, he took up his current position in 2016. On the axis of various work experiences in design consulting, information equipment, industrial machinery, design of public system/UI solutions, etc., he has conducted industry-university joint research many times. Originated in design and art, he embodies the creation of new value and value renovation. He is specialized in UX, UI/product solution and design management. He also works as a corporate adviser on human resource development and organization design.
Takako Yoshida
Interior Designer | Representative at TAKAKO YOSHIDA DESIGN STUDIO / Professor at Concentration in Environmental Design, Department of Design and Craft, Joshibi University of Art and Design
After graduating from Kyoto City University of Arts, Yoshida worked at Yasuo Kondo Design Office. She established her own company, Takako Yoshida Design Studio in 1995.
UNIT 12Mobility12-01Passenger car, Passenger car-related instruments12-02Commercial vehicle, Commercial vehicle-related instruments12-03Motorbike, Motorbike-related instruments12-04Personal mobility and bicycle, Personal mobility and bicycle-related instruments12-05Railway, Shipping, Aircraft12-06Transportation system and service (logistics / physical distribution)
Masayuki Moriguchi
Mobility Journalist | CEO, MOBILICITY Co., Ltd.
Moriguchi gathers information on traffic conditions at home and abroad for magazine, radio and Internet presentations, and lectures. He also undertakes research and consulting to provide solutions to mobility related problems. 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.
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 Center (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.
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 Chiba University.
Yoshiharu Sugawara
Creative Director | President of GK Dynamics Inc. / CMO of GK Design Group Inc.
Sugawara graduated from Rikkyo University, Faculty of Economics, Department of Business Administration. He graduated from Urban Design College, Department of Automotive Design. He worked at GK Design International Inc, the U.S. base of GK Design Group, for 15 years. After returning to Japan, he has been involved in design consulting for various mobility projects in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He also serves as Chief Management Officer of GK Design Group Inc. and President of GK Dynamics Inc. as well as CEO of GK Design Europe B.V., based in the Netherlands, and Director of GK Design International Inc., based in the U.S. To date, he has served as a member of the jury for the German iF Design Award, the Indian Design i-Mark Award, and the Japan Good Design Award.
UNIT 13Housing (Detached House and Small Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)13-01Commercial/industrialized housing13-02Detached house13-03Small sized housing complex13-04Small sized cohousing / dormitory13-05Construction method for housing13-06Service and system for detached house and small-sized housing complex / HEMS(Home Energy Management System)13-07Interior 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 and visiting professor at the State University of California, Berkeley.
Yoshiaki Amino
Architect/Researcher | Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Hosei University
Building conception based on a deep understanding of regional forestry cultures. Amino works on the design and study of wood architecture with a focus on the realization of sustainable symbiosis between forest and human society. In 2010, he moved his base to Japan and became a professor in Hosei University, after the teaching career in EPF Lausanne and TU Vienna. Winner of Schweighofer Prize, Good Design Award Best 100 and others.
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 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- Sokoni Shikanai Keishiki" (Toto Publishing), "Jpeak Manabu Chiba" (Equal Books) and "hito no atsumarikata wo design suru" (Ohkokusha), among others.
Erika Nakagawa
Architect | CEO, Erika Nakagawa Office
Nakagawa works on various architectural designs including private residences, offices and accommodation facilities by using a unique architectural method with large models. Her major works include Rhizomatiks Co., Ltd. office 2015 - 2019 and House Momoyama, etc. She has won the JIA New Architect Award 2011, the 15th Venice Biennale Architecture National Participations Special Commendation, Residential Architecture Prize 2017 Gold Prize, the 34th Yoshioka Prize, and others.
Teppei Fujiwara
Architect | Associate Professor, Y-GSA, Yokohama National University
Born in 1975 in Yokohama. He has been working not only as an architect, but has also been engaged in design for community and industrial revitalization, crossing boundaries into various domains, such as art and the performing arts. His main works include "KURKKU FIELDS,Inamura House and Gardens,Yoyogi Terrace," Nasu-Shiobara-shi machinaka interchange center "kururu," and "Reborn-Art Festival 2017." He has won the Culture and Arts Encouragement Award of the Yokohama Cultural Award, the Encouragement Award of the Japan Federation of Architects and Building Engineers Associations Award, etc. He was also a member of the steering, selection and exhibition committees of the UBE Biennale (International Sculpture Competition).
