The Kokuyo Design Award is an international design competition, established in Japan in 2002, dedicated to discovering and fostering exceptional product designs that enhance daily life through creativity and practicality. The competition welcomes innovative ideas across categories including stationery, furniture, and tools aimed at transforming how people work, learn, and live. Each submission should embody originality, functionality, and a clear vision for positive impact, aligning with Kokuyo’s mission of contributing thoughtfully designed products to global markets.
Participants of the Kokuyo Design Award gain an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their prototypes on a prominent international stage, reaching industry leaders, designers, and consumers worldwide. The award emphasizes not only aesthetic excellence but also user-centered design, sustainability, and market viability, inviting applicants to imagine solutions that respond creatively and effectively to contemporary challenges. The initiative has evolved significantly over the years, cultivating a reputation as a vital platform where forward-thinking designs gain visibility, recognition, and potential for real-world application.
Furthermore, winning entries often enjoy the unique benefit of collaboration with Kokuyo’s experienced development team, transforming visionary concepts into commercially available products. This collaborative process underscores Kokuyo’s commitment to co-creation, innovation, and practical application, bridging the gap between creative exploration and consumer markets. As a result, the Kokuyo Design Award remains a coveted avenue for talented designers worldwide, providing recognition, exposure, and a springboard toward meaningful career advancement in the highly competitive design industry.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to individuals, groups or corporations (including students for the student‑only New Generation Award).
Prize
The competition awards several monetary prizes: a Grand Prix of ¥2,000,000 (approx. $14,000), three Merit Awards of ¥500,000 (approx. $3,500) each, and up to ten New Generation Awards of ¥30,000 (approx. $210) each, paid in yen after applicable deductions; winners may additionally have their designs developed commercially in collaboration with Kokuyo.
