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ISSUE 07
$5 CAD¥500

SPECIALEDITIONJAPAN

ISSN 2817-1276

April 10, 2023

www.merci-magazine.com

EDGE OF DESIGN - JID
The JID Awards provide a window into
the design trends of our time, showcasing
innovative and influential projects thatreflect the cutting edge of design acrossvarious disciplines.

LED BY HISTORYJID Awards, with its 65-year history, is
opening its doors for the first time in 2023
to international designers based in Japan.

JAPANESE DESIGN NOWADAYSJID aims to promote the value andimportance of Japanese design nowadays
in Japan andaround the world bycelebrating the country’s outstanding
design work.

NEXTAGEJID AWARD GOLD WINNING PROJECT - RIPPLE©Nacása & Partners Inc. Futa MORIISHIO NE COUNTRYJAPANFounded over half a century ago in 1958, the Japanese Interior Designers’ Association (JID)
is a national association that represents the interests of interior designers in Japan. From
the time of its foundation in the Shōwa era, through the Heisei era when JID celebrated its
60th anniversary, and now into the Reiwa era, JID has continued to promote exchanges,
enlightenment and advancement for interior designers. In 1969, JID acquired corporate
legal status, and in 2012, it became a public interest incorporated association. Members

The JID Awards celebrates the future of design
by recognizing next stage prototypes that
embody fundamental ideals and innovative
thinking. The awards showcase the seeds ofthe future that are being sown in the designindustry today and highlight the potential of
emerging designers to shape the landscape of
tomorrow.

consist of individuals belonging to four regions: Northern/Eastern Japan; Central Japan;
West Japan; and Southern Japan together with supporting members including fromcompanies and educational institutions.
JID activities extend beyond Japan. In 1977, JID joined the International Federation of Interior
Architects / Designers (IFI), a unique world-level federation that serves experts, industry,

INTERVIEW

enthusiasts and policymakers in the interiors community. As an IFI member, JID forms partof the global IFI community with““As JID president, I strongly believe thatthe design capabilities of Japanese interiorarchitects and designers are a valuable asset
to our country in all its global activities.”
Hiroyuki Niwa

JID AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS

its network of close to a quarter-“As society and the world undergo
profound changes as a result of thepandemic, we are seeing a growing
emphasis on quality of life and aheightened appreciation for interior
design that offers high-quality spaces
and products with cultural and quality
value, stories, comfort, attachment,
and security. This is a critical moment
for us as interior designers toreconsider our role in creating designs
that contribute to the quality of life,
and to work together with designers
in other fields to shape a better future
for Japan and the world.” -industry stakeholders. JID is also amember of the Asia Pacific Space
Designers Association (APSDA).
Almostadecadefoundation,

JID

annual

Award

JID

after

its

launched

its

in

1969

to

provide an annual platform forJapanese designers to elevate theprofession and bring design to awider audience. At first known as
the Association Award, the award
continues to be developed withpublic exhibitions featuring from

Mr. Niwa, JID President
JID Awards showcase innovative designs that
address societal challenges and promotesustainable living.

million designers, educators and“1994. Three categories of awardarejudgedannually:‘Interior

BY MERCI MAGAZINEJID - Japan Interior Designers’ Association

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“

ISSUE 07

JID Awards is a prestigious annual
design competition by the Japan
Interior Designers’ Association,
which recognizes outstanding
design projects across various
categories through site visits andevaluations.

Space’, ‘Interior Product’ and ‘NEXTAGE’. A major feature offor the transformation of a former sake brewing business intothe ‘Interior Space’ category that is not found in other awards

a hotel. Standout in the ‘Interior Product’ category was Sol

is that the judges make site visits to entries that have passedstyle’s lunar-inspired Kiban Light Series. JID describes thethe second screening. Last year, the judges made 26 site

NEXTAGE category as a ‘rare award that recognizes half-work,

visits, a rigorous process that enables them to experience theso to speak, at the prototype stage, but with seeds of theatmosphere and detail of each site and explore the design

future that [communicate] the strength of overflowing ideals

narrative, which JID believes cannot be understood fromand thoughts’. Last year’s NEXTAGE winners included Aroma

photographs and drawings alone.

