Seeking Product Design Ideas from Japan and Abroad on the Theme of "dialogue"

KOKUYO Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka City / President: Hidekuni Kuroda) has decided to hold the "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027," an international product design competition aimed at supporting and co-creating with talented designers, and will begin accepting entries on July 24 (Fri).

1. Overview of "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027"

The "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027" is seeking entries on the theme of "dialogue." This theme focuses on the reciprocal relationship behind excellent design, existing "between creators and users," "between users and products," and "between products and their surrounding environment." This year's theme, "dialogue," seeks unknown ideas and hints in new "interspaces" to expand the possibilities of living, learning, and working.

Additionally, the "NEW GENERATION AWARD" will be established again this year. The "NEW GENERATION AWARD" is selected by KOKUYO with expectations for future success, targeting student applicants (from elementary school to graduate school) from all submitted works. KOKUYO believes that curiosity is essential for enriching life. In addition to proposals for the theme, up to 10 outstanding designs that evoke the user's curiosity and hint at an "exciting future" will be selected from the submitted presentation sheets (no physical model review).

2. "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027" Entry Guidelines

(1) Theme: dialogue

Between creators and users.

Also, between users and products.

Between products and their surrounding environment.

Behind excellent design lies a reciprocal relationship.

When re-examining the relationships surrounding products,

The creator's thoughtfulness and the user's imagination resonate.

Seek unknown ideas and hints in the new "interspaces" born from this.

We await designs that expand the possibilities of living, learning, and working, born from the starting point of "dialogue."

(2) Eligibility: Stationery, furniture, and tools for working, learning, and living scenes.

(3) Application Period: July 24, 2026 (Fri) - October 7, 2026 (Wed)

(4) Judges (in Japanese alphabetical order):

Shogo Kijunno (Art Director / Graphic Designer)

Gen Suzuki (Product Designer)

Naho Tamura (Designer)

Kunihiko Morinaga (ANREALAGE / Designer)

Satoshi Yoshiizumi (Representative of TAKT PROJECT / Designer)

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

(5) Awards and Prizes:

Grand Prix: 1 winner (Prize: 2 million yen)

Excellence Award: 3 winners (Prize: 500,000 yen)

NEW GENERATION AWARD: Up to 10 winners (Prize: 30,000 yen)

*Prize money is the amount after deducting taxes such as withholding tax and reconstruction special income tax.

*Prize money will be paid in Japanese yen.

*Some awards may not be given.

(6) Key Judging Criteria:

- Ideas that embody an interpretation of the theme.

- Addressing societal issues.

- Potential for commercialization.

(7) Announcement of Winners: Scheduled for March 13, 2026 (Sat)

(8) "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027" Recruitment Explanatory Video:

An online recruitment video (Japanese/English) featuring last year's Grand Prix winner as a guest will be released on the official YouTube channel on July 24 (Fri). Details will be announced on the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD website.

3. What is the "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD"?

The "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD" is an international product design competition aimed at supporting and co-creating with talented designers. This year marks its 25th anniversary. Entries are solicited annually on themes reflecting the times, and products based on award-winning works are considered for commercialization through co-creation between the winners and KOKUYO product developers. Excellent designs that breathe new life into everyday tools for living and working are brought to the world as tangible products.

To date, 26 products have been created. It continues to evolve as a project that disseminates values reflecting the era, going beyond just selecting and awarding prizes.

Logo renewed following the corporate identity renewal implemented last year.

Example of a KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD commercialized product

[Detailed Information]

Announcements regarding the "KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027" will be published on the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD website.

https://kokuyo.jp/pr/award/

*Detailed entry guidelines will be posted from July 24, 2026 (Fri).

[Inquiries Regarding Applications]

https://kokuyo.jp/award/contact/

*The information provided herein is current as of the date of announcement. It is subject to change without notice. Please understand this in advance.

*Company names, service names, and product names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.