The Kokuyo Design Award is a prestigious international competition that has made waves in the design world since its inception in 2002. Organized by Kokuyo Co., Ltd., the competition focuses on visionary product designs that bring fresh perspectives to everyday objects, particularly in the areas of stationery, furniture, and tools used for work, learning, and daily life. This event provides a platform for both seasoned designers and emerging talent worldwide to contribute ideas that not only inspire but also have the potential for real-world commercialization.





    Theme and Purpose of the Kokuyo Design Award

    Each year, the Kokuyo Design Award adopts a specific theme that guides the submissions. For the 2024 award, the chosen theme was "Primitive." This concept encouraged designers to rethink the essence of objects by drawing on the raw, elemental qualities found in nature or primal human experiences. Kokuyo’s approach to "primitive" was broad, inviting participants to submit designs that reflect the original, unrefined state of objects, reconnecting them to their fundamental purpose and enhancing their longevity in the future. Designers were asked to examine basic tools, turning them into items that reimagine their essential roles for future use, thereby maintaining relevance in an increasingly complex, technologically-driven world.

    Judging Criteria and Selection Process

    The selection process for the Kokuyo Design Award is rigorous and overseen by a panel of esteemed judges from the fields of design, architecture, and creative direction. For 2024, the panel included professionals like Shogo Kishino, Tsuyoshi Tane, and Nao Tamura, among others. Entries were judged on three primary criteria: the clarity of the concept, its potential to address social issues, and the feasibility of its transformation into a commercially viable product. The competition received 1,480 entries (876 from Japan and 604 from other countries), which were gradually narrowed down through multiple rounds to ten finalists, showcasing diverse interpretations of the "primitive" theme.

    Noteworthy Finalists and Winners

    The Grand Prix winner for 2024 was Tasuku Denno’s design titled "Kezuriempitsu" or “Sharpening Pencil.” This customizable pencil allows users to shape it according to their personal grip and preference. Inspired by Denno’s own experiences with standard pencil sizes that didn’t fit his hand comfortably, the design emphasizes adaptability and user engagement, allowing individuals to craft a writing tool that feels uniquely personal. This concept of customization resonated strongly with judges as it captured the essence of “primitive” by reconnecting with the basic purpose of a tool and enabling an intimate interaction with it.

    Other notable finalists included:

    • "Drippy" by FUKATAKA, which reimagined sticky notes in a waterdrop shape, symbolizing fleeting thoughts and ideas that might “drip” away without being captured.
    • "Color-Changing Pencil" by Ibuki Ohara, which changes color based on environmental conditions, subtly linking the user’s immediate surroundings with their tools.

    These designs, among others, highlighted how simplicity and a back-to-basics philosophy can yield functional products that stand out for both their innovation and clarity.

    Awards and Prizes

    The Kokuyo Design Award offers significant incentives for winners, with a Grand Prix prize of ¥2,000,000 (approximately $14,200 USD) and three Merit Awards worth ¥500,000 each. Additionally, the competition includes a "New Generation Award" for up to ten student designers, granting ¥30,000 per winner to encourage young talent. Winners of the Kokuyo Design Award frequently see their products reach the market through Kokuyo’s development and production channels, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting design talent and commercializing practical yet artistic products.

    The Impact of Kokuyo Design Award

    Beyond its role as a competition, the Kokuyo Design Award is a community-building initiative that fosters dialogue around design’s impact on society and the future of everyday tools. Past winning designs, such as the "Fall Leaf Colored Pencils," have found commercial success, demonstrating how conceptual ideas can evolve into popular consumer products. By embracing a new theme each year, Kokuyo continually challenges designers to innovate while remaining mindful of sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This alignment of creativity with practicality is what distinguishes the Kokuyo Design Award from other design competitions.

    The Kokuyo Design Award continues to attract international attention, becoming an annual touchstone for groundbreaking ideas in product design. The 2024 award, with its theme of "primitive," invites designers and the public alike to consider the value of simplicity and the power of foundational forms in shaping tools for the future.


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