JP / EN
PROJECT
Instrument M / PC Mouse Design for Yamaha
Concept work
This is a concept design for a PC mouse inspired by the form of wind instruments.
It emerged from an attempt to give visual form to the flow of electrons traveling across a printed circuit board.By adopting a pipe-like structure reminiscent of wind instruments, the design challenges the conventional “black box” nature of a mouse, making the flow of electricity perceptible to the eye. The tactile sensation of clicking draws inspiration from piston valves, transmitting electrical signals as if pushing air through an instrument.
Operational inputs such as clicks and scrolling are gathered at the core image sensor, from which a single pipe extends and meanders through the body. This pipe defines the overall silhouette while guiding the flow toward the tip, ultimately delivering commands to the PC.
In addition, parameters typically adjusted within the OS—such as pointer speed, scroll sensitivity, and click intervals—are integrated directly into the device as physical dials. This allows for intuitive, instrument-like tuning.
The aim is to transform digital devices into warm, analog-like tools—objects that can be “played” like musical instruments, bringing a sense of performance and enjoyment to everyday interaction.
The Gripper / Hand Gripper
Concept work
This is a concept design for a unique hand grip in which each finger operates independently.
On the palm side, a softly contoured wooden element serves as the structural anchor of the grip, while the fingertip side combines inorganic metal components, creating a distinct tactile contrast. The finger grips are inspired by the operation of a trumpet, enabling independent control for each finger.
This structure emphasizes the sensation of finely tuned control through each individual finger, introducing a subtle tension at the fingertips. At the same time, it balances relaxation and exertion—key elements in physical training—aiming to maximize overall performance.
In addition, the length of each pipe can be individually adjusted to match the user’s finger length, allowing for a personalized fit.
Pianissimo Fortissimo / Wall-mounted Art Piano
Concept work/ Exhibited at Milan Salone 2019 in Italy
This wall-based artwork presents an abstract depiction of a grand piano as seen from above. By embedding a fully playable keyboard into the piece, it creates an interactive experience where viewing and performing become one.
When standing before a large painting, one can sometimes feel as though they have stepped into its world. This work extends that sensation into the realm of touch. By playing sound within a pictorial landscape, visual perception and bodily sensation begin to intertwine, leading to a deeper sense of immersion.
From something to be observed, to something to engage with. The space itself becomes an instrument, drawing the viewer inward with a quiet yet compelling pull.
&JOY / Exhibition Booth Design
Booth design / Exhibited at Permanente Museum in Milan, Italy in 2016
Spatial design for Yamaha’s design exhibition “&JOY.”
This exhibition was conceived as an exploration of “JOY”—a universal value that transcends time and environment—reexamining the relationship between music and everyday life. Through three perspectives—performance experience, spatial beauty, and creative stimulation—it presents Yamaha’s products and philosophy in a cross-disciplinary manner, expressing the richness that sound brings to life from multiple angles.
Neko-Yama / Cat Playground
Concept work
This is a playground design that allows the movements of cats to be observed through a transparent, see-through structure.
Cats are naturally drawn to tight spaces, gaps, and holes, often squeezing themselves into surprisingly small areas. What may seem like reckless behavior creates humorous scenes, while also suggesting a playful challenge to the limits of their own bodies. This work proposes a space that amplifies that instinct to its fullest.
Named “Neko-Yamah,” the transparent stage is composed of openings, tunnels, cavities, and bulges of varying sizes. The irregular arrangement encourages cats to explore through diverse routes and postures, making their movements and physical transformations visible from the outside.
A playground where cats challenge themselves, and observers discover—an environment designed for both play and wonder.
Bellows-Pipe-Organ / NYC Metropolitan Installation
One-off work/ Installed at 81st Street Studio, Metropolitan Mus2023 in NYC, The US
This installation, located in the 81st Street Studio at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, invites children to experience the fundamental principles of sound through hands-on interaction.
It features a pipe organ–like structure in which air is sent through an array of neatly aligned tubes to produce sound. A bellows mechanism at the base pushes air into the system, generating vibrations at the outlets of the pipes.
By observing differences in pipe length, users can intuitively understand how pitch changes. Sending air into multiple pipes simultaneously also allows them to experience layering, harmony, and the spatial richness of sound.
It is a device for sonic exploration, where the moment air transforms into sound can be felt through the body—an invitation to learn through play.
Monolate / Table Clock Design
Concept work
This is a concept table clock with a sculptural presence.
By combining cutouts and bent metal plates, the design generates a complex interplay of light and shadow. Rather than using direct numerical markings, the twelve positions of the hour are indicated indirectly through the structure.
While reducing the act of reading time to minimal cues, the object stands within a space like a piece of art. It brings a quiet tension and rhythm to the interior.
ENCORE / LED Light
Concept Work
This is a concept LED light that deliberately exposes its circuit board and wiring.
Using an inductor to boost the voltage of nearly depleted batteries, it draws out a faint glow—like a sparkler—from what would normally be considered unusable energy. It is a device that gathers what seems to be extinguished, revealing it as a final trace of light.
