SOON
Tokyo Midtown Design Hub 121st Exhibition
JAGDA Exhibition 2026
- Year: 2026
- Planner: JAGDA
- Tags: GraphicLocalExhibitions
BASIC INFORMATION
Design work, once primarily discussed in the context of major metropolitan areas, has now spread across the country, fostering forms of expression deeply rooted in diverse local communities. Marking the second edition of this project—following last year’s debut—the Japan Graphic Design Association (JAGDA), with its 3,000 members nationwide, presents a comprehensive exhibition of recent works by 40 members/duos leading the field across eight regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto-Koshinetsu, Tokyo, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku-Shikoku, and Kyushu. By bringing together works that engage with society in diverse ways—transcending regional and disciplinary boundaries—and by visualizing the dynamic energy of design through their convergence, we aim to showcase the current state of Japanese graphic design.
Dates: Friday 2 – Sunday 25 October 2026
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Design Hub (Midtown Tower 5F)
Open daily 11:00–19:00 / Admission free
Organised by: Tokyo Midtown Design Hub
Managed by: Japan Graphic Design Association Inc. (JAGDA)
Produced by: JAGDA Exhibition Committee (Shogo Kishino [chair], Mina Tabei [vice chair], Junya Kamada, Kako Fujita, and Masashi Murakami)
Logo Design: Mina Tabei
Exhibition Design: Takashi Nakahara
Exhibitors:
Hokkaido | Shiori Adachi, Chiyori Sanbongi, Miyuu Nishimoto, Sou Nomura, Pichik Kato +Pachik Sakamoto
Tohoku | Masayuki Kimura, Ryohei Yamauchi, Yukihiro Enomoto, Katsunobu Yoshida, Ichinosuke Takagi
Kanto-Koshinetsu | Ryotaro Sasame, Fumiko Okazeri, Ai Akiyoshi, Naotoshi Kozaki, Masashi Tsunoda
Tokyo | Takuto Okamoto, Chiharu Kodama, Takumi Saito, Mai Shibatani, Jujiro Maki
Chubu | Harukimi Futagami, Nobuaki Nakabayashi, Sumie Yasumoto, Kaori Murotani, Aya Iida, Rena Hirose
Kansai | Takuma Nishiyama, Mayumi Tamaoka, Shinsuke Suzuki, Takehiro Wada, Ryoko Nagaoka
Chugoku-Shikoku | Koichi Onishi, Hideto Sato, Nami Yabuki, Akira Kuwahara, Asuka Sato
Kyushu | Hiroto Yazawa, Naotatsu Okuda, Yu Inoshita, Hitoshi Kawakami, Toshikatsu Saji
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Exhibition Statement:
Geothermal Energy of Design
This autumn, JAGDA present the JAGDA Exhibition 2026—the second edition following last year’s event.
Works by members from across the country—each reflecting the unique character of their region while exploring new forms of expression—once again gathered in Tokyo. In a sense, this is a thrilling exhibition that offers a comprehensive view of the “now” of Japanese graphic design.
How do we confront a future dominated by super-intelligent AI—a future that seems to be racing ahead while leaving people behind—even as we hold fast to our love for our local communities? Perhaps the precarious sense that the world is veering off course is felt even more acutely in these regional settings; indeed, it is likely for this very reason that so many creators choose to base their work there.
We are undoubtedly living in a time that urgently demands a new vision of society. What does it mean to create design that remains fundamentally human? Love shares an affinity with heat. Harnessing that warmth, It’s our hope that we embark on a journey that boldly transcends boundaries.
Copywriting by Takashi Ando (SunAd)
Exhibition Visuals:
The eight regions created their own visuals to publicise the exhibition.
Shiori Adachi | Hokkaido | Art Director and Graphic Designer. After working at Terashima Design Office starting in 2005, she established Shiori Graphic in 2011 and now tackles design challenges daily alongside a team of four staff members. Their “peeeel” works—created by making incisions in and peeling back layers of colored paper, then finishing the image with photography—won the TIGDA Award at the 2017 Taiwan International Graphic Design Award and were selected for the 2018 Triennial Toyama. Currently, they are preparing to launch Tokshok, a craft beverage and gift shop.
