Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize
Fine Arts Division B
March 17th, 2026
Product Designer
Naoto Fukasawa
For achievements including the exhibition “Naoto Fukasawa Things in Themselves”
Award Citation
Naoto Fukasawa has developed a distinctive design practice grounded in careful observation of human behavior. Through this approach, he perceives environments that encompass cultural contexts and sensory elements, integrating even those aspects that are subtle and difficult to articulate.
While continuously exploring the essential meaning of design, Fukasawa has established a distinctive position in the field, attracting international attention. In 2025, an exhibition presenting his major works was held, offering a comprehensive overview of his creative philosophy.
Titled after a concept from the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, the exhibition highlighted Fukasawa’s deeply reflective approach to design and provided an opportunity to reconsider important perspectives on contemporary design.
These achievements, together with his sustained and sincere contributions to design, are highly regarded.
About the Art Encouragement Prize, Government of Japan
Since 1950, the Agency for Cultural Affairs has annually presented the Art Encouragement Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, as well as the New Artist Award, to individuals who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in various fields of the arts, either in Japan or internationally, or who have opened new creative frontiers.
Naoto Fukasawa
I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished award. It strongly affirms that design is recognized as part of the realm of the arts. I will continue to pursue the aesthetics of everyday life and remain dedicated to my work. I sincerely appreciate this recognition.
www.sensho.go.jp
Naoto Fukasawa
For achievements including the exhibition “Naoto Fukasawa Things in Themselves”
Award Citation
Naoto Fukasawa has developed a distinctive design practice grounded in careful observation of human behavior. Through this approach, he perceives environments that encompass cultural contexts and sensory elements, integrating even those aspects that are subtle and difficult to articulate.
While continuously exploring the essential meaning of design, Fukasawa has established a distinctive position in the field, attracting international attention. In 2025, an exhibition presenting his major works was held, offering a comprehensive overview of his creative philosophy.
Titled after a concept from the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, the exhibition highlighted Fukasawa’s deeply reflective approach to design and provided an opportunity to reconsider important perspectives on contemporary design.
These achievements, together with his sustained and sincere contributions to design, are highly regarded.
About the Art Encouragement Prize, Government of Japan
Since 1950, the Agency for Cultural Affairs has annually presented the Art Encouragement Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, as well as the New Artist Award, to individuals who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in various fields of the arts, either in Japan or internationally, or who have opened new creative frontiers.
Naoto Fukasawa
I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished award. It strongly affirms that design is recognized as part of the realm of the arts. I will continue to pursue the aesthetics of everyday life and remain dedicated to my work. I sincerely appreciate this recognition.
www.sensho.go.jp