UNIT 14Housing (Medium to Large Sized Housing Complex & Cohousing)14-01Medium/large sized housing complex14-02Medium/large sized cohousing / dormitory14-03Service and system for housing complex/HEMS14-04Interior for medium to large sized housing complex
Yuka Komada
Architect | Director, Komada Architects' Office
Komada established Komada Architects' office with Takeshi Komada in 2000. She works mainly on apartment building and private residences such as "NISHIKASAI APARTMENTS 2", "ROROOF", "TRANS", "SLIDE" while teaching as a part-time lecturer of Tokyo University of the Arts and Meiji University and received GOOD DESIGN AWARD Best 100, LOCAL REPUBLIC AWARD, Residencial Architecture Prize, ARCASIA AWARD. She is now particularly focusing on the potential of apartments to create communities.
Miho Iwatsuki
Architect | CEO, studio velocity
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 JIA Award, 2011 International Architecture Awards, JCD Design Award 2011 Gold Prize, AR HOUSE AWARDS 2013 Highly Commended , 2016 JIA Young Architect Award, Good Design Award 2015・2018, SD review 2018 Asakura Prize , etc.
Hiroshi Nishimura
Architect/Creative Director | Executive Director, WORKVISIONS Inc.
Nishimura graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, and completed the master's program at the Graduate School of Engineering. In 1999, He established WORKVISIONS Architects Office. In addition to architecture, renovation, civil engineering and landscape design, he also works on urban regeneration strategies throughout the country. He received the AIJ Prize(work), the Civil Engineering Society Design Award, the BCS Prize, the Brunel Award, the ARCASIA Architecture Award, the Public Building Award, and many others. Received the Grand Prize of 2009th Good Design Award at the Iwamizawa complex station building.
Atsumi Hayashi
Producer | Co-Representative, SPEAC, inc. / Director, RealTokyoEstate
Born in Tokyo in 1971. Aside from managing the real estate specialty website "REALTOKYOESTATE" and a maker and an EC site of materials and tools for a spatial creation "toolbox", Hayashi also carries out business revitalization planning and production for architecture and real estate, strategic planning for community management, and project management of accommodations, restaurants and event spaces, etc. He studied in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Tokyo and completed a Master of Science in Real Estate Development in the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. After working at McKinsey & Company and domestic developers, he assumed his present post.
UNIT 15Construction (Industry and Commercial Facility)15-01Construction and environment for office and industrial facility15-02Interior for industrial facility and office15-03Construction and environment for commercial facility15-04Interior for commercial facility and shop
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, Prize of AIJ 2020.
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.
Tomohiko Yamanashi
Architect | Chief Design Officer, Senior Executive Officer, NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD
Yamanashi graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1984, completed the University of Tokyo's graduate school program in 1986, and joined Nikken Sekkei. He proactively promotes BIM, computational design, and the use of wood in urban architecture. His representative works include Jinbocho Theater (SD Review, JIA Young Architects Award), Mokuzai Kaikan (MIPIM Asia Special Jury Award), Hoki Museum (JIA Grand Prix, BCS Award), NBF Osaki Building (AIJ Annual Architectural Design Commendation), Chofu Campus Building No. 1 of Toho Gakuen College (AIJ Annual Architectural Design Commendation), etc. He is author of "Building Information Models" (Nippon Jitsugyo Publishing) and "The Condition of Architectural Masterpiece" (Nikkei Business Publications) among others.
Ai Yoshida
Architect | CEO, SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE Co.,Ltd.
Born in Hiroshima in 1974, Yoshida started working at SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE in 2001 and became a co-founder in 2014. 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. 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. She works in a cross-sectoral manner based around architecture.
