#Japan #Furniture Design #Sagamihara #Mikiya Kobayashi #Murauchi Akasaka

Event Overview: "Perspectives on Furniture Design That Fits the Space"

Renowned designer Mikiya Kobayashi will host a talk event titled "Perspectives on Furniture Design That Fits the Space" on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the special venue located on the 3rd floor of the Murauchi Furniture Access Sagamihara store. This event is organized by Murauchi Furniture Access Co., Ltd., based in Hachioji, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Kenichiro Murauchi.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in consumer behavior regarding furniture selection have emerged, driven by rising international raw material prices and depreciation of the yen. As consumers become more cost-conscious, the importance of high-quality furniture that fosters a warm and rich living environment becomes even clearer. Kobayashi, who has designed countless products and furniture on both domestic and international stages, will share insights into the significance of design from a user's perspective.

Profile: Mikiya Kobayashi

• - Background: Born in 1981, graduated from Musashino Art University.
• - Career: Started his career in 2005 at Field for Design Office, one of Japan's largest interior design firms, before establishing his own studio in Tokyo in 2006. He launched his design brand, KIME, after creating designs for wooden product manufacturers.
• - Achievements: Kobayashi has collaborated with leading furniture brands such as Karimoku and has received numerous international design awards, including the IF Gold Award and the Red Dot Design Award. In 2018, he opened a second studio in Valencia, Spain, and established the lifestyle brand "IMPLEMENTS" to deliver products that enrich people's lives.

Key Projects

• - Fuji Furniture "nagi" (2011): A chair known for its unique combination of lightweight molded plywood seat and solid wood backrest, designed with ergonomics and artisanal craftsmanship in mind.
• - Takumi Kogei "yamanami" (2014): This series captures the essence of Asahikawa's craft with flowing, sculptural designs influenced by the nature surrounding Daisetsuzan Mountain.
• - Tendo Mokko "DAN" (2015): A collection made with high-quality molded plywood, combining modern aesthetics with lightweight practicality.
• - Masterwal "YU COLLECTION" (2017): A comprehensive series that blends superior comfort and aesthetics using high-quality walnut, embodying the brand's core values.
• - Karimoku (IMPLEMENTS) "IC1 MAST CHAIR" (2018): Recognized for its sophisticated curves reminiscent of a ship’s mast, the chair showcases exquisite Japanese woodworking techniques.
• - Takumi Kogei "CRAFT CHAIR" (2021): An appealing modern design that combines comfort with striking curves, ideal for a range of spaces.
• - Akita Mokko "AN" (2023): This collection merges classic bending techniques with contemporary design, creating a versatile aesthetic for various interiors.
• - Fuji Furniture "oka" (2023): An innovative modular sofa that merges luxurious detailing with functional design for flexible living solutions.

Event Details

• - Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
• - Time: 14:00 – 15:30 (tentative)
• - Location: Murauchi Furniture Access Sagamihara Store, 3rd Floor Special Venue
• - Capacity: Up to 40 participants (seating arrangement available)

*Note: Over capacity may require stand-in attendance.

• - Registration: Prior reservation is necessary. Participants can sign up on the event registration page below:

Event Registration Here

About Murauchi Furniture Access Sagamihara Store

As one of Japan's largest specialty stores for brand furniture, Murauchi offers a wide range of beloved, durable designs as well as contemporary and unique furniture and interior brands sourced from around the globe. We aim to present the true value of furniture as both essential and luxurious elements of your living spaces. The store reflects the worldviews and craftsmanship of various brands, providing a comfortable environment where families can discover their unique style.

Store Information

• - Address: 3-50-1 Unomori, Minami Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, 252-0301
• - Phone: 042-747-1211
• - Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• - Closed: Every Wednesday
• - Website: www.murauchi.net

Access

• - By Train: 15-minute walk from Machida Station (Yokohama Line, Odakyu Line) South Exit; 10-minute walk from Sagami-Ono Station (Odakyu Line); Take bus 5 from Sagami-Ono North Exit to JR Sagamihara Station, alight at "Taniguchi" stop.
• - By Car: Near the Unomori intersection on National Route 16. For those coming from Yokohama, turn right at the Taniguchi Bridge. From Hachioji or Hashimoto directions, the store is approximately 500 meters past the Unomori intersection on the left. Ample free parking available for 200 vehicles.