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
Many different animals inhabit the nature-rich environment of Higashikawa. And with Asahiyama Zoo and its world-renowned ethological exhibits nearby, we have many opportunities here to learn about co-existing with animals. I believe that some things are not only for humans, but are also essential for animals as well. I’d like you to think freely, and propose some novel and unique furniture.
Kengo Kuma
Head Judge / Architect, professor at the University of Tokyo
The town of Higashikawa has long treasured its pure spring waters and nurtured its woodworking and furniture industries within a rich natural landscape overlooking Mt. Daisetsuzan. To ensure these industries thrive into the future, we are committed to strengthening collaborations among businesses and cultivating the next generation of manufacturing leaders. We hope that the town’s abundant environment and industry will intersect with the creativity of young designers from around the world to inspire new, fulfilling ways of living.
Shin Kikuchi
Mayor of Higashikawa, the Cultural Capital of Photography and “Town of Photography”
I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped make the 4th “Kengo Kuma & Higashikawa” KAGU Design Competition possible. We hope that the creativity and passion of young people from around the world will combine with Higashikawa, a furniture production area blessed with a rich and beautiful environment, to inspire a new way of life. We look forward to receiving many entries.
Ikuhiro Takashima
Chair of the "Kengo Kuma & Higashikawa" KAGU Design Competition Executive Committee
Applications Closed
December 30th, 2024
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.