I-ne's Osaka Headquarters Wins Coveted iF Design Award 2026 in International Design Recognition

I-ne Achieves International Design Recognition

I-ne, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, has recently been honored with the esteemed iF DESIGN AWARD 2026. This award, celebrated for its rigorous evaluation of superior design and quality, is an acknowledgment from the iF International Forum Design, based in Hanover, Germany. For more than 70 years, this independent design organization has been selecting outstanding designs worldwide, and it has established itself as one of the three most prestigious design awards globally.

The recognition was conferred upon I-ne after a thorough assessment involving 129 design experts who meticulously evaluated approximately 10,000 submissions from 68 countries. I-ne’s Osaka headquarters was particularly celebrated for addressing the challenges and innovative solutions in design, functionality, user benefits, sustainability, and social contribution.

Design Concept of the New Headquarters: "Social Beauty Innovators BASE"

I-ne's motto, "We are Social Beauty Innovators for Chain of Happiness," drives its business ethos toward maximizing happiness through beautiful and innovative products. The newly established headquarters embodies the concept of "Social Beauty Innovators BASE." This design aims to balance efficiency and innovation while adapting to business growth and societal changes, promoting a sustainable work environment.

Four Key Features of the New Office

1. Biophilic Design: Nature is infused throughout the office, featuring abundant natural light and diverse plant life, creating a productive and harmonious working atmosphere. The central reception area showcases a paludarium, equipped with an automated irrigation and lighting system, replicating a natural habitat that responds to seasonal changes. This innovative feature allows employees and visitors to appreciate nature and its cycles, fostering creativity through organic inspiration.

2. Use of Sustainable Materials: The new office incorporates experimental sustainable materials as part of its commitment to a greener future. They use Karamatsu wood from Hokkaido with FSC certification, developed various recycled paper products, and creatively upcycled furniture parts from the previous office, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability in design.

3. Concept Room: Designed to maximize the value of brand experiences, this room fosters deeper internal and external communication. It includes scent-tasting spaces, interactive design zones, and versatile setups for meetings that blend research and discussion seamlessly, enriching the brand development process.

4. Communication Spaces: To enhance creativity and facilitate communication, the office features adaptable spaces for seminars and events, encouraging innovative ideas through an environment that promotes natural self-awareness.

iF Design Award: A Renowned Acknowledgment

Since its inception in 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been a pillar of the global design community, alongside other prestigious recognitions like the Red Dot Design Award and the IDEA Award. It encompasses nine fields of design, including product, packaging, branding, service, architecture, and more.

I-ne's Chief Creative Officer, Shin Imai, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award showcases the evolving nature of the workplace and underscores the company's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation through a space designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind.

As I-ne continues its journey, this recognition serves as a significant milestone, reinforcing its dedication to positive societal contributions through its business practices. The transformative design approach aims to harmonize aesthetics with utility, ultimately preserving the brand's legacy and looking toward a brighter future.