#Japan #Tokyo #hibiki #DESIGNART TOKYO #Kenta Cobayashi

DESIGNART TOKYO 2026: The Fusion of Art and Design

Tokyo is gearing up for the highly anticipated design and art festival, DESIGNART TOKYO 2026, which will take place from October 30 to November 8, 2026. This year marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the festival's 10th anniversary with the thought-provoking theme of 'Hibiki', which translates to 'resonance' in English.

A Decade of Creativity

Since its debut in 2017, DESIGNART TOKYO has evolved into one of the largest design and art festivals in Japan, attracting over 250,000 visitors in total. This event is tailored to showcase the rich tapestry of Tokyo—one of the world's leading cities for mixed cultures—through an array of presentations in design, art, fashion, technology, and more, spread across various urban venues. The festival encourages attendees to explore the intersections of creativity while discovering new inspirations and dialogues within the artistic community.

The Significance of 'Hibiki'

The theme 'Hibiki' embodies the idea that various elements, such as sounds, colors, and materials, transcend time and space, leaving lasting emotional impressions. It invites artists and designers to reflect on how their creations resonate with people and contribute to collective memory. Modern design is no longer just a standalone endeavor; it thrives through a complex interplay of cultures, generations, and societal influences.

In an age where innovation coexists with tradition, DESIGNART TOKYO 2026 will focus on how to generate creations that endure beyond a century, instilling an ongoing conversation between the maker and their audience. Viewers and creators alike will be encouraged to listen closely—to the echoes of inspiration, meaning, and connection.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary

To commemorate the 10th edition of the festival, a special 10th Anniversary Logo has been designed, symbolizing the journey of DESIGNART TOKYO and its impact on the creative landscape. This logo, along with various promotional materials, will debut across social media and public signage, creating a cohesive visual identity for this landmark event.

Visual Representation by Kenta Cobayashi

This year's visual identity is led by notable artist Kenta Cobayashi, who draws from the theme of 'Hibiki' to craft the key visuals for the festival. Born in 1992 in Kanagawa, Kenta is a photographer and artist renowned for his #smudge series, which transforms photography through artistic brush strokes. His work emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach, spanning photography, performance, CG, VR, NFT, and fashion, reflecting a commitment to expanding the boundaries of visual expression.

Call for Exhibitors

As preparations continue, DESIGNART TOKYO 2026 is currently calling for entries under several plans, including PLAN A, PLAN B, PLAN C, and the UNDER 30 exhibition category. Interested participants can find detailed guidelines and download the submission overview through the official entry page.

Enrollment for each plan is staggered, running from March 1 to May 31, 2026, with specific timelines for each category. For those who prefer to discuss their participation in detail, individual consultations can be arranged online.

Event Overview

• - Date: October 30, 2026 - November 8, 2026
• - Location: Omotesando, Gaienmae, Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Ginza, Tokyo
• - Organizers: DESIGNART TOKYO Executive Committee

Among the founding members are influential figures such as Akio Aoki from MIRU DESIGN, Shun Kawakami of artless, and Hiroshi Koike from NON-GRID, along with several others.

For more information about DESIGNART TOKYO and updates, visit the official website at designart.jp and check out their social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

As the festival nears, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a remarkable celebration of creativity. Prepare to embark on a journey that resonates deeply while enriching the dialogue between art and life in Tokyo.