Kenya Hara is a Japanese designer, curator, author, educator and renowned design thinker. Hara graduated from the Musashino Art University in 1983 with a master’s degree in design and soon after, joined the Nippon Design Center. In 1991, he founded his current practice, Hara Design Institute, a design think-tank working across all fields of media and design – from graphics and products to architecture and exhibitions. Hara is the author of several notable books on design, including Designing Design, White, and Ex-Formation, and has curated several highly acclaimed exhibitions. In 2000 he held, “Re-Design: The Daily Products of the 21st Century,” that made that case that the resources for exceptional design are found in the context of the ordinary and the every-day. In 2001, Hara became a member of Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI’s advisory board and began acting as its art director. As art director, Hara ushered in a new vision for Muji that embraced “emptiness,” rather than “simplicity.” It is that “emptiness” that leaves room for creativity and imagination. Over the course of his career, Hara has created groundbreaking design solutions for countless globally renowned companies, organizations and events including the French luxury brand Kenzo, the ‘98 Winter Olympic games, and Muji. He is currently president of the Japan Graphic Designers Association and a professor at Musashino Art University. Bio Civilization is an independent design practice that works with causes, clients and partners that share our commitment for creating positive change and promoting a greater awareness of the world. We do this by building brands, concepts, experiences, printed matter, and digital platforms. Education is integrated into our day-to-day practice. Through hosting workshops, lectures, and our on-going podcast–Beyond This Point, we hope to inspire conversation and connection.

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