The Originator of Japanese Local Design, Shin Umehara: Using Design to Convey the Scenery of Production Areas

In recent years, more and more designs originating from local areas have been born in Japan. Whether it is the branding of local specialty products or various plans for tourism promotion, design has become an increasingly important role in adding value.

This type of design is called "local design (Local Design/local design)," and it is gradually gaining attention in the Japanese design world. The common characteristic is striving to uncover the unique individuality of a place, using design as a medium to convey it to the public in an easy-to-understand way.

And if one were to name a symbolic originator of local design, it would probably have to be Shin Umehara.

[Shin Umehara profilebox】

1950Born in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture. After graduating from university, returned to Kochi and took a position in the art department of a television station.25At the age of [X], took leave from work to study in Spain,29at the age of [X] resigned and traveled across the United States, briefly living in San Francisco. Afterwards returned to Japan and, in Kochi, with the concept of "primary industryXdesign=scenery," opened the "Shin Umehara Design Office."2016Received the Special Award of the Mainichi Design Award (Mainichi Design Award Special Prize).

Related works include "Rebuild the Scenery of Japan: Primary IndustryXDesign = Scenery" (2010), "Shin Umehara Design Is Straightforward!", "Impossible Design" (2013), "Delicious De" (2018）。