Message from the President
“Transforming product design into a force that drives society and industry”
On June 14, 2025, I, Tomoaki Murata, assumed the position of Chairman of the Japan Industrial Design Association (JIDA). Over the years, I have been involved in solving social issues and transforming companies through product design. What I now feel strongly is the question of “what is the essential impact that design should have on society?”
JIDA was established in 1952, during the post-war reconstruction and period of rapid economic growth, with the aim of improving the quality of Japanese industrial products and establishing the social value of design. Since then, for over 70 years, as a group of product design experts, we have worked in a variety of fields, including industry, distribution, lifestyle culture, education, and administration, to build a professional network that supports Japanese industry and lifestyles. The unwavering mission that lies ahead, building on the history we have walked so far, is to “implement a better future through design.”
I would like to rebuild JIDA not as a mere industry association, but as a core institution for the social implementation of design that actively engages with society.
Looking around the world, there are numerous examples where product design serves as the starting point for innovation and drives economic and cultural transformation. The driving force behind this lies in the ability to “visually visualize” the future of living, products, and services, thereby inspiring empathy and action among people. In Japan as well, it is essential to further embed the intrinsic value of such design throughout society.
To this end, JIDA will work over the next few years to further enhance the openness and influence of the organization. First, we will collaborate with companies, government agencies, and educational institutions to rebuild a nationwide industry and research network. Based on the expertise of our expert committees on materials processing, social issues research, and business production, we will combine Japanese materials technology and design to build a foundation for developing products that are competitive on the global stage.
To this end, JIDA will work over the next few years to further enhance the openness and influence of the organization. First, we will collaborate with companies, government agencies, and educational institutions to rebuild a nationwide industry and research network. Based on the expertise of our expert committees on materials processing, social issues research, and business production, we will combine Japanese materials technology and design to build a foundation for developing products that are competitive on the global stage.
What is needed now are designers who possess not only creative and artistic skills, but also integrated “knowledge and sensitivity” that can respond to complex issues. JIDA is focusing on creating an environment that fosters this next generation of hybrid talent, and we will continue to increase the number of colleagues who have the vision and drive to change society.
Design has the power to envision the future and allow people to experience it vicariously. It is this power that drives investment, policy, and technology, and acts as a catalyst for social progress. JIDA aims to promote “design that benefits society” that is appropriate for the coming era, and to enhance its value through both implementation and communication.
Let's nurture and spread the power of design to envision the future and inspire action, together with our members.
June 2025
Japan Industrial Design Association
President Chiaki Murata
村田 智明 （Chiaki Murata）
visiting professor
advisor
registered advisor
advisor