#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo 2025 #Design Matters #Global Design

Exciting Opportunity to Connect with Global Designers

The global design conference, Design Matters Tokyo 25, will be taking place on September 13 and 14, 2025, at the DMM.com headquarters in Roppongi, Tokyo. This event presents a unique chance for attendees to engage directly with some of the world’s top designers.

Networking and Engagement

One of the standout features of Design Matters Tokyo is the opportunity for participants to interact and converse with industry-leading designers. Unlike typical business conferences where speakers leave the stage after their presentations, this conference encourages attendees to connect with speakers during dedicated networking sessions, Meet The Speakers, coffee breaks, and after-parties. This openness fosters an atmosphere of casual dialogue, allowing for meaningful exchanges and insights.

With an estimated 200 to 300 attendees, the crowd is intimate enough to facilitate closer interaction, making it easier to engage with the minds shaping the future of design.

A Stellar Lineup of Designers

Design Matters Tokyo 25 promises a lineup of approximately 25 talented speakers from around the globe, with half already confirmed. The event aims to merge international and local perspectives by featuring speakers from Japan as well, ensuring a rich cross-cultural dialogue that highlights both global and Japanese design trends.

Some of the confirmed companies sponsoring the event include renowned names such as Google Beam, Canva, Miro, LinkedIn, D4V, Penpot, The Japan Research Institute, SMFG, Niantic, Crunchyroll, Morisawa, and Brain Technologies.

Several intriguing talk titles set the stage for thought-provoking discussions:

• - How AI is Reshaping Design Leadership and Culture - Harrison Wheeler (LinkedIn)
• - Invisible Advantage: The ROI of Responsible & Ethical Design - Asuka Kondo (D4V)
• - UX in the Age of Uncertainty - Liya Safina (Independent)
• - Sustainable UX the Japanese Way: Merging Tradition with Innovation - Evan Yifan Liu (The Japan Research Institute / SMFG)
• - From Zero to One: Building Products That Solve Real Problems - Jay Demetillo (Canva)
• - How to Work With Stupid People - Chaz Spears (Google Beam)
• - What Happens To Design When Every Pixel Can Think? - Gleb Kuznetsov (Brain Technologies, Inc.)

Themes Exploring the Future of Design

Each year, the Design Matters Tokyo conference delves into crucial contemporary and future topics, carefully curated by a global committee of designers. For this year, four pivotal themes will guide discussions:

• - Equipping for the Future: Skills and tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving design landscape.
• - Responsible Designers: Exploring the ethical, social, and sustainability responsibilities that designers hold.
• - Magic in the Details: The unique sensitivity and human touch that designers bring to their work.
• - Local Heroes to Global Icons: Strategies for brands to succeed in the global market while retaining their local essence.

A Hub for Design Practitioners

Past events have attracted a diverse mix of UX/UI designers, product designers, and design leaders from both local and international businesses, especially those that emphasize global perspectives. With the conference conducted entirely in English and centered on progressive themes, it has become known as a gathering place for industry professionals who are eager to embrace innovative practices.

Participant Data

• - International Presence: 65% of attendees are based in Japan, while 35% come from abroad.
• - Age Range: Participants typically range from their late 20s to 40s.
• - Characteristics: Attendees are often attuned to international trends and are proactive in seeking practical methodologies.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Design Matters Tokyo 25 is currently seeking corporate sponsors. This conference provides numerous values for businesses, including:
1. Direct networking with top designers from around the world in a close-knit setting, enhancing meaningful connections.
2. Access to talented mid to senior-level designers focused on global design by engaging with the UX/UI community.
3. Year-round engagement opportunities through the Design Matters+ platform, which includes over 300 past session videos for continued brand visibility.

Especially beneficial for Japanese firms aiming for global expansion or international companies looking to boost their presence in the Japanese market, this conference serves as a premier platform connecting the worldwide design community.

For sponsorship inquiries, please fill out the contact form provided on the official site.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Design Matters Tokyo 25
• - Date & Time: September 13-14, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Doors open at 9:00 AM)
• - Venue: DMM.com Headquarters (Sumitomo Real Estate Roppongi Grand Tower)
• - Format: Hybrid in-person & online streaming
• - Language: English (Japanese simultaneous translation available)
• - Official Website: Design Matters Tokyo

About Design Matters

Originating in Denmark, Design Matters is a prestigious global design conference series held in cities like Copenhagen, Tokyo, and Mexico City. With a focus on sharing knowledge among digital design professionals, this conference is renowned for being “a conference by designers, for designers.”

Media Inquiries

For press, media, and sponsorship-related queries, please contact:

• - Name: Ryo Sanpei
• - Email: [email protected]

Participant Registration & General Inquiries

For registration and questions, visit the official website: Design Matters Tokyo

Organizers

Design Matters / Spectrum Tokyo (Flying Penguins Inc.)