Design Day

What Is Design Day?

October 1st is "Design Day" in Japan, commemorating the establishment of the Design Promotion Council on this day in 1959. It was established in 1990 by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).

A Day That Reflects Japan's History of Design Promotion

Design Day aims to spread awareness of the significant role design plays in industrial development.

• Origin: commemorates the founding of the Design Promotion Council on October 1, 1959
• Purpose: to embed an understanding of design's importance to product development and industrial competitiveness throughout society
• Related initiatives: efforts to evaluate and honor the value of design, including the Good Design Award, take place across Japan

"Design" Is About More Than Just Appearance

Design is a broad concept encompassing not just visual beauty but also usability, functionality, and even solving social problems. It's positioned as a key factor supporting the competitiveness of Japanese manufacturing.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look for well-designed products in your everyday surroundings
• Look up past Good Design Award winners
• Learn about the history of design and Japan's design promotion policies
• Notice the design choices behind the tools you use every day

Invisible Care, Layered Together, Enriches Everyday Life

Great design quietly supports the lives of the people who use it. October 1st is a day to look again at the design thinking embedded in the objects around you.