#Japan #Tokyo #Canon #WorldSkills #Gaku Izumi

Canon Designer to Compete in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

In an exciting development for Japanese design, Gaku Izumi from Canon’s Comprehensive Design Center has been chosen to represent Japan in the Industrial Design Technology category at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition. Hosted in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026, this marks the first time Japan will participate in this newly established category, following its introduction at the previous event in Lyon in 2024.

What is the WorldSkills Competition?

The WorldSkills Competition is a prestigious global skills competition that takes place every two years. It aims to promote vocational training, elevate skill standards, and foster international exchange among young skilled workers. It features a wide array of disciplines, bringing together top talents from various countries to compete and exhibit their expertise. The Industrial Design Technology category evaluates participants across all facets of the design process, including conceptual design, CAD modeling, 3D printing, prototyping, design proposals, and promotional activities. Competitors must demonstrate comprehensive design capabilities that seamlessly integrate both analog and digital skills.

Selection Process for Japan's Representative

The selection process for the Japanese representative was conducted by the Japan Industrial Design Association (JIDA), which oversees the athlete selection and training for this category. Gaku was chosen after a competitive selection process, highlighting his skills and potential in industrial design. Furthermore, Canon's Naohiro Seki has been appointed as a training coach for Izumi, following a recommendation from JIDA. Under their guidance, Izumi will undergo rigorous training designed to simulate real-world conditions, ensuring he acquires the skills necessary to excel as Japan's representative.

Canon's Commitment to Design Excellence

Canon has been at the forefront of developing designers through systematic training programs that emphasize digital design skills among others. Participating in this global competition is viewed as a critical platform to showcase the success of these initiatives. It also contributes to the cultivation of the next generation of design talent in Japan.

Gaku Izumi, who joined Canon in 2025, is deeply involved in product design, focusing on Canon's diverse range of products and contributing innovative ideas for new product development. He graduated from Musashino Art University, specializing in industrial design.

Meet the Mentor

Naohiro Seki, who also has a rich background in product design, joined Canon in 2005. His extensive experience ranges from designing inkjet printers to compact digital cameras. Currently, he manages design directions for office multifunction devices and commercial printing machines. Seki graduated from Tama Art University, with a specialization in three-dimensional design, and completed his studies at the Royal College of Art in the UK. He is also a judge for the iF Design Award 2024.

Conclusion

Gaku Izumi's representation at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for him and Japanese design as a whole. As he prepares to showcase his skills on the international stage, all eyes will be on Izumi and his journey, reflecting the dedication and talent that Japan brings to the world of industrial design. Keep an eye on this promising designer as he embarks on this prestigious competition, which is not only a testament to his talent but also to the future of design in Japan.