Batteries often retain small amounts of residual energy even after they are thought to be spent. This work finds value in that “remainder,” proposing a way to quietly use it to the very end.
Giving a second role to batteries that have seemingly fulfilled their function, this product invites users to appreciate the slow fading of light itself—the gentle unwinding of energy over time.
ROVEY / Desktop Fan
Concept work / Winner Bronze Award at Braun Competition
“ROVEY” is a new desktop fan concept that received the Bronze Award at a design competition by Braun.
Unlike conventional fans that require continuous electrical power for rotation, ROVEY is designed to rotate autonomously using the energy it generates itself. Its mechanism is inspired by the traditional Japanese balancing toy yajirobei, which creates motion through the delicate equilibrium between pivot and center of gravity.
By harnessing the subtle energy produced by its own airflow, the fan sustains continuous rotation with minimal external input.
Operating on the smallest possible amount of energy, ROVEY proposes a new approach to product design—one that emphasizes efficiency while remaining in harmony with the environment.
e-plegona / Sound Installation
Concept work/ Exhibited at SXSW in 2023
This installation is designed to induce a state of team flow.
The experience is shared by two participants simultaneously. Each player interacts with a circular tabletop touch display, generating “notes” (triggers for sound) to construct rhythmic patterns, which can then be transmitted to their partner.
The receiving player, in turn, taps these incoming “notes” to produce “tones” (actual sounds), effectively performing the rhythm created by the other.
While the roles of creation and performance are separated, they remain mutually dependent. This structure naturally heightens focus and synchronization between the players, as individual actions gradually merge into a unified flow.
An invisible circuit emerges between the two participants, where thought and movement become connected through sound. This installation visualizes collaboration itself as an embodied experience.
IFA2017 / Exhibition Booth Design
Booth design / Exhibited at IFA2017 in Berlin, Germany in 2017
Responsible for the spatial design of the Yamaha exhibition booth at IFA 2017, held in Berlin.
This project aimed to unify Yamaha’s products—spanning the distinct domains of musical instruments and audio—under a coherent design philosophy, translating the brand’s values into a spatial experience.
MIMIKA / Ear Cleaning
Concept Work
This is a set of an ear pick and stand inspired by the form of a giraffe.
The figure is abstractly expressed through a minimal metal extrusion process, reducing the form to its essential lines while subtly evoking the presence of the animal. Within this pared-down silhouette, a quiet sense of character emerges.
The giraffe’s ear functions as a holder for the ear pick, integrating everyday usability with the presence of a small sculptural object. Whether in use or at rest, the piece adds a gentle narrative to its surroundings.
Exhibited at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2026.
Untitled Instrument / Art Toy
Concept work
This concept object visualizes two forms of energy transformation: sound and motion.
Sound is perceived as vibrations of matter that propagate through the air as waves. Likewise, at the heart of any vehicle, the engine operates on the compression and expansion of air. By efficiently compressing air and combining it with combustion energy, it generates the reciprocating motion of pistons, which is then converted into rotational motion to produce propulsion.
Although both systems are driven by the same medium—air—the outcome differs entirely depending on how that energy is transformed. When converted into vibrational energy, it becomes sound, as in a musical instrument. When converted into kinetic energy, it becomes motion, enabling movement. This work embodies that divergence within a single structure.
To operate the object, the user presses the pump on the top, storing air in a side tank. By manipulating the central valve, the direction of airflow can be switched. The compressed air is then released through transparent tubes, dynamically revealing its path as it activates different functions.
Air directed into a horn-shaped tube vibrates an internal reed, producing sound. In contrast, air routed into a tube equipped with a propeller is converted into piston motion, generating rotation and ultimately propulsion.
By simply controlling the flow of air, one can either create sound or generate movement. From a single source, multiple experiences emerge—encouraging open-ended interaction beyond predefined functions.
Restio / Desktop Audio
Production Model by Yamaha
This is a Bluetooth-enabled desktop audio device designed to be displayed in a space like a picture frame.
Blending naturally into the interior, it gently layers sound into the environment. Its tone is soft and unobtrusive—like light filtering into a living room or a quiet breeze passing through—bringing a subtle sense of comfort to everyday moments.
An audio device that is not only for listening, but also for shaping space. It enriches moments of rest while creating a sense of openness, preparing the mind for what comes next.
The Blockpeople Society / Building Blocks
Concept work / Exhibited at London Design Week 2019
This is an art piece composed of building blocks that reflects on themes of race and diversity.
By adding elements reminiscent of human hands and feet to simple blocks, and introducing variations in color and proportion, the act of “assembling” is given new meaning. Depending on how the parts are arranged, conditions such as harmony and imbalance, connection and division, begin to emerge.
Through the hands-on process of shaping forms, reflections on society and human relationships arise naturally. The work creates an entry point for engaging with complex themes through an experience that feels playful, yet quietly contemplative.
Exhibited at the London Design Festival 2019.
