Deadline: October 8, 2025
Are you a designer with bold ideas that reflect unique human experiences? The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026 is now open for entries! This prestigious international competition invites innovative thinkers from around the world to submit original design concepts under the theme HAMON – Design that Resonates. Whether you are a student, professional, or design team, this is your opportunity to gain global recognition and a chance at commercialising your work with one of Japan’s most renowned stationery and furniture brands.
About the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026
The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026 is one of Japan’s leading design competitions, focused on discovering and developing products that bring new value to how we live, work, and learn. This year’s theme, HAMON, invites entries that reflect the ripple effect of creativity—how a personal, resonant idea can influence wider society through empathy and shared experience.
Designers are encouraged to submit product ideas that are not only innovative but also socially relevant and commercially viable.
Theme: HAMON – Design that Resonates
The 2026 theme, HAMON, which translates to “resonance” or “ripples,” challenges designers to submit entries inspired by their unique perspectives and lived experiences. The goal is to propose tools—stationery, furniture, or everyday objects—that can spark connection and empathy, ultimately creating waves of impact across society.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to anyone worldwide, including:
- Individual designers
- Creative teams or organisations
- Students (with a special New Generation Award category)
All entries must be original and unpublished. Any design that has been previously submitted elsewhere or made public on the internet will be disqualified.
Submission Categories
Applicants are invited to submit designs under the following categories:
- Stationery
- Furniture
- Work, Study, or Daily Life Tools
Designs must reflect practical application while maintaining originality, user-friendliness, and relevance to modern life.
Important Dates and Timeline
- Entry & Submission Period: July 25, 2025 – October 8, 2025 (by 12:00 noon JST)
- First-round Judging: Late October 2025
- Finalists Announced: Mid-November 2025
- Final Judging & Awards Ceremony: March 14, 2026 (Tokyo, Japan)
- Prize Disbursement: Expected by May 2026
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged based on:
- Originality: Rooted in unique experiences or perspectives
- Social Engagement: Tackling real-world issues through design
- Feasibility: Potential for real-world application and production
A panel of six esteemed judges from the global design community, including Kunihiko Morinaga, Shogo Kishino, and Nao Tamura, will lead the evaluation process.
Awards and Prizes
Winners will receive the following:
- 🏆 Grand Prix: ¥2,000,000 (~$14,000)
- 🥈 Merit Awards (up to 3): ¥500,000 each
- 🎓 New Generation Award (students only, up to 10 winners): ¥30,000 each
Note: Awards are subject to the discretion of the jury. Some prizes may not be awarded if entries do not meet the required standard.
Submission Requirements
Initial Submission
- One A3-sized presentation sheet (portrait orientation)
- File formats: JPEG or PDF (Max 5MB, 300dpi)
- Must include: product title, concept, technical drawings, and use-case illustrations
Do not include your name or personal information on the sheet to ensure anonymous judging.
For Finalists
- Shortlisted applicants must create and submit a scale model or prototype
- Production cost of up to ¥200,000 will be covered by the organisers
Commercialisation Opportunities
Selected award-winning entries may be refined and commercialised in collaboration with Kokuyo’s product development team. This presents a rare and valuable opportunity for designers to bring their concepts to life and see them launched into the global market.
How to Apply
Designers interested in participating in the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026 can register and upload their submission online via the official application portal.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Final Notes
The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD has a strong legacy of nurturing groundbreaking product ideas. If you have a concept that resonates—something born from personal experience that can inspire a broader audience—now is the time to share it with the world.
For expert assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or reviewing your design concept and submission materials, contact grantsdatabase.org.
