#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Design #Bud Brand #Milano Design Week

Introduction

Bud Brand, an initiative under the Japan Design Bank, is pleased to announce an open call for entries for the upcoming Milano Design Week 2027, one of the world's largest celebrations of design and art. Scheduled to take place from April 13, 2027, this prestigious event aims to highlight innovative design concepts that resonate with the theme "Touch."

Call for Creatives

The Bud Brand project has consistently supported aspiring designers and creators by showcasing their remarkable works at the Milano Design Week. This year’s theme, “Touch,” invites participants to explore the sensory aspects of design that are completed through physical interaction. We are looking for original, unpublished designs that encourage engagement through texture and touch. Whether it's rough, smooth, soft, or warm, tactile experiences are deeply connected to human memory and emotion.

Significance of Touch in Design

In recent years, technological advancements such as AI and digital interfaces have transformed human interactions with objects and one another. We now live in an era where connections can be made from behind screens, and convenience often comes at the cost of genuine interaction. Therefore, this initiative aims to revisit the invaluable act of “touch” in design. Meaningful experiences that resonate with people often involve a moment of physical connection. We encourage you to conceive projects that stimulate individuals to reach out—artworks that change emotions through touch, foster closeness among people, or ignite new communication channels. By focusing on elements such as materials, spatial design, temperature, and emotions, we hope to unlock new possibilities of design born from the act of touching.

Submission Details

The open call is detailed on the Bud Brand official website and Japan's premier contest information platform, Toru Mon. Here are the links:

• - Bud Brand Official Site
• - Toru Mon Contest Info

Awards and Recognition

Winning entries will have the opportunity to be developed into tangible products. All completed designs are slated for exhibition at the Milano Design Week 2027. The prizes include:

• - Grand Prize: ¥300,000 and participation in Milano Design Week 2027
• - Runner-up Prize: ¥100,000 and participation in Milano Design Week 2027
• - Encouragement Prizes: Selected entries will also be displayed at Milano Design Week 2027, although this is subject to the situation at that time.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants must be 35 years of age or younger as of April 2027. We invite submissions representing innovative designs that adhere to the theme.

• - Submission Deadline: July 23, 2026, with proposals to be submitted in A3/PDF format.
• - For more information, visit the public call details on the Bud Brand website and Toru Mon contest site.

About Bud Brand

Established in 2016, Bud Brand aims to provide a platform for the next generation of talented creators to present Japanese design to the world. The term "Bud" symbolizes the potential that can bloom into something beautiful, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of the project. In 2019, Bud Brand supported the display of 13 works by creators contributing to students, artisans, and local community support.

Through collaborations with companies and local craftsmen, the Japan Design Bank, the promoter of Bud Brand, continues to foster young talent's aspirations to showcase the rich culture and innovation of Japanese design at an international level. It serves as a vital platform to connect budding creators with the broader design community and to enable them to express their artistry on a global stage.

Conclusion

Milano Design Week is set to attract over 1 million visitors, with around 30,000 attendees coming from various sectors of the design industry. This year, Bud Brand anticipates an impressive range of submissions under the theme of “Touch,” inviting all creative minds to push the boundaries of design and explore the sensory experiences that can enhance our lives. Join us in celebrating design and creativity at this significant international event!