UNIT 16Public Facility, Civil Structure and Landscape16-01Construction/space design for public facility16-02Interior for public facility16-03Landscape, civil engineering structures16-04Block and community development16-05Construction method for industry, commercial, public facility
Kaori Ito
Researcher in Urbanism | Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
Born in Tokyo. She graduated from the University of Tokyo and received PhD in engineering. After working at Center for Spatial Information Science, the University of Tokyo, she has worked at Tokyo University of Science. Her areas of specialization are urban space analysis and design. Her research interest includes the relationships between public space and public life. She leads the artist group Tokyo Picnic Club and is involved in creative projects for urban public space both internationally and domestically. She also leads Civic Pride Research Group. Her major publications include "Civic Pride" and "Civic Pride 2."
Yoko Ando
Textile Designer/Coordinator | Representative, Yoko Ando Design
After working at NUNO Corporation, Ando established Yoko Ando Design in 2011. She provides textiles for public facilities, private residences, etc. designed by various architects. Recent main works include "Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos" (Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects), "Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art" (Jun Aoki and Tezzo Nishizawa's collaboration on design) and "Shiroiya Hotel" (Sou Fujimoto Architects). Visiting Professor at Nagoya Zokei University of Art & Design and Tama Art University. Wrote "The Textiles of Yoko Ando: Weaving Spaces and Structures" (published by LIXIL).
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).
Tatsuya Hiraga
Landscape Architect | CEO, Landscape Plus Ltd.,
Born in Tokushima in 1969. After graduating from the Department of Landscape Architecture, West Virginia University in 1993, he joined Nikken Sekkei. He established Landscape Plus in 2008. Currently, the company's CEO and Vice President of the Landscape Architects Union. He received the City Planning Society Award at Toshima Ecomusee Town, the Landscaping Society Award at Minami Ikebukuro Park, and the Cultural Honor Award from Toshima Ward in 2020 for its past activities. Based in Tokyo, he keeps practicing the creation of local value that is globally evaluated.
Kentaro Yamazaki
Architect | Representative Director, YAMAZAKI KENTARO DESIGN WORKSHOP Co.,Ltd.
Yamazaki designed Itoman Gyomin Shokudo constructed by piling Ryukyu limestone with residents in Okinawa, Hakusui Nursery School stair-like building by utilizing a slope, Hospice in Shinfuji filled with common scenery and ambience. He has won many awards in Japan and overseas, including the JIA Architecture Award, AIJ New Architect Award, iF DESIGN AWARD Gold. Yamazaki aims to design buildings that are not sensational but accepted by people from children to older adults as a part of their lives. Yamazaki is a part-time lecturer at Kogakuin University, Tokyo University of Science, Hosei University and Waseda University.
UNIT 17Media and Contents17-01Media17-02Contents for the general public17-03Contents for business17-04Method for advertising/PR17-05Exhibition / display17-06Branding / CI / VI17-07Font17-08Packaging for the general public17-09Packaging for professional use
Mamoru Kano
Design Director | 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.
Yuri Uenishi
Born in Tokyo in 1987, Uenishi graduated from Tama Art University and joined Dentsu in 2010. She then started working independently in 2021. Her works cover various fields, including branding, campaigning, images, spaces, books and magazines. Her past works include the poster of the World Table Tennis Championships 2015, the annual campaign of LAFORET 2020, and after, and magazine Kohkoku (published by Hakuhodo.) She has won many awards, including the Cannes Lions Gold, NYADC Gold, D&AD Gold, Tokyo ADC Award, and JAGDA New Designer Award.
Daisaku Kawase
TV Producer | Executive Producer, Production Headquarters, NHK ENTREPRISES, INC.
Kawase joined NHK in 1993. He has a wide-ranging portfolio, including "The Professional", "ASAICHI", "Zoom Back x Ochiai" and "Kaneo-kun". The TV program "Good Night Japan ZZZ…", which deals with sleep, was exhibited at ROPPONGI ART NIGHT in 2016 and at Art Sightama in 2020. He co-produced a special program NHK x NTV 60 Challenges with Nippon Television Network Corporation and received many awards, including the Social TV Award. In addition to producing television programs, he is working as Representative Director of FUKKO DESIGN, an incorporated association to support the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas, and in many other fields.
Toshiyuki Konishi
Copy Writer/Creative Directer | CEO, POOL inc.
