NEWS
The theme for the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027 has been decided. Entries will be accepted from July 24 (Fri.).
The theme for the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027 is “dialogue.”
The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027 will accept submissions based on the theme of “dialogue.” This theme focuses on the reciprocal relationships that lie behind excellent design, specifically between “the people who create objects, and the users,” “the users and the objects,” and “the objects and their surrounding environment.” Under this year’s theme, “dialogue,” we are seeking designs that explore unknown ideas and insights within this new “space” and expand the possibilities of living, learning, and working.
We will also be giving the “NEW GENERATION AWARD” again this year. The NEW GENERATION AWARD is selected by KOKUYO from all submitted works by students (elementary school to graduate students), with the hope that they will achieve great things in the future.
Note: The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2027 entry guidelines will be posted on the website on July 24 (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 2027
1. Theme: dialogue
Between those who create an object and those who use it;
between the user and the object;
or between an object and its surrounding environment.
Behind every excellent design lies a two-way relationship.
When we reexamine the relationships surrounding an object,
the creator's care and the user's imagination resonate with one another.
Seek out hidden possibilities and fresh insight
in the new “maai” —the space between— that emerges from this exchange.
Taking “dialogue” as your starting point,
expand the possibilities in how we live, learn, and work.
We look forward to the design that emerges from you.
2. Eligible Entries
Any stationery, furniture or tool used in working, learning and living scenes
3. Registration & Submission
July 24 (Fri) – October 7 (Wed), 2026
4. Judges
Shogo Kishino
(Art Director and Graphic Designer)
Gen Suzuki
(Product Designer)
Nao Tamura
(Designer)
Kunihiko Morinaga
(ANREALAGE / Designer)
Satoshi Yoshiizumi
(Founder of TAKT PROJECT Inc. / Designer)
Hidekuni Kuroda
(Representative Corporate Officer and President of KOKUYO Co., Ltd.)
5. Prizes
Grand Prix (one winner): ¥2,000,000 (about $13,000)
Merit Award (three winners): ¥500,000 (about $3,200) per winner
NEW GENERATION Award (max ten winners): ¥30,000 (about $200) per winner
*The prize money is the amount remaining after deducting taxes such as withholding tax and special income tax for reconstruction.
*The prize money will be paid in Japanese yen.
*Some awards may have no winners.
6. Judging Points
・The idea is inspired by your unique perspective.
・The idea engages with a social issue.
・The idea has potential for real-world production.
7. Announcement of the Winners
March 13 (Sat), 2027 (tentative)
Entries and design submissions will be accepted from July 24 (Fri.), 2026.
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