#Japan #Tokyo #For Startups #Good Design Award #The Flagship

For Startups Achieves Good Design Award 2025

The For Startups headquarters, aptly named The Flagship, has been awarded the 2025 Good Design Award by the Japan Design Promotion Association. This recognition adds to the company's growing list of accolades, having secured spots in four different design awards both domestically and internationally.

Recognized for its widespread popularity, the Good Design Award has attained approximately an 80% awareness rate according to a 2020 survey, making it one of Japan’s most respected design accolades. It gathers numerous companies and organizations from around the world, showcasing a broad spectrum of outstanding design.

This year's theme, “Design Expanding from First Steps,” was meticulously evaluated by a panel of esteemed design professionals, who sifted through 5,225 entries to determine the awards. The Flagship not only fosters an open and versatile work environment that bridges indoor and outdoor spaces but also symbolizes For Startups’ mission: “At the Center of Evolution” with the vision of “for Startups” – a commitment to support and uplift startup businesses.

The term ‘Startups’ refers to the challengers who choose to be at the ‘Center of Evolution.’

To achieve its aim of evolving into a growth industry support platform, For Startups continues to utilize its collaborative office space where builders of startup ecosystems come together for co-creation. The company remains dedicated to driving the overall business operations of the group forward.

Assessments from the Good Design Award Judges

The judges praised The Flagship for its open office design anchored by a circular plaza and indoor garden that intertwines indoor and outdoor spaces. The coexistence of diverse collaboration areas and quiet concentration zones upholds various work styles and enhances business flexibility.

The circular open space, positioned at the intersection of work and reception areas, provides a park-like openness, representing the office as a cornerstone for innovation while intuitively communicating corporate culture to visitors.

Statements from Key Figures

Munehiro Ishibashi, the Experience Designer and Brand Director, commented:

“There’s a saying that effectively illustrates the relationship between business management and design: Good design is good business. Good design promotes corporate culture, enhances operations and services, and ultimately leads to business growth. Since the opening of our headquarters, we have not only seen growth in existing businesses but have also spurred the establishment of new companies and collaborative projects. Innovation arises when people meet. We aim to further develop The Flagship into a space for co-creation, gathering people willing to tackle social issues and create a new era.”

Kohei Sasaki, a designer from the Design Group of the Acceleration Division, also expressed his gratitude for being recognized for his work on the sign design for the headquarters. He explained:

“I feel honored to have our work on the sign design for the office recognized. The sign planning was designed with sensitivity to the overall aesthetic tone of the space, balancing functionality and beauty. We utilized Avenir Next as the typeface, marrying softness, intelligence, and high visibility, ensuring the signs enhanced rather than detracted from the welcoming ambiance.”

About the Good Design Award

The Good Design Award program, established in 1957, is Japan’s leading design evaluation and promotion initiative. It invites participation from numerous companies and organizations worldwide, aiming to enhance the quality of life while utilizing design to address societal issues. The G Mark, a symbol of excellence in design, is widely recognized and cherished across various sectors.

Upcoming Event: Good Design Exhibition 2025

The Good Design Exhibition 2025 will present all awarded works, with dates from November 1 (Saturday) to November 5 (Wednesday), at various locations across Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi). The event is free of charge, requiring no prior reservation, though entry restrictions may apply depending on crowd density.

Previous Awards and Recognitions

The Flagship has proudly received accolades from various prestigious international design awards, including the SBID International Interior Design Awards 2025, recognizing it as the best in the office design category for Asia, and the Japan International Pioneer Design Award 2025, where it achieved a Silver Prize for Cultural Space & Office.

As For Startups continues to build on its journey of supporting the growth industry, the office stands as a crucial element in embodying the brand and corporate culture, playing a pivotal role as the company expands and evolves.

About For Startups

• - Company Name: For Startups, Inc.
• - CEO: Yuichiro Shimizu
• - Founded: September 1, 2016
• - Business Focus: Growth industry support
• - Stock Code: 7089 (Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market)
• - Location: 31F, Azabudai Hills, 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

For Startups aspires to build a Growth Industry Support Platform, providing various services to assist startups and challengers in emerging markets. Further opportunities for collaboration can be explored through their recruitment process via the For Startups careers page.