Blocks, children’s building blocks that were innovative in their

JID takes pride that it

managed to conduct its rigorous screening without incident

use of scent.

during the pandemic years.
Cultural events also form part of the JID annual programme.
In the ‘Interior Product’ category, JID requires entrants to

One recent high-profile event was the dialogue between

submit not only an application form but the product itself

two leading architects - Hokkaido-born, Sou Fujimoto andto enable the judges to touch and use the product as part

Italian Michele Derucchi - presented at last year’s Salone delof the judging process. Guest judges for the JID Award 2022

Mobile Milano. JID participation in the annual World Interiors

included 2021 grand prize winner Takushi Nakamura of ZOZO

Week is a veritable connecting of Japan and the world

Headquarters and Takushi Nakamura of NAP Architectural

through a programme that includes a world trend report and

Design Office. A total of 212 works in the three JID Award

international design symposium.

categories were selected.
©Nacása & Partners Inc. Futa MORIISHIJID 2022 Award - Goldwinning project - RIPPLE
Judges' comments/remarksThisarchitectural
space
is
an
embodiment of natural phenomena
such as light and wind, which areseamlessly incorporated into the design.
The temporary space, composed ofrafters and thin plywood, gently curves
as if flowing naturally. The calculated
gaps in the continuous structure allow
light and air to permeate the interior.
From the top of the dim space, pipes
allow light to enter, forming rings that
resemble droplets, creating a beautiful
ripple effect as they sway with the
movement of the wind.

Each year, the award-winningworks are posted on the JID Award website and displayed in

In announcing the 2023 JID Award, Hiroyuki Niwa, JID

the JID Award exhibition. Last year, the exhibition showcased

Chairman, intimated the news that, for the first time in its

30 excellent award-winning works, including the grand prize,

over fifty year history, the Award will be open to internationalfrom a total of 212 entries that passed the first and second

designers based in Japan. The opening up of the JID Award

screenings.

will bring many more opportunities for cultural exchange inJapan and internationally thus fulfilling JID’s aim of promoting

JID Awards in the ‘Interior Space’ category last year were

exchanges, enlightenment and advancement for interior

bestowed on the extraordinary – ‘Ripple’, a temporary structure

designers. There is much to anticipate for Japan Interior

that the judges commended for its beauty and purposelessness

Designers Association in its next half century.

- and the sustainable – Takenaka Corporation’s commission

JID 2022 AWARD - GOLD WINNING PROJECTThis design uses temporary architecturalelements to manipulate light andshowcases the fundamental sense ofplace through the resulting space.
Rather than completely separating fromthe natural world, the enclosed yet open
space gently impresses the outside
world’s noise as one moves through it.
The space left a strong impression as it
was unique, purposeless, and devoid ofa specific function or purpose.

©Yukihide Nakano

This work was awarded the Nakamura
Takushi Award in the NEXTAGE division
and won the grand prize, marking adouble win, a remarkable achievementin the final judging.
Hiroshi Yoneta©Yukihide Nakano©Nacása & Partners Inc. Futa MORIISHIJID BOARD OF COMMITTEES

Hiroyuk
Niwa

Kazunobu
Ikeda

KatsushiOnogamiMasayo
Ando

Akiko
Ide

FutoshiEshimaHiroshEbisawa

Keiko
TomitaTakamasaTorii

JID President

JID Vice President

JID Vice President

JID Director

JID Director

JID Director

JID Director

JID Director

JID Director

CEO, void Co.,Ltd.

CEO, AL GRAIN
Co.,Ltd

Representative,
Ongdesignnet

Representative,
studio Ma

Representative,
A-DESIGN

Representative,
ESHIMA Furniture
Design InstituteCEO, Hiroshi
Ebisawa Architect
and Associates