Bon-Flame / Heat Attachment
Concept work
This is a concept heat-attachment tool designed for use with a single-burner stove.
It converts the burner’s flame into far-infrared heat, gently warming the body. As the metal plate absorbs heat, it glows red, bringing both warmth and a subtle visual comfort into the surrounding space.
The main body incorporates a bimetal sheet composed of bonded metals with different thermal expansion rates. In response to temperature changes, the form slowly transforms. A small spherical bimetal element at the tip rotates and opens, evolving from a flower-like shape into a form that evokes a rising flame.
A “second flame” that emerges in a different form from the actual fire. Beyond its heating function, this piece invites users to enjoy the gentle fluctuations and transformations of heat itself.
Bon-Burner / Outdoor Gear
Concept Work
This is a new type of single-burner stove inspired by the way firewood is stacked in a campfire.
Five slender bars intersect to form a structure that functions as both a stand and a pot support, providing stable footing for cookware such as pots and frying pans. When in use, the form expands into a three-dimensional configuration; when stored, it folds down into a compact cylindrical shape, enhancing portability.
A control knob positioned on the central ring allows for precise adjustment of gas flow and flame intensity. The operation is simple, yet enables intuitive control over the fire.
Like gathering around a campfire, this design invites users to spend time with the flame. It is an outdoor tool that celebrates not only cooking, but the experience of the process itself.
FUKURA / Desktop Clock
Concept Work
This is a concept table clock with a presence reminiscent of a crafted object.
The bowl-shaped form, which houses the clock mechanism, maintains a balanced beauty from every angle, offering a quiet yet distinct presence within a space. The very act of enclosing the function becomes part of the design, allowing it to blend naturally into the surrounding interior.
While serving as a device to indicate time, it also functions as an object that introduces a sense of calm and spatial openness. A product that brings a subtle rhythm into everyday life.
Exhibited at the Milan Salone in 2013.
Mechiken / Bird Toy
Concept work
This chicken object was created to celebrate the Year of the Rooster, featuring a structure reminiscent of a plastic model kit.
By intentionally exposing the segmentation of parts and assembly logic, the design expresses both the enjoyment of construction and a sense of mechanical fascination. At the same time, the overall proportions and detailing are softened to give the piece a gentle, endearing character.
An object where precision and approachability coexist, it brings a playful yet crafted presence to the New Year.
Frame Planets Series / Greeting Card
Production Model for Keyaki, Shimane
This greeting card is designed around the idea of a story unfolding within a frame.
Through a layered, three-dimensional structure reminiscent of paper cutting, it creates a sense of depth within a small frame. The moment it is opened, a scene rises into view, revealing another world held within the palm of your hand.
More than something to be given, it can also be displayed—adding a touch of color to everyday life while gently stimulating the senses.
Exhibited at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2017.
TULIP / Cutting Glass
Concept Work
This delicate cut glass piece is inspired by the tulip, the official flower of Toyama Prefecture.
Each piece is carefully shaped through hand-blown glass techniques and meticulously finished with hand-cut detailing, revealing the soft, nuanced character unique to craftsmanship. As light touches the surface, the facets shimmer subtly, gently outlining the tulip motif.
Where traditional craft meets a regional symbol, this product brings a quiet sense of beauty into everyday life.
HANA / Pot Mat
Product for Keyaki
This trivet features delicate cuts inspired by the motif of a floral wreath.
The engraved surface catches the light and shimmers subtly, creating a rich, dimensional expression. When hung on a wall, it functions as an interior piece, softly adorning the space like a wreath.
Used on the table, it serves as a functional object; when not in use, it becomes a decorative element. By existing beyond a single purpose, it brings a quiet sense of elegance into everyday life.
This work was developed in collaboration with a laser processing specialist based in Shimane, within the gift atelier “Keyaki.”
Exhibited at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2017.
TULIP Time / Hourglass
Concept Work
This is a concept hourglass featuring cuts inspired by the form of a tulip.
The gently curved facets catch and reflect light with delicate nuance, casting an ethereal glow over the flowing sand. As the grains fall, the passage of time unfolds as a subtle interplay of light and shadow within the surrounding space.
The shadows themselves shift beautifully, adding a soft layer of visual texture to their environment.
Both a device for measuring time and an object for experiencing it, this piece invites the viewer to perceive time not as numbers, but as a living, visual phenomenon.
REGZA T-02D / Smart Phone for docomo
Product for docomo
This smartphone design inherits the formal language of the TV brand “REGZA,” aiming to maximize immersion in visual content.
The frame and surface composition are meticulously refined to eliminate unnecessary elements from the user’s field of view, allowing the display itself to take center stage. The treatment of black and the precision of the edges introduce a quiet tension that enhances the presence of the image.
While maintaining a subtle physical presence in the hand, the design naturally guides the user’s gaze toward the screen. Rather than asserting itself as an object, the product is shaped to amplify the experiential value of the content it presents.
This model was developed by Fujitsu as part of the “docomo NEXT Series” for NTT Docomo.
