Exhibition runs through Wednesday at Tokyo Midtown; Yamaha drum module takes top prize

A large-scale design exhibition showcasing all 1,484 winners of this year's Good Design Award, Japan's most prestigious design prize, is underway in Tokyo.

A view of the Good Design Exhibition 2026, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion [Kim Se-jin]
A view of the Good Design Exhibition 2026, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion [Kim Se-jin]

The Good Design Exhibition 2026, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, opened Saturday at Tokyo Midtown in the Akasaka district of Minato-gu and runs through Wednesday.

Now in its 70th year, the Good Design Award was established in 1957 as Japan's flagship design evaluation system. It assesses not only a product's appearance but also its functionality, usability, social value and sustainability.

This year's exhibition has been described as a demonstration of how design has evolved beyond aesthetics to become a means of connecting technology, industry and everyday life while generating social value.

Of 5,111 entries reviewed this year, 1,484 received awards. From those, 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100 selection, with one Grand Award — the top prize — and 19 gold awards also decided.

The Grand Award went to the EAD50, a drum expansion module with a built-in microphone developed by Japanese musical instrument maker Yamaha.

The exhibition presents winning works from a wide range of categories — from everyday household goods, furniture, home appliances, medical devices and industrial equipment to architecture, services and community projects.

The venue spans nine zones across Tokyo Midtown, including a hall and atrium on the first below-ground floor, a conference space on the fourth floor of the Tower building, and the Design Hub on the fifth floor. Visitors can examine actual products and exhibition materials to see how design addresses everyday inconveniences and tackles broader social challenges.

The exhibition carries added significance as the Good Design Award marks its 70th edition. According to the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, the cumulative number of award-winning designs since the program's launch has surpassed 50,000.

The Good Design Award serves as one of the key benchmarks for product competitiveness and brand value in Japanese industry. In recent years, the scope of evaluation has expanded beyond product design to include services and systems aimed at addressing social challenges such as aging, environmental issues and regional revitalization.

A pop-up store where visitors can purchase award-winning products is also operating at the venue. The Good Design Store Tokyo by Nohara, set up in the first below-ground floor atrium of Tokyo Midtown, features about 250 types of award-winning products, including lifestyle goods, stationery and interior items.

A special exhibition highlighting the design competitiveness of regional manufacturers is also on offer. The Hiroshima Good Design Award, launched in 1994, is making its first appearance at the show, presenting 35 award-winning designs from local companies.

Nine winners of the Long Life Design Award, which recognizes products and services that have earned sustained consumer support over many years, are also on display.


sjkim@heraldcorp.com