EVENT

Prototyping in Tokyo: Design Talk by Professor Yamanaka Shunji

山中俊治

Image: Professor Yamanaka Shunji at the Prototyping in Tokyo exhibition at Japan House Los Angeles

Coinciding with the launch of Japan House London’s latest exhibition Prototyping in Tokyo, exhibition director and world-renowned design engineer Professor Yamanaka Shunji gives a talk offering an exclusive insight into some of the innovative prototypes featured.

From robots which can be ‘born’ fully formed like living things using advanced additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing), to revolutionary prosthesis designs for a Paralympic athlete, Professor Yamanaka traces the story of each prototype’s development process at his University of Tokyo Laboratory, and discusses his visions for how such prototypes can help to inform the future of design.

Exploring the potential of prototypes to act as a link between cutting-edge technology and society and offering a rare glimpse of the textures and structure of the future, the exhibition Prototyping in Tokyo: Illustrating design-led innovation is on display in the Gallery at Japan House from 16 January - 17 March 2019.

About Professor Yamanaka Shunji:

Founder of Leading Edge Design and Professor at the University of Tokyo, Professor Yamanaka Shunji is one of the most respected design engineers in Japan, with previous works ranging from wristwatches to railway carriages. Recently, Yamanaka’s projects include beautiful prosthetics and life-like robots that re-examine the relationship between humans and machines. Numerous honours include: the 2004 Mainichi Design Award, the iF Design Award, and multiple Good Design Awards (backed by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Infrastructure). His 2010 work, Tagtype Garage Kit, is part of the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.