Kazuya Shimokawa

Born in 1963 in Saga Prefecture. Joined Nikkei McGraw Hill (currently Nikkei Business Publications) in 1988. Did editorial work for publications such as "Nikkei Event" and "Nikkei Store Design" before being assigned to edit "Nikkei Design" in 1994. Became editor-in-chief of same magazine in 2008. Served as commentator for design-themed TV programs "Design Channel" and "Tokyo Award" (TV Tokyo) and was member of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency's evaluation committee for projects to nurture the JAPAN brand, and member of the Japan Patent Office's research team on macro trends in design patent applications. Has been a judge for competitions such as the Toyama Product Design Competition, LG Mobile Design Competition, JID Biennale, SDA Award, JCDA Award, and the JPDA Award. Traveled extensively nationwide from 2008 to 2012 for lectures on smart designs and the connection between traditional craftsmanship, local industries and designs. Was curator for the "Kansei - Japan Design Exhibition" held in Paris in December 2008, and in New York in May 2009, and executive producer for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's soft power overseas dispatch project in fiscal 2009. Teaching at Kyoto University of Art and Design as visiting professor since the start of fiscal 2012, and at Tama Art University as part-time lecturer since the start of fiscal 2013.