#Japan #Tokyo #Matex Co. #Social Award #Housing Design

Introducing the 1st Matex Social Award

Matex Co., a wholesaler of glass based in Toshima, Tokyo, has officially announced the launch of the 1st Matex Social Award, an innovative contest targeting university and graduate students. This competition seeks to encourage fresh and creative ideas aimed at enhancing social design within the context of housing. The overarching theme for this inaugural event is "Ideas for Supporting the Lives of Residents". This initiative stems from Matex's commitment to collaborate with local enterprises in promoting and enriching the housing experience for people.

The term "住まう" (sumau) does not merely mean to "live" but embodies a deeper commitment to actively inhabit a community or location with purpose. By choosing this word, Matex aims to inspire participants to think critically about community and housing design that reflects a sustainable and enriching lifestyle.

A Diverse Panel of Judges

The judging panel for the award is composed of esteemed experts from various fields. Among them is Yoichi Nakamura, a Professor Emeritus at Rikkyo University and a Specially Appointed Professor at The University of Tokyo. Other judges include Rika Yukimasa, a space producer and culinary researcher, and Takahito Fukui, a creative and art director, alongside Hiroshi Matsumoto, President of Matex Co. This diverse group is qualified to assess submissions from multiple perspectives, encouraging a rich array of ideas within the domains of social design, community development, and life design.

Contest Overview

The 1st Matex Social Award allows participants to submit their designs in a simple format—an A3-sized PDF document. The final presentations will occur at Hiraku 01 Ikebukuro, an open innovation facility operated by Matex Co., where the shortlisted candidates will undergo further evaluations. This setting promises to nurture creativity and provide a conducive environment for fresh ideas.

Application Deadline: December 8 (Monday) at 23:59
Official Website: Matex Social Award
Theme: Ideas that Support the Lives of Residents

Participants are encouraged to generate ideas focusing on three main aspects:
1. Objects: Innovative concepts regarding buildings, food, and interior design.
2. Experiences: Proposals for experiences, events, and community initiatives that enrich living standards and tackle regional challenges.
3. Moments: Unique ideas that hinge on the concept of time and place, contributing to present living conditions.

Both business-related and non-business-related submissions are welcome, inviting free-thinking solutions to the essential query of how to support the lives of those who inhabit their communities.

Matex Co. stands firm on its corporate motto: "Supporting Together the Lives of Residents." As a wholesaler of windows, the company aims to collaborate with their supply chain and support community members who live with intention and awareness in their chosen environments.

Important Dates:

• - Second Round Judging and Awards Ceremony: January 17, 2026 (Saturday)

Contact Information: For more inquiries, please reach out to the Matex Social Award Secretariat at [email protected].

About Matex Co.

Founded and located in Toshima, Tokyo, Matex Co. specializes in the wholesale of building materials, particularly windows and sash. The company also runs the innovative space Hiraku 01 Ikebukuro, which promotes community interaction, knowledge sharing, and the resolution of social issues through various activities such as lectures, exhibitions, and market events. With a collection of over 10,000 books, this facility serves as a hub for addressing regional vitality, environmental, and social challenges.

Learn more about the company at Matex Co..