Konishi is the founder and CEO of POOL inc., a creative company he established in 2006. He is a copywriter and creative director who provides unparalleled creativity in all areas from advertising production and branding to urban development and building national strategies. He has worked on a number of blockbuster commercials such as "Iemon( for green tea drinks)", "PlayStation", and "Mono yori Omoide(meaning more Memories than Things, for car products )". In 2017, together with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, he conceived the idea of "Premium Friday". In 2019, he produced "THE THOUSAND KYOTO" and "GOOD NATURE STATION" hotels in Kyoto, and "GREEN SPRINGS" in Tachikawa, Tokyo in 2020. He is the owner of "Hikiniku to Kome(meaning Ground Meat and Rice, the restaurant)" and also responsible for the Japan Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo as a creative adviser. He is the author of several books on communication, advertising and presentation skills.
Kaie Murakami
Designer/Creative Director | Founder / CEO, SIMONE Inc.
After working at Miyake Design Studio, Murakami established SIMONE INC. in 2003. He performs practical creative consulting and business development that integrates design, business and technology for both domestic and international businesses. His main work includes the following: Louis Vuitton, Lexus, Undercover (campaigns); Parfums Christian Dior, adidas, Shiseido, Isetan Mitsukoshi (product development, packaging and advertising); GSIX, The Park-Ing, United Arrows, and others (Web and app development). Awards: Cannes Lions (Gold), NY ADC and others.
UNIT 18System and Service18-01Application, software for the general public / apps for smartphones and tablets18-02System/service for the general public18-03Insurance/financial service and system18-04Software for professional use18-05System/service for professional use18-06Social infrastructure system / infrastructure
Yuki Uchida
Urban Designer | Senior Director, Re:public Inc. / President, YET / Co-Owner, A New Scale
Uchida graduated from Waseda University with a bachelors in Architecture and later received her masters in Sustainable City Design at Ferrara University in Italy. In 2013, she became a founding member of a Re:public Inc., which works with governments, companies, local citizens, and educational institutes to design innovation ecosystems with communities. She is also co-owner of A New Scale, an urban research collective. She conducts urban research activities with a focus on physicality, urban design, and art. She is a part-time lecturer at Aichi University of the Arts. She was appointed as a regional revitalization evangelist by the Cabinet Office in 2017.
Yuta Inoue
Project Manager | Partner, KESIKI INC. / CorpDev Director, Whatever Inc.
After working at McKinsey and as a North American correspondent for WIRED, Inoue founded quantum, where he was responsible for joint business development and investment as CSO and CIO. He was involved in the establishment of KESIKI, a culture design firm, and is currently leading organizational transformation and business development projects. He also has a wealth of experience in industry-academia-government-private partnerships, including the establishment of a foundation to support education for young people affected by the disaster, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Tobitate Study Abroad Japan" program, and as a visiting associate professor at Kyushu University's GIC.
Hisato Ogata
Design Engineer | Director, Takram
With takram since 2012, Ogata is an award-winning design engineer whose multidisciplinary abilities span from hardware to software and from art to science. A recipient of the Good Design Award in 2004 and the iF Product Design Award in 2005, his work has most recently received acclaim at the Media Arts Festival held by the Japanese National Agency of Cultural Affairs in 2012.
Tasuku Mizuno
Lawyer | CITY LIGHTS LAW
Lawyer (Tokyo Bar Association.) 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 Legal Design - Accelerating Creativity and Innovation through Law and Open Design Now - Why Design Cannot Remain Exclusive (joint translation/writing.)
UNIT 19Initiative and Activity for Regional19-01Initiative and activity for regional19-02Initiative and activity for community development
Toru Iwasa
Creative Director/Editor | CEO, Jiyujin inc.
While studying at Musashino Art University, Iwasa founded a design company in 1989 and later became an editor. In 2000, his first magazine JIYUJIN was published. In 2004, he moved his office to Minami Uonuma, Niigata from Tokyo. His lifestyle attracted attention from media and he appeared in Jounetsu Tairiku. After the launch of Satoyama Jujo in 2014, he undertook many accommodation facilities as real media and appeared in The Professional. His major works include Echigo Tokimeki Railway SETSUGEKKA and Yamagata the Takinami. He is a visiting professor at Tama Art University.