Chiyori Sanbongi | Hokkaido | Art Director / Graphic Designer. Born in Hokkaido in 1994. Graduated from Tokai University. Joined KD in 2023. Awards include: Japan Typography Annual Best Work Award (2025); Sapporo Art Directors Club Gold Award, Bronze Award, and Members’ Choice Award (2024); Tokyo TDC Award Selection (2025); and JAGDA Annual Selection (2025, 2026).
Miyuu Nishimoto | Hokkaido | Born in 1991. Majored in linguistics at university. After working at a design studio, went freelance in 2024. Activities include design, drawing, and handicrafts—engaging in the act of working with one’s hands and placing lines. Selected for Graphic Design in Japan in 2024 (Ryoji Tanaka’s This One!) and 2025 (Kazufumi Nagai’s This One!); recipient of the Kaoru Kasai Award at the HB File Competition Vol. 35 and Sapporo ADC New Designer Award 2024.
Sou Nomura | Hokkaido | Born in 1982. Representative Director, Art Director, and Graphic Designer at Studio Wonder. Awards and honors include a JAGDA Award nomination and This One! selection at Graphic Design in Japan; the Grand Prix (2016), Semi-Grand Prix (2015), and New Designer Award (2014) at Sapporo ADC; Topawards Asia award; and CIPB Bronze Award. Also selected for awards such as Tokyo TDC, APD, JPDA, SDA, TIGDA, and Lahti.
Pichik Kato + Pachik Sakamoto | Hokkaido | Pichik Pachik (Yuya Kato + Hidehiko Sakamoto). Born in Hokkaido in 1995. A creative unit based in Sapporo, comprising Pichik Kato and Pachik Sakamoto. After working at a design studio, they became independent in 2023. In addition to graphic design, they develop their own original products. They serve as moderators for Sapporo ADC networking events and are members of the Sapporo ADC and JAGDA. Major awards include the Sapporo ADC New Designer Award (2025), Judge’s Choice Awards (2025, 2024), and Category Awards (2023, 2022).
Masayuki Kimura | Aomori | Graduated from the Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Education at Hirosaki University; studied under artist Yoshio Murakami. Works as a designer and art director, and heads the design studio Espace. Based primarily in Aomori Prefecture, the studio operates with a philosophy of working hand-in-hand with the local community on projects such as product branding, package design, and advertising. Involvement also extends to local community development NPOs, where activities include product development leveraging local resources, tourism promotion, and the renovation of vacant houses. (Last year, I purchased a large traditional storehouse.)
Ryohei Yamauchi | Iwate | Born in 1992 and raised in Kyoto Prefecture; affiliated with Grams Design Office. Driven by the goal of bringing quality work into the world, he strives daily to collaborate closely with clients—thinking through challenges together—to guide projects toward the best possible outcomes. Key awards include selections for Graphic Design in Japan (2022, 2024), Jury Award at Japan Typography Annual, and the Semi-Grand Prix at Iwate ADC Awards (2023, 2025).
Yukihiro Enomoto | Miyagi | Graphic designer. Born in Yamagata Prefecture in 1978. Established Enomoto Design Office in 2012. Currently based in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.
Katsunobu Yoshida | Yamagata | A forager, designer, and printer based in Yamagata Prefecture, creating designs and artworks that bridge material sourcing, material research, and industrial technology. In recent years, the practice has focused on developing pigments from materials gathered from ecosystems and production sites, as well as exploring highly specialized printing techniques. Key exhibitions include “Material, or,” “Modes and Characters: Poetics of Graphic Design,” and “Pooploop” at 21_21 Design Sight, as well as VOCA 2025 and London Design Biennale 2023.
Ichinosuke Takagi | Fukushima | Born and currently residing in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. After graduating from Sendai Design College, he moved to Tokyo and worked in various fields unrelated to design. He returned to his hometown in 2010, where he worked at a kamaboko (fish cake) manufacturing company as both a craftsman and head of product planning and development department, handling tasks such as package and website design. He became an independent designer in 2016. His motto is “design that leads to a happy future.” The project Iwaki Community-based Integrated Care: igoku, for which he handled the design, won the Good Design Award Gold Award in 2019. He is a father of one.