Blue Rose / Martini Glass
Concept work / Winner Grand Prix at Bombay Sapphire Design Competition
This martini glass was designed for Bombay Sapphire.
The “blue rose” is a symbol of the impossible. This work is conceived as a form in which that impossibility takes shape. Echoing the clarity and deep blue imagery of Bombay Sapphire, the glass exists in quiet harmony with the drink it holds.
From the moment it is lifted, visual and gustatory experiences begin to intertwine, elevating the act of drinking a martini into something more singular and memorable.
This piece was awarded the Grand Prize at the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition and was exhibited at the Milan Salone in 2008.
NEWS
Design Support: IDEC Yokohama Design Expert
Serving as a Design Expert for IDEC Yokohama, providing design-driven management support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Consultations are available for product development, branding, market expansion, and more.
Location: Yokohama Information Culture Center, 7th Floor
“Swing” Concept Pen Showcased on Yanko Design
The concept pen “Swing” was featured on Yanko Design.
This work emerged from a thought experiment: What if Yamaha designed a writing instrument? The act of writing generates a pendulum-like motion, similar to a metronome, with each swing guiding the rhythm of the next stroke.
PC Concept Mouse Featured in the Feb/Mar 2026 Issue of DIME Magazine
A Yamaha concept PC mouse designed in 2022 has resurfaced on social media, gaining renewed attention and being featured in the February/March 2026 issue of DIME Magazine.
Featured in “Career Notes” by BizReach
New York Times「The Mini Crossword」トロフィーをデザイン
The New York Times の人気アプリコンテンツ「The Mini Crossword」の10周年アニバーサリーに際し、トロフィーのデザインを担当しました。
本プロジェクトでは、ミニクロスワードのキャラクターをベースに、多様性やフレンドリーさ、遊び心を取り入れた造形とし、パズルの持つ知的な遊びと日常性を象徴するプロダクトとして設計しています。
Installation “e-plegona” Wins Red Dot Award 2024
The experimental installation “e-plegona,” developed through a collaboration between Yamaha and Yamaha Motor, received the Concept Award at the Red Dot Award 2024.
This project explores the mechanisms of team flow, bringing together diverse technologies and ideas across disciplines to create new forms of experiential value.
Cat Tool Concept “neko-yama” Featured on designboom
Yamaha’s concept design “neko-yama” was featured on designboom.
This work proposes a playground that draws out cats’ natural instincts. Its transparent structure allows people to observe the animals’ charming movements and behaviors in detail.
Outdoor Concept “The Flame” Featured on designboom
Yamaha’s outdoor concept “The Flame” was featured on designboom.
This work proposes a new form of heat attachment. Utilizing the shape-memory behavior of bimetal, it features a mechanism that gradually opens like petals as heat is applied, transforming the presence of fire into a dynamic, evolving form.
“e-plegona” Featured in the June 2023 Issue of Brain Magazine
The experimental installation “e-plegona,” created in collaboration with Yamaha and Yamaha Motor, was featured in the June 2023 issue of Brain Magazine.
Experimental Installation “e-plegona” Exhibited at hub.berlin 2023 and TOA 2023
The experimental installation “e-plegona,” created in collaboration with Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Motor, will be exhibited at hub.berlin 2023 and TOA 2023, held in June and July 2023 in Berlin.
This work explores the mechanisms of team flow, developed as a cross-disciplinary project that integrates diverse technologies and ideas to create new forms of experiential value.
Concept Workout Tool “The Gripper” Featured on designboom
Yamaha’s workout tool design “The Gripper” was featured on designboom.
This concept explores a hand grip in which each finger operates independently. By combining wood and metal, it creates a tactile contrast, while a control mechanism inspired by the operation of a trumpet enables nuanced, finger-by-finger interaction—offering both precise control and a balanced sense of tension.
“e-plegona” Featured in the June 2023 Issue of Brain Magazine
The experimental installation “e-plegona,” created in collaboration with Yamaha and Yamaha Motor, was featured in the June 2023 issue of Brain Magazine.
Experimental Installation “e-plegona” Exhibited at SXSW 2023
The experimental installation “e-plegona,” created in collaboration with Yamaha and Yamaha Motor, will be exhibited at SXSW 2023, held in March 2023 in Austin.
This work explores the mechanisms of team flow, developed as a cross-disciplinary project that integrates diverse technologies and ideas to create new forms of experiential value.
“MATERIAL ORCHESTRA for The MET” Featured on J-WAVE
Appeared on a J-WAVE radio program broadcast on December 9, 2023, in connection with “MATERIAL ORCHESTRA for The MET,” presented at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“Yamaha Sound Machines” Featured in mono magazine
The project “Yamaha Sound Machines,” a collaboration between Yamaha and ECAL, was featured in the July 2, 2023 issue of mono magazine.
This project explores new ways of experiencing sound, presented as a cross-disciplinary initiative that bridges design, technology, and human sensibility.
