15 Products Designed by Naoto Fukasawa That We Love
With an eye for divining the essence of objects, Naoto Fukasawa has emerged as one of Japan’s most influential designers.
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The typical Fukasawa product, whether designed for Muji, Samsung, or Herman Miller, could be loosely defined as minimalist in that it's what it needs to be and nothing more: intuitive, approachable, a delight to use. In reality, to see and use a Fukasawa mug, table, or lamp is so much more. To celebrate the esteemed designer's work, we've rounded up some of our favorite Fukasawa products.
Inspired by the mushroom-like silhouettes of illuminated Mongolian Pao tents at night, Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa created his Pao Collection. This version, a battery-operated portable lamp, is crafted of polycarbonate with a high gloss finish. Choose from four colors. Bulb (included): G4 LED.
A simply designed electric kettle that can boil a cup of water in 80 seconds. The power auto shut off once the water is boiled and uses minimum electric power. Specially designed for split prevention.
Naoto Fukasawa’s approach to design is based on careful observation of people’s actions and feelings, which enables him to create products that fit into people’s lives so naturally that they’re “Without Thought,” a concept he teaches at two universities and to clients worldwide.
With a softly rounded top and simple legs, the Za Low Stool by Emeco is a design from Naoto Fukasawa, who wanted to give people a multi-functional, long-lasting piece. Za means “a place to sit” in Japanese, and this practical piece offers spaces just that.
Elegantly crafted, the Magis Deja-vu Oval Table is a splendid addition to your dining ensemble. Made in collaboration with designer Naoto Fukasawa, it features a simple oval top complemented by angled legs.
A minimalist cuckoo clock is in itself a contradiction in terms, as the original clocks from the Black Forest are internationally famous on account of their rich ornaments and decorations.
Celebrating the virtues of simple design and the way it seamlessly intertwines itself with the environments in which it’s found and the people who interact with it, the Saiba Chair (2016) is right at home wherever elegant seating is needed, sporting gentle curves and fine tailoring.
The Artemide Demetra LED Wall Sconce caters to general and directional lighting needs by embedding a simple aluminum structure with steady adjustment points and mobility.
The Magis Deja-Vu Chair puts an elegant spin on a straightforward side chair, featuring a curvaceous back and clean base atop tall, narrow legs.
Designed by Naoto Fukasawa, the Itka with Stem Table Lamp is a hand-blown opal glass shade that is highly expressive in its simplicity. The glass is acid-etched, fully obscuring the interior light source when lit or unlit, creating a beautiful pillow of ambient light.
Tempo Clock (2011) draws its inspiration from the clock icon that we see every day on our computer screens, giving shape to a truly simple, friendly object, featuring a rounded outline and raised markings.
Taking its name from the Greek mythological goddess of the harvest, the Artemide Demetra Table Lamp is designed to "harvest a creative work environment." Success. The lines are clean and minimal; the conveniences modern and practical.
An interlace of dynamic shapes. This Magis Pizza Low Table will surely be a statement piece in any modern setting. Inspired by the Italian favorite, it flaunts a rimmed oblong tabletop supported by intertwined wire base that induces a geometric visual appeal.
A petite pot for perfect pekoe. The Alessi Cha Kettle/Teapot gets its name from the Japanese word for the fusion of two objects, in this case a kettle for brewing tea and a teapot for serving it. This all-in-one pot is made of Mirror Polished stainless steel with a cool-to-the-touch thermoplastic...
Designed by Naoto Fukasawa for Artemide, the Athena LED Floor Lamp exemplifies the idea that there should be a complete, harmonious relationship between objects and people. Artemide prides itself in always being synonymous with innovative, thought-provoking design.
To learn more about Fukasawa's design ethos, check out these books:
A brand new monograph on one of Japan's best-known product designers, featuring more than 100 of his latest works. Naoto Fukasawa's simple, restrained, and user-friendly products have an extraordinarily universal appeal.
Jasper Morrison and Naoto Fukasawa have compiled 204 everyday objects in search of super normal design: alongside examples of anonymous design, there are design classics like by Jacobsen, Rams, Bill or Noguchi.
We love the products we feature and hope you do, too. If you buy something through a link on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Reading:
Q&A: Naoto Fukasawa Talks Muji, Minimalism, and Jasper Morrison
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