Ryotaro Sasame | Ibaraki | After working at a design firm, he became independent in 2008 and established Trunk in 2014. As a creative director and art director specializing in corporate and regional branding, he manages the entire process—from initial consultations with business leaders to the development of concepts, messaging, and visual design. Guided by the philosophy of “enhancing purity,” he focuses on uncovering the essential nature of a business—often something the leaders themselves have yet to articulate—and shaping the company into a form that authentically reflects its true identity. He is based in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Fumiko Okazeri | Saitama | Born in Saitama in 1985. After working at several design studios, she established her own company, Fodesign. Based in Saitama, she specializes in strategic branding that brings out the value of brands across the country. She values a design approach that focuses on the essence of a subject and weaves its unique appeal into a compelling narrative. She has received 12 international awards across seven countries, including Golden Pin Design Award (Taiwan), DFA Design for Asia Awards (Hong Kong), and Pentawards Shortlist (UK).
Ai Akiyoshi | Chiba | Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1981. Joined the advertising production company Taki Corporation (formerly Taki Kobo) in 2002. Returned to Chiba Prefecture in 2019 and established Abcdirection in 2025. Believing in the power of design to improve society, the company’s mission is to shine a spotlight on overlooked local brands and "transform their value into pride."
Naotoshi Kozaki | Kanagawa | After graduating from the Department of Information Design at Tama Art University, he began working as a freelance designer. In 2017, the business was incorporated as Kozakikikaku. With a mission to improve business performance through the power of creativity, the company designs corporate organizational cultures and brand experiences, helping clients enhance their recruitment capabilities, profitability, and social value. While focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and regional revitalization, the company provides comprehensive services ranging from brand strategy to the design of logos, websites, print materials, video content, and various communication strategies.
Masashi Tsunoda | Niigata | Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1984, he graduated from the Department of Visual Design at Nagaoka Institute of Design. After working in Tokyo and at a printing company in Niigata, he became independent in 2025. His work focuses on areas such as branding, packaging, and print media, and he approaches design by seeking out the underlying value inherent in the subject matter. Key projects include graphic design for Machiyama, logo design for Tsubame-Sanjo Koba-no-madoguchi, and art direction for Willow House.
Takuto Okamoto | Tokyo | Born in Tokyo in 1998. Graduated from the University of Tsukuba’s School of Art and Design, specializing in Visual Design. Working primarily in graphic design but spanning disciplines such as video, photography, writing, and music production, they explore new creative frameworks that challenge existing conventions.
Chiharu Kodama | Tokyo | Representative of Ium / Board Member of The Guild. After graduating from Tokyo Institute of Technology’s School of Engineering, she worked at Art & Mobile (led by Takayuki Fukatsu) and an advertising agency before founding Ium in 2017. As an art director and designer, she is active across a wide range of areas—from formulating the core philosophies and concepts of brands to designing VI, websites, UI/UX, graphics, and communication strategies.
Takumi Saito | Tokyo | Graphic designer and art director. Born in Niigata City in 1993; graduated from Tokyo Zokei University. After working at Ryoko Ishioka Design Office and J.C.Spark, became independent in 2019. Affiliated with Allright from 2019 to 2024. Served as a part-time lecturer at Tokyo City University from 2023 to 2024. Currently active across two bases: Tokyo and Niigata.
Mai Shibatani | Tokyo | After graduating from Joshibi University of Art and Design, she joined Dentsu Inc. She is currently an art director and creative director at Zero. Her work spans a wide range of genres and media, encompassing everything from advertising and branding to artist artwork and television programs.
Jujiro Maki | Tokyo | Born in Okayama in 1985; based in Tokyo. Joined JAGDA in 2013. Key works include flyer for the Okutama Art Museum (featured in JAGDA Annual 2015; This One! selected by Atsuki Kikuchi); book cover for “On Our War Responsibility” (2016; selected by Yui Takada); the Kakubarhythm Delivery sticker (2019; selected by Masaaki Hiromura); logo for Token Art Center (2020; selected by Takada); flyer for Agoraphobia (2022; selected by Hiromura); and flyer for Geijutsu Gekiryu (2023; JAGDA Award).