“Yamaha Sound Machines” Exhibited at Milan Design Week 2022
The collaboration project “Yamaha Sound Machines,” developed by Yamaha and ECAL, was exhibited at Milan Design Week 2022, held from June 7 to 11, 2022 in Milan.
The exhibition explored new possibilities and experiential values of sound, presented as a cross-disciplinary project that integrates design, technology, and human sensibility.
“YAMAHA PC MOUSE” Featured on designboom
Yamaha’s concept design “YAMAHA PC MOUSE” was featured on designboom.
This work reinterprets the internal structure of electronic devices through a form inspired by wind instruments, presenting a concept that visualizes the flow of electrons.
“YAMAHA PC MOUSE” Featured on Gizmodo
Yamaha’s concept design “YAMAHA PC MOUSE” was featured on Gizmodo.
The article introduces the project as part of “Two Yamahas, One Passion,” a collaboration between Yamaha’s musical instrument and motorcycle divisions. It highlights the mouse’s distinctive design, inspired by wind instruments and motorcycles.
Unique Work Style Featured on BizReach
A unique working style—continuing independent creative activities alongside a career as an in-house designer—was featured on September 18, 2022, in the business media platform BizReach.
The article highlights a parallel career path built from the early stages of professional life, exploring how ongoing personal creation and communication, alongside corporate work, have broadened perspective and generated new value.
Art Toy “Untitled Instrument” Featured on designboom
Yamaha’s art toy object “Untitled Instrument” was featured on designboom.
This work proposes a new concept that merges the principles of sound with motorcycle mechanisms, envisioning an instrument-mobility hybrid powered by air. By controlling airflow, it integrates two functions—sound generation and movement—within a single structure.
Building Block Concept “The Blockpeople Society” Showcased on designboom
The building block concept “The Blockpeople Society” was featured on designboom.
This project is based on combining human-shaped units to create a wide range of structures and relationships. It was introduced as a design that embeds ideas of social interaction and communication within the act of play.
“Industrial Instruments” Featured in “The Style,” Nikkei
The industrial design project “Industrial Instruments” was featured in “The Style” section of Nikkei.
This project is a series of concept acoustic instruments developed through a collaboration between Yamaha and sound artist Yuri Suzuki. By reconstructing industrial components, it reinterprets existing parts from the perspectives of sound and aesthetics, generating new forms of interaction.
“Industrial Instruments” Unveiled at the Design Museum, London
“Industrial Instruments” will be presented at the Design Museum.
This event is held as a collaborative project between Yamaha and sound artist Yuri Suzuki, featuring the unveiling of three new concept acoustic instruments alongside a live performance.
Reinterpreting the structures and materials of industrial products as musical instruments, this project explores a new relationship between sound and design.
Workshop by Politecnico di Milano and Yamaha
Served as a guest lecturer in a workshop jointly organized by Politecnico di Milano and Yamaha, held from June 15 to 19, 2020.
Conducted online, the workshop explored future perspectives on sound and music in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining the insights of both institutions, it provided a platform for generating new ideas and conceptual approaches.
“Pianissimo Fortissimo” Exhibited at the Yamaha Ginza Building
The wall-based installation “Pianissimo Fortissimo,” originally presented at Milan Design Week, was exhibited at Yamaha Ginza Building.
Presented in a space open to the public, the work visualizes the abstract concept of musical dynamics—soft and loud—allowing it to be experienced within everyday life.
Dates: November 21, 2019 – Late February 2020
Venue: Yamaha Ginza Building
“Pianissimo Fortissimo” Exhibited at OSAKA x MILANO DESIGN LINK 2019
The wall-based installation “Pianissimo Fortissimo,” originally presented at Milan Design Week, was exhibited at OSAKA x MILANO DESIGN LINK 2019.
This exhibition served as an opportunity to introduce works presented overseas to audiences in Japan, allowing a wide range of visitors to experience the piece.
Dates: October 12–16, 2019
Venue: Honmachi Garden City
Organizer: Daimaru Shinsaibashi
Participated in designjunction 2019 during London Design Week
Participated in designjunction 2019, held during London Design Week.
In collaboration with a group of London-based in-house and freelance designers, works were presented under the theme “re_assemble.” By reconstructing materials and structures, the project explored experimental approaches to uncover new values and meanings.
Dates: September 19–22, 2019
Venue: The Canopy King's CrossWorkshop by Politecnico di Milano and Yamaha
Served as an instructor in a workshop jointly organized by Politecnico di Milano and Yamaha, held from June 17 to 21, 2019.
The workshop explored the relationship between sound and design, guiding participants through the process from concept development to prototyping, and fostering a cross-disciplinary approach to design thinking.
Dates: June 17–21, 2019
Venue: Politecnico di Milano Leonardo Campus
“Pianissimo Fortissimo” Presented at Milan Design Week 2019
Participated in Milan Design Week 2019 as Yamaha, presenting the wall-based installation “Pianissimo Fortissimo,” held in Milan from April 8 to 14, 2019.
Centered on the theme of “Pulse,” this work expands musical dynamic markings into spatial form, enabling visitors to experience the dynamics of sound both visually and physically. Responsible for both design and production.
