Japan Design Insights

Explore inherent strengths, capabilities and opportunities of Japan
in arts, architecture, design, engineering and innovation.

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Strengths

This tier represents the pinnacle of a Japan's design and innovation landscape, showcasing industrial classes and industries where Japan excels. It reflects areas of exceptional capability, where creativity, expertise, and competitive advantage converge, highlighting sectors that not only drive the Japan's reputation forward but also set the benchmark for excellence on a global scale.

Rank Industry ID Score
1 Architecture, Building and Structure Design 3 98151
2 Interior Space and Exhibition Design 8 96936
3 Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design 12 55626
4 Packaging Design 2 34907
5 Furniture Design 1 31549
6 Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design 50 12660
7 Lighting Products and Fixtures Design 5 11146
8 Advertising, Marketing and Communication Design 85 11105
9 Photography and Photo Manipulation Design 14 9265
10 Jewelry Design 49 8169
11 Spatial Design 105 6973
12 Computer Graphics, 3D Modeling, Texturing, and Rendering Design 13 5954
13 Fine Arts and Art Installation Design 22 5593
14 Robotics, Automaton and Automation Design 33 4905
15 Website and Web Design 99 4732
16 Social Design 20 4330
17 Outdoor Gear and Camping Equipment Design 48 4100
18 Art and Stationery Supplies Design 53 3765
19 Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design 73 3600
20 Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design 9 3473
21 Beauty, Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Design 44 3001
22 Accessibility, Assistive Technologies, and Inclusive Design 78 2921

Mature Capabilities

Occupying this tier are industries and sectors where Japan has established a mature and robust presence. These industrial categories underscore a solid foundation of skill, experience, and market development, representing areas of reliable strength and consistent performance. They illustrate the Japan's capacity to sustain and evolve its industrial and creative endeavors.

Rank Industry ID Score
23 Fashion and Travel Accessories Design 52 2816
24 Print and Published Media Design 75 2712
25 Landscape Planning and Garden Design 62 2518
26 Graphics Design 106 2209
27 Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design 82 2176
28 Bicycle Design 72 2025
29 Cybernetics, Prosthesis and Implant Design 87 2025
30 Trade Show Architecture, Interiors, and Exhibit Design 180 2025
31 Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design 91 2025
32 Mobile Technologies, Applications and Software Design 84 1420
33 Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design 16 1369
34 Baby, Kids' and Children's Products Design 51 1357
35 Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design 4 1300
36 Digital and Electronic Device Design 7 1296
37 Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design 35 1236
38 Agricultural Tools, Farming Equipment and Machinery Design 31 1225
39 Home Appliances Design 11 1201
40 Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design 10 1088
41 Performing Arts, Stage, Style and Scenery Design 29 900
42 Legwear, Pantyhose and Hosiery Design 103 900
43 Functional Art, Avant-Garde and Expressional Objects Design 184 800

Opportunities

This segment identifies emerging industrial classes and industries ripe for development and growth within Japan. It pinpoints areas where potential is high, yet full capabilities are not yet realized, offering a roadmap for strategic investment and innovation. These categories represent fertile ground for future advancements, where nurturing talent and resources can lead to significant gains in global standings.

Rank Industry ID Score
44 Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design 47 784
45 3D Printed Forms and Products Design 97 736
46 Industrial Design 104 724
47 Movie, Video and Animation Design 17 625
48 Kitchen Furniture, Equipment and Fixtures Design 27 576
49 Textile, Fabric, Textures, Patterns and Cloth Design 42 468
50 Idea and Conceptual Design 21 441
51 Awards, Prize and Competitions Design 39 441
52 Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design 95 369
53 Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design 56 337
54 Limited Edition and Custom Design 93 324
55 Education, Teaching Aid and Training Content Design 65 244
56 Meta, Strategic and Service Design 23 225
57 Prosumer Products and Workshop Equipment Design 54 225
58 Food, Beverage and Culinary Arts Design 18 196
59 Giftware Design 79 153
60 Building Materials and Construction Components Design 19 64
61 Luxury Design 83 25
62 Futuristic Design 36 16
63 Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design 41 16
64 Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design 6 4

Top Innovators

Discover the leading designers, architects, creative professionals and brands from Japan who are shaping the future of art, architecture, design, science and innovation. For a complete list of top entities from Japan, visit Japan at World Design Rankings. Please be aware that the World Design Rankings will follow a different order, as the top designers and brands are ranked using platinum, gold, silver, bronze, iron sorting that impacts the final results.

Rank Designer Type Country
1 Tetsuya Matsumoto Professional Japan
2 SHUNSUKE OHE Professional Japan
3 UDS Ltd. Agency Japan

Discover More

To discover the top-ranking designers, architects, brands, and manufacturers in Japan, visit the World Design Rankings's Japan Page.

World Design Rankings (WDR) serves as a prestigious global showcase, ranking countries based on their achievements through the creativity and innovation of their designers, architects, brands, and manufacturers. For an in-depth exploration of the top-ranking designers, architects, brands, and manufacturers in Japan and view the design leaders, visit the World Design Rankings's page for Japan now.

Discover Japan at WDR