Mori Mirai Enhances Forestry Brand Through Collaboration with Designer Masahiro Nakagawa

Mori Mirai, a company headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, with a mission centered around 'Sustainable Forest,' has recently appointed renowned designer Masahiro Nakagawa as its Executive Creative Advisor, effective from October 24, 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster the company's branding and information dissemination methods.

Background of the Appointment

The vision of Mori Mirai revolves around transforming the wood distribution process by leveraging technology to connect architects and designers across Japan with the finest timber available. As the company enters a growth phase, it recognizes the necessity of showcasing the intrinsic value and potential of wood to society beyond traditional frameworks. To achieve this, incorporating expertise in timber along with insights from spatial design professionals is essential, prompting the hiring of Nakagawa, a leader in Japanese spatial design.

Having spent a significant portion of his career at Nomura Co., Ltd., Nakagawa is well-versed in both creativity and management. His extensive experience and unique insights are expected to elevate Mori Mirai's creative output, enhance the appeal of the timber industry, and contribute to overall industry value.

Profile of Masahiro Nakagawa

- Birth Year: 1960
- Birth Place: Tokyo, Japan
- Education: Graduated from Musashino Art University
- Professional Background: Nakagawa embarked on his career at Nomura Co., Ltd. as a designer and later ascended to the role of Executive Creative Director, managing various domestic and international projects. He has received multiple awards, including the NDF Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award and the Japan Spatial Design Award. He transitioned from Nomura Group in February 2025 and established Zero One Corporation, which manages the Businessmen's Calligraphy Association, where he serves as the CEO. Since then, Nakagawa has also been actively engaged in solo exhibitions and consulting for various businesses.

Nakagawa's Message on Appointment

In his statement regarding his new role, Nakagawa expressed, "I am profoundly honored to join Mori Mirai as an Executive Creative Advisor. My initial meeting with President Asano left a strong impression, especially upon learning about the impactful projects carried out by Mori Mirai. The energy and talent present in the office project an optimistic future for Japan's forestry and timber industry.

Furthermore, while Mori Mirai leads the industry with its digital and technological advancements, I feel that my experience can significantly contribute to presenting our values as 'tangible creativity' that resonates with human sensibilities. It would bring me immense joy to help amplify Mori Mirai's incredible potential to society while contributing to the realization of its ambitious mission of 'Sustainable Forest."

Message from Junpei Asano, President of Mori Mirai

President Asano warmly welcomed Nakagawa’s joining, noting, "I am thrilled to have Masahiro Nakagawa join us as Executive Creative Advisor. His extensive career and the profound insights he brings, along with his genuine dedication to meaningful dialogue, align perfectly with the culture we aim to foster at Mori Mirai, which seeks collaborative creation with diverse stakeholders.

As we transition from merely being a wood distribution business into broader areas, including timber due diligence and forest conservation, I believe Nakagawa’s creativity will amplify the true value of our sustainable endeavors and help us convey this to society more powerfully. I encourage everyone to anticipate the exciting developments ahead for Mori Mirai.

Future Developments

With Nakagawa's involvement, the company is poised to evolve its strategies for branding, design, and communication under the theme of 'visualizing value.' In recent years, the increasing recognition of timber as a sustainable building material brings critical discussions around transparency in its supply chain and the significance of each timber's history and traceability.

We believe it is crucial to convey the value of our timber due diligence to society in a clear and comprehensible manner using the combined forces of technology and creativity. Upcoming plans include launching experiential projects in collaboration with artists and designers to engage the public with the stories and values embedded in timber.
Moreover, Mori Mirai aims to enhance the overall value of the industry through 'branding forestry and timber' alongside the traditional roles of timber distribution and supply chain establishment.