Dates: April 8–14, 2019
Venue: Via Ferrante Aporti 25
Organizer: Ventura Projects
Participated as a Tutor at the Domaine de Boisbuchet Workshop 2018
Participated as a tutor in the Domaine de Boisbuchet Workshop 2018, held in France.
This international program brings together designers and students from around the world to explore design thinking and methods through hands-on practice. Working with the local environment and materials, experimental projects were developed collaboratively with participants.
Dates: July 15–21, 2018
Organizer: Domaine de Boisbuchet
Development Process of the “Sankocho” Bottle Opener Exhibited at the Product Development
The product development process of the bottle opener “Sankocho,” co-developed with Kurita Sangyo, was exhibited at the “Product Development Dissection Exhibition” held at Shizuoka City Creative Industry Promotion Center.
The exhibition visualized the journey from idea generation to final product, presenting the thinking and prototyping processes behind the design.
Dates: February 16–25, 2018
Venue: Shizuoka City Creative Industry Promotion Center
“Sankocho” Bottle Opener Sales Launch
The bottle opener “Sankocho,” co-developed with Kurita Sangyo, was sold at a special booth at Isetan Shizuoka.
The project was also presented as a case study in collaborative manufacturing with a regional company.
Dates: January 17–23, 2018
Venue: Isetan Shizuoka
“Loca Project” New Products Presented at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2017
New products from the “Loca Project” brand by Gift Atelier Keyaki were presented at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2017, held at Tokyo Big Sight.
As a brand that connects local resources with design, the project proposed a fusion of traditional craft and contemporary design.
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New Brand “Loca Project” Presented at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2016
The new brand “Loca Project” by Gift Atelier Keyaki, based in Shimane, was launched at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2016.
Responsible for total branding and design, with four products presented as part of the exhibition.
“Mimika” Exhibited with oog design studio at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2016
Exhibited at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2016 in collaboration with oog design studio, presenting works including “Mimika.”
The project proposes everyday products from a new perspective, reexamining familiar objects through design.
Exhibited at SaloneSatellite 2016
Exhibited collaboratively at SaloneSatellite 2016, presenting three works including new pieces.
At this internationally recognized platform for emerging designers, the project served as an opportunity to communicate design ideas to a global audience.
“Tulip” Exhibited at Toyama Design Wave 2015
The work “Tulip” was exhibited at Toyama Design Wave 2015.
It was presented as a product that connects regional culture with form, translating local identity into a contemporary design expression.
Featured on Nikkei Business Online
Featured on Nikkei Business Online under the theme “How to Cultivate Ideas that Impress.”
The article highlights the processes and ways of thinking that transform initial concepts into meaningful value.
Grand Prize Winner, Sun-Star Stationery Idea Contest
Received the Grand Prize at the Sun-Star Stationery Idea Contest 19th.
The idea was highly recognized for bringing new discoveries into everyday life.
Speaker at the Design Palette Lecture
Delivered a lecture at Space Design College Kyoto on the theme “The Role and Significance of Product Design from a Designer’s Perspective.”
Speaker at the Tokyo Design Business Seminar
Served as a lecturer at a seminar organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute.
The lecture focused on collaborative manufacturing between small and medium-sized enterprises and designers.
Exhibited at Designersblock Milano Tortona 2013
Exhibited at Designersblock Milano during the Milan Salone period in collaboration with Innocent Blue.
A series of prototype works was presented and showcased.
“Fuku no Fukuro” Featured in Nikkei Design
The design competition entry “Fuku no Fukuro” for Iris Ohyama was featured in the March 2013 issue of Nikkei Design.
“ROVEY” Featured in MEN'S EX
The Braun competition-winning design “ROVEY” was featured in the February 2013 issue of MEN'S EX.
“ROVEY” Featured in Wallpaper*
The Braun design competition–winning work “ROVEY” was featured in Wallpaper*.
Excellence Award, Iris Household Goods Design Competition
Received the Excellence Award at the 20th Iris Household Goods Design Competition, where the work was also exhibited.
“Leaf Pot” Featured in Nikkei Design
The VEGEUNI Design Award–winning work “Leaf Pot” was featured in the November 2012 issue of Nikkei Design.
Bronze Prize, Braun Prize 2012
Awarded the Bronze Prize at Braun Prize 2012
Excellence Award, VEGEUNI Design Award
Received the Excellence Award at the VEGEUNI Design Award, organized by Asahi Kasei Homes.
Excellence Award, Iris Household Goods Design Competition
Received the Excellence Award at the 19th Iris Ohyama Household Goods Design Competition, where the work was also exhibited.
Selected for the International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa 2011
The work “Branch” was selected for the International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa 2011.
Exhibited at imm cologne
Presented work at imm cologne 2011.
“Bloccon” Featured in Mono Max
The watering can “Bloccon,” released by Idea International, was featured in the October 2010 issue of Mono Max.
