Kenya Hara
Born 1958
Graphic Designer
Representative, the Nippon Design Center Inc.
Professor at Musashino Art University
Engaged in communication projects in various fields based on a recognition that design covers a wide range of disciplines.
Develops design deeply rooted in Japanese culture, particularly in the opening and closing ceremony programs for the Nagano Winter Olympic Games and the promotional campaign for the AICHI EXPO 2005.
Involved in product design promoting Japanese sake and rice produced nationwide, including the products of Nikka Whiskey Distilling Co., Ajinomoto General Foods Inc. (AGF) and others.
For the renewal project for Ginza Matsuya department store in Tokyo, Conducted integrated design direction ranging from space design to graphic design. Presented the possibility of a new communication format by focusing on tactile perception in the signage system for the Umeda Clinic.
As a producer of exhibitions such as "Macaroni Exhibition of Architects" and "Re-Design: The Daily Products of the 21st Century", helped direct our attention to daily products.
NOTE: The "Re-Design" exhibition was awarded both the Icograda Excellence Award and the Icsid Design Excellence Award at the 17th Biennial of Industrial Design. It also received the Mainichi Design Award 2000.
Enrolled as a board member for MUJI in 2001and launched the ad campaign for this client that won the Tokyo Art Directors Club Grand Prix Award
Among many awards received both overseas and in Japan are the awards for book design, including the Kodansha Publication Culture Award, Hiromu Hara Award, Yusaku Kamekura Design Award, and the Japan Culture and Design Award for the body of his design work.