Harukimi Futagami | Toyama | Born in Toyama Prefecture in 2001. After graduating from the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Toyama in 2024, he has been working as a graphic designer while also serving as manager and curator at Geibungallery in Takaoka City, Toyama. He is the drummer for the low-fantasy alternative rock band Kyuukei.
Nobuaki Nakabayashi + Sumie Yasumoto | Ishikawa | Born in Ishikawa Prefecture, the duo founded Tone Co., Ltd. in 2017 and opened Hohoho-za Kanazawa, a shop attached to their design studio. The business involves selling design-related products from both within and outside the prefecture, managing a shared space, and operating a confectionery business that sells original products. Leveraging their experience in product development and store operations, they engage in design work that solves challenges from the client’s perspective.
Kaori Murotani | Fukui | Art Director and Graphic Designer at Tsugi. Born in Tokyo in 1990. After graduating from the Department of Design at Joshibi University of Art and Design, she worked at a graphic design studio and a web production company before joining Tsugi in 2019. Her work focuses primarily on art direction and graphic design centered on product development and branding. She received the Good Design Award’s Good Focus Award [Design for Technology and Tradition] / Best 100 in 2022.
Aya Iida | Shizuoka | Art Director and Graphic Designer. Born in Shizuoka City in 1977. Graduated from the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts. After working at Draft, went freelance in 2019. Focuses on design work spanning CI, advertising, and products. Key clients include Ippodo Tea and Wacoal. Recipient of awards such as the Tokyo ADC Award and the Good Design Award. Part-time lecturer at Kuwasawa Design School.
Rena Hirose | Aichi | Graphic designer. Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1992; currently based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. After graduating from an advertising design college and working at Impakt Taki (now Taki Ic), went freelance in May 2022, later transitioning to the corporate entity Rena LLC in March 2025. Engaged in a wide range of graphic design work, including posters, logos, packaging, and web design. While frequently involved in advertising projects, is increasingly focusing on independent work. Places great importance on the process of developing ideas through hand-drawing.
Takuma Nishiyama | Kyoto | Born in Kyoto in 1983, he is the representative of Takuma Design, working as a creative director and designer. In 2015, he produced Good Time Coffee—a café created by renovating a traditional machiya townhouse—as part of a vacant-house revitalization project led by Kyoto City. Based in Kyoto, he develops projects that engage with the local community. Leveraging his experience in operating a physical storefront, he handles branding for a wide range of businesses.
Mayumi Tamaoka | Osaka | Originally from Sumoto City, Awaji Island; operates under the trade name 041Design. Active since 2019 with bases in both Osaka and Awaji Island, the studio handles a wide range of design work, including logos and branding for companies and shops, as well as packaging, brochures, advertisements, and social media content. On Awaji Island, the studio launched a community called Meet In Mix, occasionally organizing events that foster local interaction and charity events for dogs and cats. Selected for the Japan Typography Annual 2026.
Shinsuke Suzuki | Osaka | Graphic designer. Born in 1974. After working at Shinnoske Design, he established Bold in 2012. He is based primarily in Osaka. Key themes in his current work include "uniqueness," "ambiguity," and "appealing superfluity." He believes that good design stems from good circumstances, placing great importance on the pre-design phase. He often finds that taking a shower helps him organize his thoughts—sometimes sparking ideas, and sometimes not.
Takehiro Wada | Hyogo | Born in Kobe in 1982. After graduating from vocational school and gaining experience at a production company, he founded Design Hero in 2014. While centering his work on design, he has expanded his activities to include the planning and management of citizen-participation events and work in educational settings, all while engaging in numerous social projects. He values the processes both before and after the actual design work, walking alongside clients to tackle various challenges. He handles everything from conceptualization and creation to the myriad tasks surrounding them, driven by the desire to be a hero to someone.
Ryoko Nagaoka | Nara | Graduated from Kyoto University of Art and Design. After working at a printing company and an editorial production firm, established a design studio in 2015. Activities include graphic design—primarily for print media—as well as artwork creation and book publishing. Selected for JAGDA Annual in 2019, 2020, and 2023; winner of TABF Talent Award at the 2019 Tokyo Art Book Fair. In 2024, opened BO/OK, an art bookshop in Nara, where events such as exhibitions and workshops are also held.