Ai Iishi
Urban Designer | Coordinator, Real Public Estate / Director, nest.inc
As a member of "Real Public Estate", a media that makes public space interesting, Iishi is involved in process design for creative use of public space, research, promotion of projects with local governments, and direction of "Public Space Reverse Proposal", a new matching event. She is also promoting a project to enhance the value of the area through the use of public space at Green Boulevard and Minami Ikebukuro Park (Toshima Ward). She is the author of "Project Study of Real Public Estate - Mechanism and Design of Public-Private Partnership - (Gakugei Shuppansha).
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 main publications include "My Public &Ground Level" (Shobunsha)
Katsuo Mizuguchi
Art Director | President, Hotchkiss Inc.
Graduated from the Kanazawa College of Art, Mizuguchi established Hotchkiss Inc. in 2013 after working at Dentsu Inc. He undertakes art direction for various brands, which includes advertisements, graphic designs, and package designs. He wrote A Model for Art Direction -30 Rules for Designs That Convey- (Seibundo Shinkosha) and Mr. Mizumaru Anzai, Teach Me Design! -Mizumaru Anzai Format Research Society- (Hotchkiss.)
Yoshihiko Yamasaka
Creative Director | Executive Vice President, MAQ inc.
Yamasaka is involved in design for problem-solving, branding, public relations, content development and promotion of corporations, communities and government. He is Executive Vice President, MAQ inc.; a representative of the environment improvement organization GARBAGE BAG ART WORK; and a director of the domestic violence prevention group Purple Eyes. A member of the Tokyo Copywriters Club. He was also Creative Director of Kobe City (2015–2018) and Publicity Director of Art Project Kobe 2019: Trans- (2019).
UNIT 20Initiative and Activity for the General Public20-01Initiative and activity for the general public20-02Awareness improvement for individual and public20-03Awareness improvement, management method and Initiative for industry20-04Education/promotion/support method20-05Research and development method
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".
Kenta Nakamura
Editor/Recruiter | CEO, Shigotohito Inc.
Born in Tokyo in 1979, Nakamura is the CEO of Shigotohito Inc., which runs Nihon Shigoto Hyakka, and a co-founder of the registered architect's office Yatra. Having the belief that a comfortable place requires the presence of people, he launched Nihon Shigoto Hyakka, a job-search website for people who work as if living. In July 2013, he opened Little Tokyo in Toranomon, Tokyo. Recently, he has moved to Kiyosumi-shirakawa, Tokyo, and plans and runs Shigoto Bar where people can encounter a new way of living or working. He is the author of Ikiruyouni Hataraku (Mishimasha Publishing.)
Yuma Harada
Art Director/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."
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 worked on a number of product development designs, then consistently engaged in corporate branding, business schemes, and product designs from the perspective of design management. Hirota has been Director and Creative Director of Sumida Local Brand Promoting Committee, Chairwoman of Tokyo Business Design Award (2019 - 2020). Awards: Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, Good Design Award, and many others.
Kyoko Yokota
Project Organizer | CEO, Colabolabo Co., Ltd, / Visiting Associate Professor, Ochanomizu University
CEO of Colabolabo Co., Ltd / Visiting associate Professor (Ochanomizu University) / Executive Director (Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama). She is the Chief Executive Officer of Colabolabo Co., Ltd based in Tokyo, Japan. She is in charge of organizing the entrepreneurship programs in Ochanomizu University for the past 10 years. Colabolabo provides business support for female entrepreneurs, with more than 3,000 clients all over Japan. It manages a website "Women Presidents.net", where a database of female entrepreneurs is made available to whoever is interested in their businesses. Prior to setting up her own business in 2006, she had over 6 years of experience working for the human resources department of Recruit Co., Ltd., a leading advertising, publishing and HR company in Japan. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the Ochanomizu University, one of the oldest national women's universities in Japan. She is also involved in several committees, including a committee established by the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. She was selected to represent Japan at the APEC 2011 WES (Women and the Economy Summit) as one of the "Innovators of Japan".
