#Japan #Tokyo #Small Business #design management #Tokyo Design School

Exploring the Tokyo Design Management School

The Tokyo Design Management School, organized by the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, is gearing up for its sixth edition in 2025. The program invites small businesses and designers to collaborate and learn to harness design as a powerful tool in business management. Running from August to December, this hands-on experience promises to shape the future of participating companies through innovation and strategic design applications.

Program Overview

The core goal of the Design Management School is not merely education, but active practice in applying design thinking to business strategies. Utilizing the foundations laid out in the 'Design Management Handbook for Small Enterprises,' the program focuses on three key perspectives:

1. Self-reflection on Company Identity: Participants are encouraged to revisit and redefine what makes their business unique, paving the way for tailored branding strategies.
2. Understanding Customer and Societal Needs: Training will guide participants in recognizing and adapting to the evolving demands of their customers and the broader community.
3. Building Collaborative Networks: Establishing connections with peers and professionals fosters a supportive environment where ideas can flourish, leading to successful collaboration post-program.

The program lasts ten days, emphasizing interactive learning, peer feedback, and real-world application, ensuring that each participant walks away with actionable insights tailored to their specific business needs.

Success Stories from Past Participants

The success of the Design Management School can be highlighted through several notable projects developed by past participants:

• - Anger Management Notebook: Collaboratively crafted by a notebook manufacturer and a designer, this product was designed to assist individuals in managing their emotional responses by capturing and expressing feelings.
• - Kids Lighting: A lighting manufacturer teamed up with designers to create child-friendly lighting solutions tailored for educational facilities, prioritizing safety and usability from a child's perspective.
• - KotoToki: A metal processing company partnered with design experts to create meaningful wearable charms that convey personal messages, enhancing emotional connections through design.

These success stories exemplify how small businesses can elevate their brand and offerings through the integration of design thinking, highlighting the program's transformative potential in fostering innovation.

Course Details and Application Process

The 2025 program will be held from August 28 to December 19, structured into ten interactive sessions. Each session will run from 1 PM to 5 PM, conducted at a venue near JR Akihabara Station. The fee is 50,000 yen, allowing up to two representatives per company.

The recruitment phase opens from June 10 to July 18, 2025. Interested small businesses must have operational bases in Tokyo, while designers can apply regardless of their location. As demand for spots is high, the school encourages early applications, especially for teams eager to rethink their business strategies through design.

To apply, small businesses and designers can follow the designated links provided on the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Agency's website. Additional detailed information and application forms can be found at Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Agency's Design School page.

Join a Free Pre-Seminar

For those interested in a sneak peek into the program, a free pre-seminar is being held on July 1, 2025. This hybrid session, focusing on the evolving role of designers in the age of AI, is open to both designers and entrepreneurs. Attendees will gain insights into the immersive experiences the school offers before committing.

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In conclusion, enrolling in the Tokyo Design Management School presents a unique opportunity for small businesses and designers alike to merge their expertise and drive innovation. With a track record of excellence and an expansive network of alumni, this program is a launching pad for future successes.