ABOUT
Kazuya Washio
Designer / Art Director / Design ConsultantBorn in Kobe, Japan. Kazuya Washio graduated from Kyoto Institute of Technology and began his career at a major corporation, where he engaged in cross-disciplinary design development spanning product design, UI/UX, spatial design, and brand communication. Alongside his in-house role, he has continuously pursued independent activities, managing projects end-to-end—from concept development to commercialization and communication.
He also completed an internship at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Italy. Over the course of seven years based in London and Los Angeles, he led research, concept development, and product realization for global markets.
Washio has participated in industry-academia collaborative projects with leading design and art universities in Italy, Switzerland, and the United States. His work has been presented internationally, including at Milan Design Week and SXSW, demonstrating a strong track record in global design contexts.
Notable works include the concept PC mouse Instrument M Mouse, the wall-based piano artwork Pianissimo Fortissimo, and installation projects at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His practice spans industrial products, interactive experiences, and collaborations with traditional crafts. By bridging technology and concept, he creates distinctive value that stands apart from mass-produced products. To date, he has received over 50 design awards.
Currently based in Yokohama, Japan he is involved in projects related to new product development, branding, and promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. With a global perspective, he leads the entire design process—from ideation and prototyping to mass production and go-to-market strategy.
Member of the Japan Society for the Science of Design. Design Expert at IDEC Yokohama.
Selected Clients & Partners
The New York Times Company, Fujifilm Corporation, TOYO TIRES Corporation, BRUNO Inc. (formerly Idea International Co., Ltd.), Kakinuma Ningyo Co., Ltd., Kurita Sangyo Co., Ltd., Masuda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Shimane), IDEC Yokohama, and others.Empowering SMEs and startups to win through originality.
Japanese manufacturing has long been recognized worldwide for its high quality and technical excellence. Today, however, a certain level of quality and refined design can be obtained from anywhere in the world at low cost. Simply “making good products” is no longer enough to stand out.
Many companies now find themselves caught in price competition, facing a fundamental question: how can we define and communicate our unique strengths? We believe the answer lies in originality.
Especially within small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, there exist countless strengths yet to be articulated and values yet to be realized. Their agility allows them to move beyond conventional frameworks and open up entirely new markets.
We work alongside our partners throughout the entire process—from discovering the initial concept, to prototyping, productization, and communication. Our goal is to create products that are mass-produced, yet possess a distinct individuality—mass products with the presence of one-of-a-kind pieces, like art or craft.
Moving beyond ordinary competition, toward being chosen for unique value.
Bringing the potential of SMEs and startups into society through originality—that is our work.2006 - 3rd Carton Board Design Idea Contest / Honorable Mention
2006 - Match Prize / Special Prize
2006 - 2nd Motion Media Contents Contest / Grand Prix
2006 - International Universal Design Workshop / Best Idea Prize
2006 - Sunstar Shampoo Bottle Competition / Excellent Prize, Jury Prize
2006 - Designer Glass Competition – The Art of Martini Glass 2007 / Grand Prix
2006 - Amuse Art Jam 2006 5th Anniversary Paris / Paris Miki Prize
2007 - TOYO TIRES Design Contest / Excellent Prize
2007 - Ecology Bag Design Contest / Excellent Prize, Special Prize
2007 - Match Prize / Special Prize
2007 - Old Wood Furniture Design Competition / Excellent Prize
2007 - 15th Iris Design Contest / Student Encouragement Prize
2007 - Okawa Furniture Design Competition 2007 / Honorable Prize
2007 - 3rd Iiyama Japanese Paper Design Competition / Honorable Mention
2007 - 10th Hida Takayama Furniture Design Competition / Encouragement Prize
2007 - Nitori One-House Total Coordination Design Contest 2007 / Silver Prize
2007 - Tobacco Package Design Competition / Honorable Mention
2007 - SHINSHU Open Design Competition 2007 / Honorable Prize
2007 - OPUS Design Award 2007 / Jury Prize
2007 - 7th Design Award 2007 / Honorable Mention
2007 - EU-Japan Design Competition 2007 / Grand Prix
2007 - SUNSTAR Design Competition 2007 / Excellent Prize, Jury Prize
2008 - Horie Stool 2 / Honorable Mention
2008 - Nitori One-House Total Coordination Design Contest 2008 / Bronze Prize
2008 - Sapporo Style Design Competition 2008 / Honorable Mention
2008 - Abita Style 1st Furniture Design Competition 2008 / Honorable Mention
2008 - LG Mobile Design Competition 2008 / Grand Prix
2010 - Hari’s Wind Design Competition (Personal Fan Product Design) / Grand Prix
2010 - DOSHISHA Design Competition 2010 / Jury Prize
2011 - IFDA International Furniture Design Competition 2011 / Winner
2011 - BASF Design Award 2011 / Semi-Grand Prix
2011 - 100-Year Furniture Design Competition / Honorable Mention
2011 - LG Mobile Design Competition / Winner
2011 - 19th Iris Design Contest / Excellent Prize
2012 - VEGEUNI Design Award / Excellent Prize
2012 - Braun Prize 2012 / Bronze Prize
2012 - 20th Iris Design Contest / Excellent Prize
2013 - 5th Bed Design Contest / Honorable Mention
2014 - 19th Sunstar Stationery Idea Contest / Grand Prix
2015 - Toyama Design Competition 2015 / Winner
2015 - Good Design Award / Winner
2020 - GINZA Display Contest / Winner
2024 - Red Dot Award 2024 / Winner
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2006 – Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct 30, Yokohama Edition)
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2006 – Mainichi Shimbun (Dec 28, Tokyo Morning Edition)
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2006 – Esquire (Dec Issue)
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2006 – Casa BRUTUS Limited Edition (Nov 2006, Vol.5)
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2006 – Pen (Dec 15, No.189)
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2007 – Casa BRUTUS (No.82, Jan Issue)
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2007 – Esquire (Feb Issue)
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2007 – Nikkei Design (Jan Issue)
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2007 – Car Styling (No.177, Mar Issue)