Representative,
Tomita Architecture
Design Office

CEO, Atelier North
Corporation

BY MERCI MAGAZINEJID - Japan Interior Designers’ Association

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ISSUE 07

O N E STORY, ONE I NT E RVI E W

VISION IS WHAT WE NEED
What is your vision for JID as president?
As the president of JID, I am proud to lead anorganization with such a rich history in Japan. Since
our establishment in 1958, we have worked closely withinterior design organizations around the world, bringing
together a global community of talented designers.
At JID, we are passionate about promoting the value ofinterior design, not just in Japan, but on a global scale.
We believe that our mission is to continue to elevate thestatus of interior architects and designers in Japan, andto communicate the importance of design to a wider
audience.
With our international connections and our commitment
to excellence, JID is dedicated to driving innovationand pushing the boundaries of interior design. We lookforward to continuing our work to create beautiful,functional spaces that enhance the quality of life forpeople around the world.
How would you personally describe JID?
As a president of JID, I am honoured to lead sucha prestigious organization. JID is a public interest
incorporated association recognized by the JapaneseCabinet Office and has a rich history in the Japaneseinterior design industry since its establishment in 1958.
Being a part of JID is not just about being a memberof a professional association, it’s about being part of acommunity that values interior design and promotes its
importance not only in Japan but internationally.
I am passionate about JID’s mission to improve thestatus of interior architects and designers in Japan andto communicate the value of interior design to a global
audience. As an open professional association, JID
provides us with opportunities to interact with various
people, organizations, and countries. It is a pleasure to
be involved in its development and activities, and I am
excited to lead JID into the future as we continue topromote and advance the field of interior design.

JID Awards has not opened their awards competition
to all other countries in the past, which led tothis decision. Will you tell us more of the judging
process?
The JID Awards process is a rigorous one that involves
physically visiting actual products and spaces andactively listening to the designers themselves. It’s aneffort that we strongly believe in because we value
the importance of experiencing design firsthandand truly understanding the thought process andintention behind each project. We strive to createa fair and comprehensive evaluation process thatrecognizes and celebrates the achievements oftalented designers who are making a positive impact
in the world through their work.
What are the judging panel’s methods for elevating
the submission projects?
During the evaluation process, we look closely at how
the interior architect/ designer has addressed the client’s
needs and requests, and how they have created uniqueand original spaces or products as a result. We seek out
designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity andinnovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible
in the field of interior design.
What is your view on the state of design in Japan?
As an interior architect/designer myself, I feel a deep
connection to Japan’s unique approach to design.
There is a certain sense of simplicity and elegance thatis deeply ingrained in Japanese design philosophy,
which is something that I strive to embody in my own
work. Japan’s ability to adapt and evolve while still
maintaining a sense of tradition and history is truly
inspiring, and I believe that this is reflected in thework of many designers and architects throughout thecountry. It’s an honor to be a part of an industry thatvalues creativity, innovation, and thoughtful design, andI am proud to be a member of the JID community.

How do you envision Japanese design in the near
future and on a global scale?
As JID president, I strongly believe that the design
capabilities of Japanese interior architects and designers
are a valuable asset in global activities. Our country has
a unique history and philosophy, which has fostereda design culture that is both flexible and distinctly
Japanese. With the rapidly changing times, technology,
and lifestyles, we need to continue to promote andcommunicate the value of interior design not only inJapan but also outside of Japan. Through exchanges
with design organizations in other countries, such as
IFI and APSDA, we can disseminate this informationand collaborate with global designers to create a moresustainable and fulfilling future for all.

Interview by Peggy Lui
Venue Sponsor: Tomita Tokyo

INTERVIEWS WITH COMMITTEES OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOARD

From Left to Right: Kazunobu Ikeda, JID; Kumimasa
Tomita, Tomita Tokyo; Hiroyuki Niwa, JID.

KAZUNOBU IKEDA JID VICE- PRESIDENT

KOJI SAKAI - JID SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBER AND
JURY MEMBER

What made you want to become a member of the JID committee?

What made you want to become a member of the JID committee?

As a designer, I strongly believe in the importance of continuous learning andgrowth. That’s why I am thrilled for the opportunity to interact with designers
who transcend the industry. It’s an honour to learn from them, to be inspiredby their creativity, and to gain new perspectives that will ultimately help me
improve as a designer. I’m excited to see how their innovative ideas canpush the boundaries of design and contribute to a better future for all. This
experience will undoubtedly be invaluable for my personal and professional
growth, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me.

Becoming a committee member for JID was a natural choice for me, as it allowed
me to connect with internationally acclaimed creators, renowned designers, andresearchers. As someone who’s passionate about design and always striving tolearn more, this was an incredible opportunity to learn from the best and be partof a community that values innovation and excellence.

