The Rebirth of Designtide Tokyo
After a hiatus of twelve years, Designtide Tokyo is making its much-anticipated return to the Japanese capital on November 27th, marking an exciting new chapter for design enthusiasts worldwide.
This event invites creators and product designers to push the boundaries of their craft and explore innovative forms rooted in individuality. By bringing together a rich variety of works and facilitating shared experiences, Designtide Tokyo seeks to challenge conventional definitions of design and explore its deeper significance.
The main attraction of Designtide Tokyo 2024 is the MAIN EXHIBITION, which will feature works from 32 designers and artists, both Japanese and international, including contributors from South Korea, Taiwan, Sweden, and the UK. Many of these artists will be unveiling new works at the event, providing fresh insights into the evolving landscape of design.
Complementing the Main Exhibition is the SPECIAL EXHIBITION, curated by the internationally acclaimed young artist Takuto Ota.
This special segment, entitled Imagining Satellites, will showcase pieces by eight emerging talents, including Kumi Kaguraoka, whose work delves into the relationship between human society and the body and Kazuhiro Toyama, known for his innovative metal sculptures and previous exhibits with the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize. This collection of artists represents the next generation of global design talent, with each piece challenging traditional design boundaries and offering new perspectives on the art form.
Over the five-day event, Designtide Tokyo will host an 11-session "TALKS" series, where notable figures from various industries will engage in a dynamic dialogue on design's impact. Esteemed guests include Taizo Son, a prominent entrepreneur in the tech startup world; Ikuko Yokoyama, lead curator at M+, Asia's premier museum for visual culture in Hong Kong; and Keisuke Nakamura, a core member of SKWAT known for revitalizing urban spaces such as Minami-Aoyama and Shibuya's PARCO 4F. Together, they will explore the intersections of design with technology, business, and art. The event's directors, including Sight Unseen co-founder Monica Khemsurov and dezeen editorial director Max Fraser, will also host discussions on design's current and future landscape.
Adding an interactive component to the event, Designtide Tokyo's MARKET offers visitors the opportunity to purchase unique pieces by exhibiting artists, as well as browse a curated art book selection from twelvebooks. The MARKET area will be situated in a captivating venue designed by emerging architect Rui Itasaka, featuring a large non-woven canopy at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall. This immersive space is set to deepen the visitor experience, inviting attendees to fully engage with the displayed works.
Here is a closer look at each key aspect of Designtide Tokyo 2024…
Main Exhibition
A total of 32 designers and artists, selected through an open call and recommendations, will gather from Japan and abroad to showcase their latest works.
Some of the participating exhibitors include AATISMO, Atelier matic/Sho Sotoyoma, Charlie Humble-Thomas, Daiki Tado, KOICHI FUTATSUMATA, Yuri Himuro, Kodai Iwamoto, Jin Kuramoto / JIN KURAMOTO STUDIO, and many more talented names. This exhibition is set to be a testament to the vibrant creativity of designers from diverse backgrounds and styles.
Special Exhibition | Imagining Satellites
The Imagining Satellites exhibition, curated by Takuto Ota, is a vision of design innovation and individuality. Born in France and a graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts' 9th Laboratory, Ota is known for his poetic, futuristic furniture designs. His curation in this special exhibition explores themes of individuality and introspection in creation, posing questions about why artists create, and how their solitary journeys translate into tangible, introspective works.
Featured artists include Itagaki Yuta, Akane Endo, Kumi Kaguraoka, Sota Kodera, Kazuhiro Toyama, Solaya Nagai, Kensho Miyoshi and Goki Muramoto, each bringing unique interpretations and artistic narratives to the exhibition.
Talks
Designtide Tokyo's TALKS series will consist of 11 live-recorded sessions, each featuring influential voices from tech, art, business, design, and architecture. Held in a dedicated talk space, the discussions will tackle contemporary design issues, provide fresh perspectives, and stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue. Notable participants, such as Taizo Son and Ikuko Yokoyama, promise to offer valuable insights into the role of design across various industries. For those unable to attend, video content will be archived and made accessible post-event, ensuring these conversations reach a wider audience.
Click here to check the full line-up.
Market
The MARKET will showcase unique, one-of-a-kind items and products by the exhibiting artists, including prototypes, samples, and inspirational objects only available at Designtide Tokyo 2024. Curated by Takuto Imagawa, known as the chief buyer at CIBONE, the MARKET offers a rare opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the creations and inspirations behind the displayed works.
Additionally, twelvebooks will present a selection of carefully curated art books to inspire attendees and foster a deeper connection to design.
DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024 is an event that promises to redefine design by embracing individuality, creativity and interdisciplinary dialogue. The revival of this event is a celebration of design's power to challenge norms and inspire innovation. Let the tides of design guide you through this groundbreaking experience in Tokyo.
DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024: November 27th - December 1st - Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall, free entrance upon registration (check website). Talks: approximately 30 seats per session. For detailed information about the talks and profiles of the speakers, please visit the official website. Please note that the event details are subject to change.
