#Japan #Nagoya #NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK #Hakuten Corporation #Masaru Yajima

NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK 2025: A New Chapter in Local Design Culture

Masaru Yajima, a planner from Hakuten Corporation, has assumed the prominent role of Chair for the upcoming NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK 2025. This highly anticipated event will take place from October 23 to November 4, 2025, in Nagoya, marking a significant return after a 15-year hiatus. Yajima's leadership aims to revitalize the local spirit of design while engaging the community in meaningful ways.

The Theme: "Design is Everyday"

This year's theme, "Design is Everyday," underscores the crucial role that design plays in our daily lives. The event seeks to enhance awareness and appreciation for design elements that enrich everyday living. Over the course of 13 days, participants will explore and discover various aspects of design that surround them, from traditional craftsmanship to contemporary innovations.

The event will spotlight Nagoya's rich manufacturing culture and traditional techniques, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to re-examine the region's inherent appeal. By engaging in hands-on experiences, attendees are invited to rediscover what makes Nagoya a vibrant hub of creativity and craftsmanship.

A Commitment to Future Generations

One of the aims of NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK 2025 is to facilitate the transmission of local values and skills to the next generation. The event promises to foster connections between various local enterprises, artists, and members of the community, thereby laying the foundation for future growth in design and culture.

About Masaru Yajima

Masaru Yajima boasts a diverse background in advertising as a graphic designer and art director. Joining Hakuten in 2020, he has taken on planning roles that span both B2B and B2C sectors, serving large manufacturing companies, hotels, and local governments primarily in the Chubu and western Japan regions. Yajima excels in developing comprehensive marketing strategies, promotional plans, and art direction, establishing himself as a key figure in the local design landscape.

Yajima's Vision

In his own words, Yajima reflects on the weight of his new responsibility: "Being appointed as the committee chair for an event that hasn’t occurred in 15 years and involves so many local businesses and individuals is a tremendous honor. It feels like venturing into uncharted territory as few attendees have prior experience with the design week. I am committed to ensuring that everyone—participants and community members alike—will feel that their involvement is worthwhile."

Event Highlights

The NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK 2025 is set to include a variety of dynamic activities slated to foster engagement and learning. As of July 2025, the major content will feature:

• - Living Design Shop Rally: A stamp rally that encourages participants to explore designs that enhance their living environments, including interior furnishings and materials.
• - Interior Workshops: Hands-on sessions for learning about and creating interior design elements.
• - Traditional Craft Tour: Experience-based tours exploring the production sites of Aichi's traditional crafts.
• - Design Backyard Tour: Get an insider's look at the processes behind furniture manufacturing by visiting factories.
• - Art Installation at Atsuta Shrine: Collaborative art projects utilizing temporary enclosures at Atsuta Shrine, in association with local galleries.
• - NDW Visual Competition: A graphic competition aimed at selecting the key visuals for the next year's events.

Collaboration and Leadership

The NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK 2025 Committee boasts a wealth of experience, with Yajima at the helm alongside several prominent members:

• - Vice Chair: Katsu Matsumoto, Professor at Aichi Shukutoku University
• - Vice Chair: Hiroyuki Niwa, Representative of void Inc. and Chairperson of the Japan Interior Designers Association
• - Vice Chair: Shin’ichi Mamiya, Representative of Seven One Inc. and Lecturer at Aichi Shukutoku University
• - Auditor: Ko Takeda, Representative of Real Style Inc. and Director of the Design Association

Stay Updated

To keep up with the latest news and updates regarding NAGOYA DESIGN WEEK 2025, follow the official Instagram page @nagoya_designweek and anticipate the launch of a dedicated website soon.

About Hakuten Corporation

Hakuten Corporation, established in 1970, is dedicated to enhancing communication between people and society, effectively connecting emotions and shaping futures through comprehensive design solutions. With its headquarters located at Tokyo Square Garden in Chuo, Tokyo, Hakuten addresses marketing challenges across a multitude of sectors.

To explore more about Hakuten and its future-oriented experiences, visit Hakuten’s official site and the web magazine THINK EXPERIENCE (TEX) at here.

For inquiries and interviews, please contact the Public Relations team via email at [email protected].