What is your vision for JID’s future growth?
I believe that joining the JID as a designer presents a unique opportunity toconnect with a global community of like-minded individuals. As designers,
we have the power to shape the world we live in and to create meaningful,sustainable solutions for the challenges we face. By joining the JID, we cancollaborate with designers from all over the world, sharing our experiences andperspectives, and learning from each other. Together, we can work towards
creating a society that values design and supports a fulfilling, rich life foreveryone. I’m excited to be a part of this community and to see the positive
impact that we can make together.
Do you have suggestions for international designers considering making asubmission to the JID awards in 2023?
In today’s interconnected world, I believe that nationality should not be abarrier to creative collaboration. As long as the work is completed in Japan,
the designer’s origin should not be a determining factor. However, in order totruly embrace a global community of designers, effective communication isessential. That’s why I think it’s important to be able to share information in aneasy-to-understand manner in English, especially on social media platforms.
This not only opens up new opportunities for collaboration and exchange ofideas, but it also allows us to reach a wider audience and promote the value ofdesign on a global scale.

But what truly sets JID apart is its dedication to nurturing young talent and creatinga space where students and emerging creators can flourish. As someone who’s
been in the industry for a while, I know how important it is to have mentors androle models to guide you and help you grow. And being part of JID allows me tobe that mentor and give back to the community by sharing my knowledge andexperience with the next generation of designers.
Finally, I’m deeply inspired by JID’s commitment to using design as a tool to create
a better world and promote sustainable lifestyles. Design has the power to bringpeople together, create meaningful experiences, and transform our surroundings.
And at JID, we’re constantly working towards raising awareness about the role ofdesign in shaping our lives and communities. Being part of this mission is truly anhonour and a privilege.
What is your vision for JID’s future growth?
We draw inspiration from Japan’s rich eco culture and strive to create a sustainable
future for all
Do you have suggestions for international designers wanting to apply for a JID
award in 2023?
I propose that completed spaces in Japan should not be limited to traditional
Japanese design. Instead, they should be creative, innovative, and inspiring whilereflecting sustainable thinking. Beauty and functionality should go hand in hand,creating spaces that inspire and promote a prosperous lifestyle for all.

BY MERCI MAGAZINEJID - Japan Interior Designers’ Association

ISSUE 07

2022 JID WINNING PROJECTSI N TE R IOR S PA C ES

PRODUCT

Hokkaido Area FM Center

Toshiyoshiya -BYAKU Narai

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation House with earthen floor

Half arm chair

Kiban light series

Pekkle Chair

Kazuhiko Motoi Jun Kakita(Takenaka Corporation)

Shigeki Tsunega, Yasuto
Mishima, Koichiro Yoshimoto,Yuma Hasegawa, Ayumu Noda
(Groove agent, Inc.)

Science & Innovation Center Main
Building / (Takenaka Corporation)
Taku Ito, Tomonori Ohno, Ryo /(Takenaka Corporation)Kitazawa,

Atsushi Ozawa(OZA METALSTUDIO)

Tsurugi Ito(SOL style, Mizuta Seisakusho)

Masaki Ochiai(Merge Furniture)(Takenaka Corporation)

Takataka Osaka

Ayumu Noda (groove agent, Inc.)(Takenaka Corporation)
Kitazawa, Takataka Osaka

NEX TA G E
Awards that recognize
prototypes with seeds of the
future and overflowing ideals.

Memory Bench

BranchRocking sound -yuragi-

ehana

Sharpener

Cross

Onda Minna no Bench
Establishment Committee
Higashimurayama City Aiba
Construction Makoto Koizumi(Koizumi Studio)

Mitsuhiro Gotoh architects

Hijiri Iriyama

Sasaki Honorary Soldier (Tokyo
University of the Arts, Graduate
School of Fine Arts, Departmentof Design, 3rd Laboratory, Time &Space)

Nanako Kume

Kai Nishihara (KaDO)

Rocking Horse

Wireless speaker

MarbleTakayuki Matsuhashi(Tendo Mokko Co., Ltd.)

