KIWA ART AND DESIGN Sponsors Design Event "NEURON by AXIS," CEO to Speak

KIWA ART AND DESIGN Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Toshitaka Hiraga, hereinafter "KIWA") sponsored the 7th installment of "NEURON," a pitch event for designers organized by the design magazine "AXIS." Our Representative Director, Hiraga, spoke at the event held on May 20, 2026, at the Hanagekijo theater in Asakusa, Tokyo.

NEURON Poster

About "NEURON"

"NEURON" is a pitch event that began in 2023, bringing together people involved in design and related fields. Each session has a unique theme, and participating designers present from their own perspectives. The theme for the 7th installment was "Hobbies and Design," with Asu Ito, a philosopher and professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, serving as the keynote speaker.

Overview of the 7th Installment

The theme for the 7th installment was "Hobbies and Design." Philosopher and Tokyo Institute of Technology Professor Asu Ito was the keynote speaker, and designers active in various companies and fields took the stage. This event provided a valuable opportunity to re-examine the unique sensibilities and values inherent in hobbies as a source of inspiration for design.

- Event Name: NEURON 7th Installment

- Date and Time: May 20, 2026 (Wed)

- Venue: Hanagekijo (Asakusa, Tokyo)

- Organizer: Design Magazine "AXIS"

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Representative Hiraga's Presentation Content and Comments

My pitch was titled "'Oshi' as a Lens to See the World." In this presentation, I shared my personal experiences to illustrate the idea that being passionate about one's "oshi" (favorite things) and continuously exploring their appeal cultivates observational skills and serves as a driving force for creation. Here, "oshi" refers not only to idols or characters but to anything one loves, is interested in, or observes deeply.

In an era where information generation is easy and everyone can access the same materials, what cannot be replaced is "what I have seen, and how deeply I have seen it." Design is not a talent but "the privilege of those who have looked deeply." The more one is passionate about their "oshi," the more "lenses" they acquire for viewing the world, and these accumulate to form a unique perspective. This perspective cannot be imitated by AI and can only be born from life experiences. That is why I believe "Oshi-katsu (activities related to one's 'oshi') can create the strongest products." What matters most for our future is not talent or the amount of information, but what we have seen and how deeply we have seen it.

Our Involvement

- Sponsorship of NEURON

- Presentation by KIWA Representative

Related Links

- NEURON (Organizer: Design Magazine "AXIS") Official Website: https://www.neuron-tokyo.jp/

- KIWA ART AND DESIGN Official Website: https://kaad.jp

KIWA ART AND DESIGN inc.

Founded in 2018. A design growth partner company that views design as a means for business growth, supporting clients from concept to implementation. Transcending boundaries such as art, design, AI, DX, and engineering, we provide design support and brand strategy in diverse fields including domestic and international government agencies and manufacturing industries. We also hold patents for proprietary developments. Awarded numerous accolades including the Good Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and iF Design Award.