Chiyi Chang
Design Director | President, Taiwan Design Research Institute
CHANG is the current President at Taiwan Design Research Insititute，Board Member of the World Design Organization, and Professor at the Graduate Institute of Architecture at the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, he was Deputy governor of Taitung County Government, CEO at Taitung Design Center, Previously Vice Pres-ident for General Affairs in National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, the director of the Graduate Institute of Architecture in National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and the director of A+@ Architecture Studio, he has published several books including Contemporary Architecture: the Concept of Aesthetic, European Charm: New Architecture, and Contemporary Architecture of North American in Focus. He received his Master in Design Studies (MDes) from Harvard Design School in 1994 and his Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) from Ohio State University in 1992.
Chi mei Chang
Graphic Designer | Honorary President, Taiwan Graphic Design Association
Chang graduated from Pratt Institute Brooklyn, NY (Communications Design). She is Creative Director of Optima Integrated Design, Committee member of the XXIX Summer Universiade, Judge of iF Design Award, JAGDA International Student Poster Award 2020, Golden Pin Design Award, Young Pin Design Award, Times Advertising Awards, Times Asia-Pacific Awards, Times Young Creative Awards, Taiwan Golden Print Awards, etc.
-Red dot Award: Packaging Design, Communication Design, Best Packaging Design Award of Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Golden Award of Golden Pin Design Award, Golden Award of Taiwan Visual Design Award (Visual Communication, Poster, Packaging, Publication), etc.
Manfred Wang
Product Designer | Professor, Department of Design, National Taiwan Normal University
Professor of design at National Taiwan Normal University and Principal Creative Advisor for Qisda Corporation. Prior to 2013, Wang was the Vice President & Chief Design Officer of BenQ & Qisda Group and the General Manager of QisDESIGN Lifestyle Products Business Unit. Under his guidance, BenQ and Qisda have won more than 375 international design awards. He graduated with a Master of Industrial Design from Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design Germany in 1994.
Carl Liu
Design Director | Design VP, Niu Technologies Inc.
Liu is the founder of brand CARLLIU which is dedicated on creating quality sustainable lifestyle objects for everyday usage. He is currently working as the Design VP of Niu Technologies in Shanghai China. His signature designs included Compaq iPaq PDA, Nike running watch Triax 300 and Triax 50. These products had won international awards like G-Mark, IDSA and I.D Magazine. He has published two design books Carl Liu Design Book and Innovative Product Design Practice since 2005. Prior to that, he worked at BMW Designworks, Ideadao Design, Walt Disney, Intel, Motorola and Astro Studios.
Gary Chang
Architectural/Interior Designer | Managing Director, EDGE Design Institute Ltd.
Born in Hong Kong, Chang graduated from The University of Hong Kong in 1987 and founded his company EDGE in 1994. Since then, he has demonstrated his keen artistic visions through his numerous award-winning designs, keynote lectures and literary works. These include such notable works as the Suitcase House in Beijing, his Kung-fu tea-set for ALESSI, his book "Hotel as Home".
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.
Xiaoxi Shi
Industrial Designer | 2-LA LLC
Shi is founder and Creative Director of 2-LA Design. Multiple award winning and highly recognized designer, TEDx speaker and Tsinghua X-lab EiR. His work has been widely published, respected and exhibited in museums and competitions. His award winning work ranges from product design, fashion design to furniture design. He is awarded by IDEA gold, Red dot Design, IF Design and G-marl Best 100. he also won top10 Chinese designer in year of 2016.
Qiong Wu
Interaction Designer/Industrial Designer | Professor, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
Wu published and presented over 40 papers in international seminars and core journals, over 20 of her design pieces have been on display at such important exhibitions as Ars Electronica in Austria, the Art and Science International Exhibition in China, and the National Art Exhibition in China. She has also been invited to give presentations at major design seminars, including ACM UbiComp, IEEE DRC, HCI International, the First World Conference on Display Industry, and International Symposium on Cultural Heritage and Digitization. She has served as PI of fourteen research projects at the provincial and ministerial level or higher, including projects conducted by National Social Science Fund of China, National Key R&D Program of China, National Science and Technology Support Program, Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. In addition, she has worked closely with the Bank of China, the Palace Museum, the China Association for Science and Technology, Alibaba, Baidu, NetEase, Tencent, Huawei, Intel, Siemens, LG, Boeing, and Nokia, making clear the value of her research-based work.
