メッセージ
MESSAGE
We are entering a time in which the value and potential of rural areas are being reconsidered. Higashikawa, the “Town of Photography,” and the “Cultural Capital of Photography,” is a beautiful town in Hokkaido, Japan. Located in a beautiful rural setting, surrounded by the Daisetsusan mountains, it is also blessed with pure groundwater. With the aim of communicating the richness of life through architecture and furniture, our town has promoted a new initiative in collaboration with architect Kengo Kuma, who has a strong interest in the use of architecture and design in rural settings.
Higashikawa, with its small size and thriving furniture industry, has long implemented programs that would only be possible here: It starts with the “Your Chair” project, which gives the children a sense of safety and belonging from a young age. In Elementary School, the children learn while surrounded by wooden furniture. When they graduate Junior High School, as a graduation present, they take home their wooden chairs that they have used and cared for over three years. It is now time to start a new project and train the young people who will be the leaders of the next generation.
Architect Kengo Kuma has joined us in supporting our town and our region. He is an early advocate of promoting the appeal of regional communities through architecture, with a strong interest in expanding the use of local resources and educating the next generation of young people. In a sense, Kengo Kuma, who is working on regional revitalization though the world of architecture, and Higashikawa, a sparsely populated town blessed with a rich environment and a thriving furniture industry, have been working together to propose a new way of life.
Higashikawa, with its small size and thriving furniture industry, has long implemented programs that would only be possible here: It starts with the “Your Chair” project, which gives the children a sense of safety and belonging from a young age. In Elementary School, the children learn while surrounded by wooden furniture. When they graduate Junior High School, as a graduation present, they take home their wooden chairs that they have used and cared for over three years. It is now time to start a new project and train the young people who will be the leaders of the next generation.
Architect Kengo Kuma has joined us in supporting our town and our region. He is an early advocate of promoting the appeal of regional communities through architecture, with a strong interest in expanding the use of local resources and educating the next generation of young people. In a sense, Kengo Kuma, who is working on regional revitalization though the world of architecture, and Higashikawa, a sparsely populated town blessed with a rich environment and a thriving furniture industry, have been working together to propose a new way of life.
Photo ©Designhouse
Higashikawa, aiming to be Japan’s healthiest community, is a highly health-conscious town supported by trainers stationed through an official partner company and by its rich water resources from vast natural environment. We invite you to propose healthy furniture — pieces that promote wellness through their use, encourage reflection on the meaning of health, and embody the well-being of both people and the planet. With a broad and diverse perspective, please present your vision of healthy furniture that truly reflects the spirit of Higashikawa.
Kengo Kuma
Head Judge / Architect, professor at the University of Tokyo
Higashikawa, located roughly in the center of Hokkaido, is a town where rich nature and a vibrant woodworking culture thrive. This competition is held with the aim of passing the town’s industries on to future generations and further revitalizing the community. This initiative, which connects the artistic vision of younger generations with local craftsmanship, has continued to grow each year. We look forward to receiving many entries full of creativity.
Shin Kikuchi
Mayor of Higashikawa, the Cultural Capital of Photography and “Town of Photography”
We are deeply grateful for the support of so many people, which allows us to hold the 5th “Kengo Kuma & Higashikawa” KAGU Design Competition. We hope that this opportunity—where the woodworking skills nurtured in Higashikawa meet creative designs from around the world—will generate exciting chemistry, inspiring new ideas and fostering meaningful, mutual exchanges. We warmly welcome participants from across the world.
Ikuhiro Takashima
Chair of the "Kengo Kuma & Higashikawa" KAGU Design Competition Executive Committee
Applications Closed
January 14, 2026
Registration is closed as of December 30th, 2024.
Thank you very much for your registration.
Registration is closed as of December 30th, 2024. Thank you very much for your registration.