In the spirit of cooperation and appreciation
On 22 September 2025, the Japan Industrial Design Association (JIDA) and Red Dot sealed a partnership that connects the soul of Japanese craftsmanship with the power of a global design platform. Chiaki Murata, President of JIDA, and Professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot, signed the Letter of Understanding (LOU) and in doing so, set the stage for a new era of international design exchange. This partnership goes beyond a formal agreement, providing a framework for Japanese design to engage more directly with the international design community.
JIDA – Japan’s design pioneer since 1952
For over 70 years, JIDA has been the driving force of industrial design in Japan. Founded as the country’s first nationwide design organisation, JIDA has consistently championed design as innovation, design as problem-solving, and design as a force for society. With its vision “Designing beyond Design – Create a Mindful Future, Together”, JIDA is shaping not just products, but mindsets. It stands for design that is human-centred, sustainable, and future-oriented.
A bridge between Japan and the world
The partnership with Red Dot marks a gateway moment: JIDA becomes Red Dot’s official representative in Japan, guiding designers and companies to one of the world’s most influential design stages. It’s an open door for Japanese creativity to meet global recognition and for global audiences to experience the spirit of Japanese design.
“The Red Dot Design Award has long recognised and promoted outstanding design worldwide. This cooperation with JIDA represents an important step in enabling Japanese designers and companies to further expand their activities internationally. We are excited to introduce Japan’s excellent product designs to the global community,” says Professor Dr. Peter Zec, Founder and CEO of Red Dot.
“This partnership will bring a fresh breeze to the Japanese design community, especially by reinforcing the value of design in monozukuri. Red Dot’s principle of ‘Evaluating Quality of Design’ will be a great encouragement for Japanese designers,” adds Kazuo Tanaka, former JIDA president and Red Dot Jury member.
Monozukuri – The spirit of Japanese craftsmanship
At the heart of Japanese design lies monozukuri (craftsmanship) – the philosophy of crafting with passion, precision, and purpose. More than simply “making things”, it is about shaping experiences that merge function, beauty, and emotion. This unique approach has made Japanese products admired around the world. Now, through Red Dot’s international platform, the monozukuri spirit can inspire an even larger global community of designers, brands, and design enthusiasts.
Designing the future – together
The JIDA–Red Dot alliance signals more than a partnership. It’s a cultural exchange, a catalyst for innovation, and a stage for Japan’s creative excellence. It embodies the belief that design is a universal language – one that connects people, industries, and ideas across borders. With Japan’s design heritage and Red Dot’s global reach, this partnership sets a powerful message: Design is not just about products. Design is about shaping a mindful, connected, and inspiring future.
