ON OCT. 22, renowned Japanese graphic designer, curator, and board member of Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI, will visit the Philippines for the first time for a design talk at the De La Salle University Manila (DLSU).
The two-hour DLSU lecture, entitled “EMPTINESS — The Design Philosophy of MUJI,” is centered on the brand’s history and concept which is greatly influenced by the simplicity of Japanese design. Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI for short, is known as a “no brand” company that offers simple yet quality everyday products. With the simplicity of its products, Mr. Hara explains how the philosophy of “emptiness” has inspired MUJI’s design which is loved around the world today.
In 2000, Mr. Hara produced an exhibition entitled RE DESIGN — Daily Products of the 21st Century where he gathered talented architects and designers and asked them to redesign ordinary things. This exhibition emphasized that astonishing design can be found in the context of the ordinary.
Through this exhibit, Mr. Hara was discovered by Ikko Tanaka, one of the founders and art director of MUJI and a famous graphic designer. In 2002, Mr. Hara became a member of MUJI’s advisory board and began acting as its art director. In MUJI today, Mr. Hara is responsible for the total art direction of the brand, its concept, advertisements, and he spearheads its design projects and exhibitions.
His work is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. His main works include the programs of the Opening and Ending Ceremony of the Nagano Winter Olympic Games and Expo in 2005. He produced exhibits in Paris, Milan, and Tokyo entitled Tokyo Fiber — Senseware in 2007 and 2009; and from 2008 through 2009, had an exhibit, Japan Car, in Paris and at the Science Museum in London in 2008-09, and a travelling exhibit entitled DESIGNING DESIGN Kenya Hara 2011 China Exhibition. He has also authored several books such as Designing Design, White, and Galapagos which was released last year.
Mr. Hara will share the concept behind the brand and his work for MUJI with students and the public on Oct. 22, 10 a.m., at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium. Admission is free at a first come first served basis. Interested participants must register at MUJI Philippines official Facebook Page at muji.ph. The first 300 participants of the lecture will receive a MUJI giveaway.
In the Philippines, MUJI is exclusively distributed by MUJI Philippines Corp., a member of SSI Group, Inc., with shops at Greenbelt 3, C1 Bonifacio High Street Central, Power Plant Mall, and Shangri-La Plaza East Wing.

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