Kenya Hara

Kenya Hara is a celebrated author and designer, known for his works in the fields of ethnology, design, and product development, who has received numerous international awards. He graduated from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music with a degree in design and has since worked for global corporations such as Sony and NTT Docomo. Hara has also served as an adviser for the Japan Institute of Design Promotion since 2006. The focus of his craftsmanship lies in the essence of spaces and objects which he believes holds immense opportunities for individuals, businesses and societies to gain value.

The majority of Hara’s works explore the relationship between society and design, including examining the role of design in daily life and in product space, through books, essays, and design projects. His exploration of the essence of design has been the basis of his work, with the emphasis on creating meaningful experiences through the physical form. In 2008, he published his book, Designing Design, which became an instant bestseller, and has since been translated into seven languages. The book examines Hara’s design philosophy and highlights the importance of the design experience, as well as its intervention in the everyday life.

Hara released his second book, White, in 2015, and has since published two more entries in the White Series: White 2 and White 3. With these books, Hara continues to explore the spirit of design. He uses the concept of “white” to create a vision for humanity and a broader understanding of the world. As he stated in his book, White, “White contains various colors and has various forms. I imagine that it is the source of the world’s potential.”

Kenya Hara also contributed to the New Pantone Color System, which was introduced in 2017. The Pantone Color System is used worldwide in the design and graphics industry, allowing designers to match colors with ease and accuracy. This system was created in collaboration with scientists, which reflects the investigative and investigative spirit that Hara has applied in his research and works.

As an advocate of meaningful design, Hara often speaks at lectures and summits, conveying his thoughts and opinion with the help of words and images. In addition to speaking engagements, he also contributes regularly to design magazines, including DesignTide and Shiseido’s Mujin.

As a celebrated author, Kenya Hara has received international attention for his contributions to design and for his insightful exploration into the value of design and its important role in the world. He is often credited as a pioneer in modern design and continues to examine the essential elements of objects and spaces. With this, Hara has established himself as one of the most influential design personalities in the world and will continue to inspire others for years to come.