Koichi Onishi | Shimane | Born in 1986 and a native of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, I work primarily in graphic design—spanning advertising, logos, and packaging. I also actively participate in design competitions and collaborative projects with designers across the country. Starting this year, as the representative for JAGDA’s Shimane Chapter, I am focusing on activities that bridge the local community and design; I aim to deepen connections with other regions while sharing the joy and potential of design.
Hideto Sato | Okayama | Creative Director / Art Director. In 2011, he established Hideto Sato Design based on the philosophy of “positively connecting people, things, and experiences.” Through active listening and the articulation of ideas, he explores the essence and value of a subject; leveraging both design and branding, he partners with clients on diverse projects ranging from concept formulation to visual development. He aims to contribute to design culture by building a body of work rooted in indigenous design—designs deeply connected to the local context.
Nami Yabuki | Hiroshima | Art Director / Graphic Designer. Born in Hiroshima Prefecture; graduate of Joshibi University of Art and Design. After working at an advertising production company, became freelance in 2011. Relocated from Tokyo to Hiroshima in 2014 and founded Coto.toco. Focuses on creating designs that authentically express the true nature of the subject matter. Has served as a part-time lecturer at Anabuki Design College since 2018. Recipient of the HADC Grand Prix and HADC Award; selected for Graphic Design in Japan and the Japan Package Design Awards.
Akira Kuwahara | Yamaguchi | Born in 1973, I established Kuwahara Design in 2008. Whether working on government projects, corporate branding, exhibition art direction, product packaging, or websites, I always strive to create designs with care and attention to detail. I dedicate ample time to deep, thorough contemplation. While engaging earnestly with the realities of regional life, I quietly carry out my work from deep within the mountains of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Asuka Sato | Tokushima | Representative of Tobutorido. Born in 1975 in Ishii-cho, Tokushima Prefecture. Graduated from the Department of Literature (Theater Studies specialization) at Waseda University’s School of Literature I. Completed the full curriculum at the ISIS Editing School. Working from an office near Kannon-ji (Temple No. 16 on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage), I create designs intended to warm the heart. My management philosophy is: Nurturing a rich spirit through one-of-a-kind characters. My hobbies include reading, watching morning TV dramas, and listening to radio shows hosted by comedians.
Hiroto Yazawa | Nagasaki | Born in 1999 in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. After graduating from Tokyo Polytechnic University, joined Digimagraph. in 2022. Major awards and recognitions include a Bronze Award at Pentawards 2024, the U30 Silver Award at the International Poster Triennial in Toyama 2024, Youth Award and Distinction at TIGDA 2025, and selections for the Tokyo ADC and the JAGDA annual Graphic Design in Japan.
Naotatsu Okuda | Kumamoto | Graduated from the London College of Printing (now LCC) in 2001. After working at the branding firm Gramco, established an independent practice based in Kumamoto in 2011. Since 2021, has served as Associate Professor in Department of Design at Sojo University’s Faculty of Art, where they explore the concept of “essential richness” alongside students. Additionally, they have launched initiatives to support children in disaster-stricken areas together with local colleagues and are actively engaged in pesticide-free rice farming.
Yu Inoshita | Oita | Born in Oita City, Oita Prefecture; working as a freelancer since 2015. Achievements include the 2016 Tokyo Midtown Award (Runner-up Grand Prix), 2017 Good Design Award, 2018 JAGDA Annual selection (including a This One! pick) and JAGDA Award nomination, Kyushu ADC Awards 2023 (Best 9), 2025 Tokyo Business Design Award (Theme Award), 2026 JAGDA Annual selection, and selections for Japan Package Design Awards and Japan Typography Annual.
Hitoshi Kawakami | Miyazaki | Representative of Afureru; Art Director and Graphic Designer. Originally from Osaka. After working at several companies, including design studios, he relocated to Miyazaki Prefecture in 2006 and became freelance in 2010. He works across a wide range of disciplines—including advertising, branding, web design, packaging, and video production—without being confined to any single genre.
Toshikatsu Saji | Okinawa | Born in Kyoto, Japan. Founder of Sazie Graphics, based in Okinawa. Graduated from the Academy of Art University in California, USA. His work spans a wide range of creative fields, including graphic design for logos and packaging, illustration, retail and spatial design, product development for traditional crafts, and branding.