NEWS

The theme for the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2024 has been decided.
Entries will be accepted from July 28 (Fri.).

The theme for the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2024 is “primitive.”
“primitive” is usually used to describe something close to nature and in its “original state,” or something “basic” before it is refined. This time, however, KOKUYO wants to see entries that interpret it as “redefining the essence of something” and present a product design that will replace that essence for years to come.

“Any stationery, furniture or tool used in working, learning and living scenes” is eligible to be entered. The judges will focus on the following points: “The idea’s clarity,” “The idea highlights social issues,” and “The design’s potential to become a product.”

Student entrants will also be eligible for the New Generation Award, established exclusively for them, to encourage coming up with unique ideas and challenging oneself unbound by conventional thinking with anticipation for success in what they do in the future. KOKUYO’s Purpose is, “Bringing you a tomorrow you can’t wait for.” We will select up to 10 outstanding entries that, based on their presentation sheets, make us “feel that their futures will be exciting.”

Note: The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2024 entry guidelines will be posted on the website on July 28 (Fri.). Please note that all entry guidelines currently listed on the entry guidelines page and in some other areas are from last year.

Main application guidelines for KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2024

1. Theme: primitive

What do you picture upon hearing the word “primitive”?
Is it the “original” state, close to nature, the bare form before it is polished, refined, or developed? Or the “primordial” state, which predates artificial touches?
For this year’s KOKUYO DESIGN AWARDS, we interpreted “primitive” as “redefined essence.”
If we return to the idea of “primitive” in order to create the future, what form of evolution can we imagine?
When we take a fresh look at our familiar materials, we may discover the possibility of further development.
By utilizing your unique perspectives and creativity, we can explore the “primitive” in each of us. We invite you to show us the “essence” of the future.

2. Eligible Entries

Any stationery, furniture or tool used in working, learning and living scenes

3. Registration & Submission

July 28 (Fri) – October 11 (Wed), 2023

4. Judges

Shogo Kishino
(Representative of 6D-K / Art Director and Graphic Designer)

Tsuyoshi Tane
(Founder of Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects / Architect)

Nao Tamura
(Designer)

Teruhiro Yanagihara
(TERUHIRO YANAGIHARA STUDIO. CO LTD. / Designer)

Satoshi Yoshiizumi
(Founder of TAKT PROJECT Inc. / Designer)

Hidekuni Kuroda
(KOKUYO Co., Ltd. President and CEO)

5. Prizes

Grand Prix (one winner)	¥2,000,000 (about $14,200)
Merit Award (three winners)	¥500,000 (about $3,500) per winner
New Generation Award (Max ten winners)	¥30,000 (about $210) per winner

*Prize money will be paid net of withholding tax, surtax for reconstruction funding, and other applicable deductions.

*Not all prizes may be awarded for all categories if there is no winner selected.

6. Judging Points

・The idea’s clarity

・The idea highlights social issues

・The design’s potential to become a product

7. Announcement of the Winners

March 16 (Sat), 2024 (tentative)

Entries and design submissions will be accepted from July 28 (Fri.), 2023.
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