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2007 – Mainichi Shimbun (Feb 22, Kyoto Morning Edition)
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2007 – Kyoto Shimbun (Feb 22, Morning Edition)
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2007 – Nikkei Shimbun (Feb 22, Kyoto Section)
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2007 – Esquire Japan (Sep Issue, Vol.21 No.09)
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2008 – Car Styling (No.182, Jan Issue)
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2008 – AXIS (Vol.131)
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2008 – Nikkei Design (Dec Issue)
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2008 – Kyogakusha Publication (Design School Guidebook)
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2010 – Mono Max (Oct Issue)
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2010 – Yomiuri Shimbun (Evening Edition, Sep 13)
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2011 – Nikkei Design (Dec Issue)
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2012 – Nikkei Design (Nov Issue)
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2012 – Wallpaper* (Dec Issue)
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2013 – MEN'S EX (Feb Issue)
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2013 – Nikkei Design (Mar Issue)
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2014 – Shizuoka Shimbun (Jul 24)
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2014 – Nikkei Business Online (Aug 8)
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2018 – AXIS (Oct Issue)
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2019 – Pen (Jul 1 Issue)
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2019 – Nikkei Design (Jun Issue)
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2020 – Nikkei “The Style” (Jan Issue)
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2022 – mono magazine (Jul Issue)
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2022 – designboom (Jul)
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2022 – BizReach (Sep Column)
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2023 – Brain Magazine (Jun Issue)
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2023 – designboom (Apr)
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2023 – The New York Times (Sep)
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2023 – Nikkei Design (Oct Issue)
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2023 – J-WAVE (Dec Broadcast)
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2024 – designboom (Aug)
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2026 – designboom (Apr)
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2007 – MILANO SALONE 2007, Superstudio Più, Milan
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2007 – JAPANTEX 2007, Tokyo
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2007 – Aoyama Art Festival, Tokyo
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2008 – Library Fair (10th), Tokyo
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2009 – Tokyo International Gift Show 2009, Tokyo
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2011 – Tokyo Designers Week 2011 (Environment Design TENT), Tokyo
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2011 – Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2011, Tokyo
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2011 – imm cologne 2011 [D3 Professionals], Cologne
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2013 – Designersblock Milano Tortona 2013, Milan
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2013 – Technical Seminar: “Design Development & Business Strategy for Manufacturing,”
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2014 – Lecture: “The Role and Significance of Product Design,” Space Design College Kyoto
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2016 – SaloneSatellite 2016, Milan
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2016 – Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2016, Tokyo
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2017 – Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2017, Tokyo
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2018 – Domaine de Boisbuchet Workshop 2018 (Tutor), France
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2019 – Milan Design Week 2019 (Ventura Centrale), Milan
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2019 – Workshop Tutor, Politecnico di Milano
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2019 – designjunction 2019, London
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2019 – OSAKA x MILANO DESIGN LINK 2019, Osaka
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2019 – Exhibition, Yamaha Ginza Building
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2020 – “Industrial Instruments,” Design Museum
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2020 – Workshop Tutor, Politecnico di Milano
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2022 – “Yamaha Sound Machines,” Milan Design Week 2022, Milan
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2022 – Tutor, ArtCenter College of Design, USA
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2023 – SXSW 2023, Austin
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2023 – hub.berlin 2023, Berlin
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2023 – TOA 2023, Berlin
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2023 – The 81st Street Studio, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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2023 – EICMA 2023, Milan
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2023 – SEMICON Japan, Tokyo
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2024 – Tutor, California State University Long Beach, USA
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2025 – “Tokyo Tegoto” Project Participation, Tokyo
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2026 – Design Expert, IDEC Yokohama, Yokohama
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CONTACT
For project inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact us via the form below or by email. We offer a wide range of services, including product design, product planning, branding, spatial design, consulting, lectures, and in-house product development and sales.
Depending on your budget and business stage, we can also accommodate flexible schemes such as royalty-based agreements to help reduce initial costs. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs.
All inquiries will be reviewed carefully, and we typically respond within three business days.