#Japan #Tokyo #Good Design #King Jim #Disaster Prep

King Jim's Award-Winning Innovations for 2025

Tokyo-based King Jim has garnered attention and recognition with two remarkable products, the Disaster Preparedness Sets and the Hands-Free Amplifier, both of which have won the prestigious 2025 Good Design Award. This recognition reflects King Jim's commitment to innovative design that combines utility with accessibility, making preparedness and communication more efficient.

Disaster Preparedness Sets

This series of disaster response tools comes packaged in file-sized designs, making them not only compact and manageable for both businesses and individuals but also perfect for storage in limited spaces like shelves or drawers. The reversible cover design features both Japanese and English text, providing functionality while maintaining a cohesive appearance that blends seamlessly into office or home environments.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Disaster Preparedness Set
• - Pricing:

- Replacement-style Disaster Preparedness Set (Waiting to Home): ¥8,200 + tax
- Disaster Supply Set II: ¥5,400 + tax
- Disaster Return Home Set II: ¥4,400 + tax
- Disaster Helmet Set: ¥8,800 + tax
- Disaster Toilet Set (100 uses): ¥14,800 + tax
- Compact Disaster Supply Set II (1-day): ¥5,300 + tax

Note: This is only a subset of the available range, with additional items in the lineup as well.

Judges’ Comments

The jury for the Good Design Award emphasized the practicality of this product series, which focuses on the often-overlooked storage of disaster supplies. These items are designed to match the size of standard file organizers, making them easy to store in cabinets and drawers used in daily life. Each set is clearly labeled with graphics that indicate the contents, empowering users to comprehend their preparedness at a glance. By diminishing the perceived separation between daily life and emergency readiness, these products play a crucial role in raising disaster awareness.

Personal Favorites: Good Design Marunouchi

Additionally, the Disaster Preparedness Sets have been highlighted in the popular series "My Product Choice 2025," where judges recommend their personal favorites. Experience designer Tomomi Sayuda commented on the blend of practicality and aesthetics, noting how this neatly packaged set would be easily accessible during emergencies.

Hands-Free Amplifier

On the other side, King Jim's Hands-Free Amplifier features dual speakers that project sound effectively, providing a hands-free operation which allows users to engage in tasks while communicating. The design includes both a shoulder strap and a clip for direct attachment to belts, making it suitable for various settings including retail marketing, educational environments, and traffic guidance.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Hands-Free Amplifier
• - Pricing: ¥35,000 + tax
• - Color: Dark Grey

Judges’ Evaluation

The Good Design Award jury praised the clarity of sound and remarkable usability of this amplifier. Equipped with two sealed full-range speakers angled for optimal sound dispersion, the device ensures clear communication. The hands-free feature is complemented by a variable volume control for adaptable use in various environments, from events to classrooms. This expansive design approach showcases a valuable example of responding to a wide array of user needs with excellence.

Good Design Exhibition 2025

Both award-winning products will be showcased at the upcoming Good Design Exhibition 2025, taking place from November 1st to November 5th at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. The exhibition, open to the public free of charge, will feature outstanding designs recognized this year.

Exhibition Details

• - Date: November 1 (Saturday) to 5 (Wednesday), 2025
• - Time: 11:00 - 19:00 (First day opens at 13:00; Last day closes at 18:00)
• - Location: Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi (9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
• - Content: Exhibition of 2025 Good Design Award-winning designs

Another related feature includes the judges' selection of personal favorites, with the Disaster Preparedness Sets prominently highlighted in this showcase from October 29 to November 9.

About the Good Design Award

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award represents Japan's main design evaluation and promotion initiative. This international award involves participants from around the globe, aiming to enhance quality of life and address social issues through innovative design. The symbol of recognition, the "G Mark," has become a widely recognized emblem for excellence in design.