Eito Matsuo

Marin Inai

Clarification

PuddleCOCOON

Miyuki Yuzawa

Studio Moun

Shota Saito (Department ofIndustrial Design, Musashino Art
University)

Aromas Blocks - Scented
Soft Building Blocks Makoto Fujii (Dinorm)
Morisho Premium Wood
Industry Co., Ltd.

S H O RT L I ST EDYU-RANIPPON SHINYAKU-KOKU

Kotone Muto Hirotaka Hiraki(team.YU-RA)

COTTAGE HOUSE
Tatsuya Kawamoto (Tatsuya
Kawamoto Architects) Yokoyama
Design Office)

MELTING ARCHITECTURE

Reiichi Ikeda
Hiroo Asai Sumiyo Yoshida(REIICHI IKEDA DESIGN Co., Ltd.) (Yu Architectural Project)

PARK HYATT NISEKOHANAZONO CHAPELTOKUSHIMA WOODEN TOY
MUSEUM

KAMATA HAIR SALON
RE;TSUGI

Cottage house/ Daisuke Shibuya(Studio Syncroll, Junichi Tanigawa/
Tanigawa Architectural Design LLC)

Masaaki Ueno Takuya Iida
(Bathyscaphe Co., Ltd.)
Shunpei Yokoyama (Shunpei
Yokoyama Design Office)

JOSENJI NEW IHAI HALL
Katsuhiro Miyamoto & Associates
Shunpei Yokoyama(Shunpei Yokoyama Design Office)

THE RAYSUM

Hidero Kubo Yumi Miyakojima
Kenichiro Toi Rei Ohashi (Nikken (Kubo Tsushima ArchitecturalSpace Design)
Design Office Co., Ltd.)
Ado Kagami Miyuki Chiba Takako
Ishii (Nikken Sekkei)

2023 JUDGING PANELREIKO KAWAKAMIHIROSHI YONEYAYASUO KONDOTOSHIYUKI KITA

YOICHI KOMIYATOMOKO KIBE

KOJI SAKAITADAO SHIMIZUJID Director /Selection committee

JID Selection
Committee ChairJID Selection
Committee Vice ChairJID Former President /Selection Committee

JID Selection
Committee

JID Selection
Committee

JID Director /Selection
committee

JID Selection Committee

CEO Form SKR
Design Studio

CEO TONERICO:INC.

Representative Yasuo
Kondo Design

CEO Toshiyuki Kita
Design Laboratory Ltd.

Representative Atelier
K&K

Director
Forum Co.,Ltd..

Representative SIA
furniture.com

Professor Tama Art
University

Professor Emeritus
Ashiya University

Representative Design
Studio TAD
Professor Kanazawa
College of Art

ABOUT OUR SPONSORSHIP PARTNERS (ALL LISTED IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER BY LOGO AND IN TEXT)ICS College of Arts
ADAL Co.,Ltd.
ILYA Corporation
Japan Interior Industry Association
OKAMURA Corporation
KYOKKO Co.,Ltd.
SAKAI Co.,Ltd.
Sangetsu Corporation
C-FOREST co.,ltd.
JTB Trading Inc.

Japanese Technical Organization for Commercial Spaces
SOZOSHA College of Design
SOKEN Co.,Ltd.
TENDO Co.,Ltd
TOKYO GAS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
TOSO Co.,Ltd.
Nikken Space Design Ltd.
Japan Institute of Design Promotion

Fujie textile Co.,Ltd.
FRANCEBED Co.,Ltd.
MITSUI Designtec Co.,Ltd.
REAL Style Co., Ltd.
Lilycolor Co., Ltd.
WARLON Co.,Ltd.

Nippon Designers School
FIELD FOUR DESIGN OFFICE Co.,Ltd.

JID (Japan Interior Architects/ Designers’ Association

Photos courtesy of JID (Japan Interior Architects/ Designers’Association)

7F Shinjuku Park Tower, 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo 163-1007, Japan#ISSUE 07#ISSN 2817-1276

Phone: +81 03-5322-6560
Fax: +81 03-5322-6559
Email: head@jid.or.jp
https://jid.or.jp

JID - Japan Interior Designers’ Association

Managing Director: Peggy Lui
Editor and copywriter: Lianne Hackett
Art Direction: Peggy Lui
Design by: Merci Design Workshop
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Trademark file number 2222129.
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