Japanese Industrial Designer: Naoto Fukasawa

Not a while ago I introduced you to Kenzo Takada, a successful Japanese fashion brand.Now, I’m here to introduce you to Naoto Fukasawa, a very bright Japanese industrial designer!

Let’s learn about him together 👩🏻‍🏫

Who is Naoto Fukasawa 深澤 直人

Naoto Fukasawa is a renowned Japanese industrial designer famous for his minimalist and intuitive designs. He graduated from Tama Art University in 1980 and worked at Seiko Epson and IDEO before founding his own firm, Naoto Fukasawa Design, in 2003. Fukasawa collaborates with major brands like MUJI, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. His work is celebrated worldwide, earning prestigious awards and spots in top museums like MoMA and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

📀MUJI Wall-Mounted CD Player (無印良品壁掛けCDプレーヤー)

(image via wikipedia)

The MUJI Wall-Mounted CD Player (無印良品壁掛けCDプレーヤー), designed in 1999, epitomizes Fukasawa's minimalist style.

• Design and Use: This sleek CD player mounts on the wall and operates with a simple pull string. It’s all about straightforward, user-friendly design.
• Why It Matters: It reinforced MUJI’s reputation for simplicity and practicality, becoming a beloved item for its clean design and ease of use.

💦 ±0 Humidifier (プラスマイナスゼロ加湿器)

(image via moma.org)

The ±0 Humidifier (プラスマイナスゼロ加湿器), created in 2004, showcases Fukasawa's knack for making everyday items beautiful and functional.

• Design and Use: With its smooth, rounded form and simple dial, this humidifier is both elegant and easy to use.
• Why It Matters: It earned a place in MoMA's permanent collection, demonstrating how good design can elevate everyday objects. 

📱 InfoBar Mobile Phone (インフォバー携帯電話)

(image via wikipedia)

The InfoBar Mobile Phone (インフォバー携帯電話), designed in 2003 for KDDI, is another standout piece.

• Design and Use: This phone features a unique, colorful design with large, easy-to-press buttons, combining style with practicality.

Why It Matters: It was a commercial success and won numerous design awards, highlighting Fukasawa’s ability to innovate in the tech world.

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