Aims at strengthening the network and further internationalization of Japanese design industry, Japan Institute of Design Promotion launched “Design Ambassador Project”.By this project, the next-generation leaders of the design industry across the globe such as organizations engaging in public administration and coordinating design-related events, leaders of academic institutions, entrepreneurs and corporate executives will be invited to Japan as “Design Ambassador to Japan”, then create a place for them to get interaction with designer leaders of Japan. In addition, with activity communication on Media and Social network, deepen the mutual recognition and understanding, this project is to offer the function as an international communication platform for design leaders.

On December 17, the first time of Design Ambassador to Japan, we invited Mr. Michael Thomason presented Design Connect. Mr. Thomson is a professional expert on design strategy, policy design, has been involved in policy of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, including the United Kingdom. In addition, between 2001 and 2005, he served as director of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), also the 2010 World Design Capital selection committee between 2008 and 2010. This time, through the meeting with specialists of design policy makers in Japan, he will further extend the network. 

For the side of Japan, Design Ambassador Selecting Committee is established as an organization that selects the candidates for Ambassadors among the design leaders from all over the world and determines those who are invited to Japan. It includes the following members. 

Kazuo Tanaka, Executive Director of Japan Institute of Design Promotion
Kohei Nishiyama, Executive Director of Japan Institute of Design Promotion, Board Member of Icsid (The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design)
Katsutoshi Ishibashi, Editor-in-Chief of AXIS
Judit Varhelyi, design expert, Guest Professor at Tama Art University, Regional Advisor of Icsid