Our Direction
Design with North Star
Guided by the philosophy of “Design with North Star,” we aim to be a quiet yet steady presence—like the North Star—illuminating the direction design can take.
We do not reject rationality or efficiency, but rather embrace them while also honoring the intangible: the space between things, presence, and the gentle passage of time.
We would not like to work in subordination to projects or clients. Instead, we would like to seek to inquire together, and build together.
We do not aim for short-term profits or scale as our primary goal, but rather cultivate long-lasting relationships that endure.
About Team iikagen Design Lab
Rooted in trust.
Growing through constellations.
At iikagen Design Lab, we see our team not as a fixed entity, but as a living constellation—formed through trust, collaboration, and shared values.
We work with a growing network of independent designers, researchers, engineers, and creators who resonate with our North Star.
Some join us for a time-bound journey. Others return as partners.
Together, we cultivate relationships that evolve—just like our work.
Mitsuyoshi Shinomiya
Designer
Photograph by Shusaku Taniguchi
Mitsuyoshi Shinomiya (Mitsu) is an international designer working across culture, brand, and technology.
With experience at BMW Group Designworks, Deloitte Consulting, deep-tech startups, TIER IV and etc, he bridges design and strategy to create meaningful experiences and systems that enhance the quality of life.
He is currently based in Germany and Japan, leading cross-disciplinary projects through iikagen Design Lab.
Coming Soon Designer / Engineer / Researcher
If you are a designer, engineer, or researcher who resonates with the direction and values of iikagen Design Lab, we’d love to connect.
Let’s start with a conversation.
High Quality & Trusted External Partners
iikagen Design Lab collaborates with a network of trusted and highly skilled partners primarily based in Japan and Europe. Our external partners include design engineers, software engineers, clay and 3D modelers, and manufacturers specializing in small-lot production. Together, we take on complex challenges that go beyond the current scope of iikagen Design Lab alone.
If you are a freelancer or company interested in collaborating as an external partner, we would be glad to hear from you.
We maintain a fully transparent partnership structure with no intermediary margins or hidden fees.
Our Principals
Depth through Output
We pursue depth through action, not just ideas.
We focus on reaching depth not just through theory, but by making things real. Ideas alone are never enough—we value what is tested, refined, and brought into the world.
Doers / Makers / Philosophers
We think by creating—and create by thinking.
We don’t separate thinking from doing. Creating is a form of thinking—and thinking is more powerful when it is embodied in what we make.
Life-Centered
We design with care for all forms of life and their connections.
Inspired by Eastern philosophies like “Yaoyorozu no Kami” in Shinto, we believe all things are connected. We consider the widest impact of our designs—on people, time, place, and all forms of life.
Boast Area
(experience / former clients / etc)
Media / Lectures
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Sumitomo Corporation
What Design Can Do
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Keio University
Designer’s Role in the Future
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Redesigner
TIER IV