Studio

新たな視点と、価値を、かたちにする。Contemporary design to develop our ideas and aesthetics.

We believe that a rich community is a world overflowing with diversity and choice, where the guiding principles of the next society can be born from within. We present alternative choices to society while taking a broad view of history and context, in order to meaningfully determine the future of craftsmanship and design.

ゆたかな世の中とは、多様性と選択肢にあふれ、
その中から次の社会の指針が生まれるような世界だと思います。
歴史やコンテキストを俯瞰しながら、
社会に対してオルタナティブな選択肢を提示することは、
次のものづくりやデザインのあり方を考える上で
意義のあることだと考えています。

Concept

we+ is a contemporary design studio founded in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando, that gives form to new perspectives and values using methods based on research and experimentation.

The studio explores the possibilities of alternative design that establishes a close coexistence with the natural and social environment around us, and incorporates a diversity of values that are often forgotten in today's society, where convenience and rationality are sought. Members with diverse backgrounds and skills: designers, engineers, researchers and writers, come together to present self-initiated projects that have emerged from their daily research, both in Japan and abroad. With the knowledge gained from these projects, we participate in a wide range of corporate and organizational projects, including R&D, installations as commissioned works, branding, product development, spatial design and graphic design.

In recent years, we have been working on projects including "Urban Origin", which examines the origins of today’s overly complicated manufacturing process and reevaluates the waste produced by cities as indigenous materials, and "Nature Study", which investigates how human beings have coexisted with nature until now and imagines a new way of living whereby nature and artificial merge.

Our work is included in the permanent collection of Vitra Design Museum in Germany.

リサーチと実験に立脚した手法で、新たな視点と価値をかたちにするコンテンポラリーデザインスタジオ。林登志也と安藤北斗により2013年に設立。

利便性や合理性が求められる現代社会において、見落されがちな多様な価値観を大切にしながら、私たちを取り巻く自然や社会環境と親密な共存関係を築くオルタナティブなデザインの可能性を探究しています。デザイナー、エンジニア、リサーチャー、ライターといった多彩なバックグラウンドやスキルを持つメンバーが集い、日々の研究から生まれた自主プロジェクトを国内外で発表。そこから得られた知見を生かし、R&Dやインスタレーション等のコミッションワーク、ブランディング、プロダクト開発、空間デザイン、グラフィックデザインなど、さまざまな企業や組織のプロジェクトを手がけています。

近年は、自然とともに暮らしてきた歴史を学び、自然現象の移ろいやゆらぎを生かすことで、自然と人工が融合した新たなもののあり方を模索する「Nature Study」や、都市が生み出す廃材を土着の素材と見立て、複雑になりすぎたものづくりの原点を考察する「Urban Origin」といったリサーチプロジェクトにも力を入れています。

作品は、ドイツのヴィトラ・デザイン・ミュージアムに永久収蔵されています。

What we do

  1. Artistic Research
    We call our original research and design method 'artistic research'. The possibilities for alternative design solutions are explored through a logical thinking based on environmental and historical research, combined with a sensible approach based on fieldwork and material experimentation.
    we+では、独自のリサーチ・デザイン手法を「アーティスティックリサーチ」と呼んでいます。テーマに対し、その周辺環境や歴史の調査をベースとするロジカルな思考と、フィールドワークや素材実験を起点とした感性的なアプローチを融合させ、オルタナティブなデザインの可能性を探究しています。
  2. Self-initiated Project
    A research project that we+ initiates on its own. Research themes are defined by close study of the natural environment and society. By presenting the practice of 'artistic research' as exhibitions, products and installations, we+ attempts to present an alternative perspective.
    we+が自主的に取り組んでいるリサーチプロジェクトです。自然環境や社会をつぶさに観察する中からテーマを設定。「アーティスティックリサーチ」の実践を、展覧会やプロダクト、インスタレーションとして発表することで、独自の思考や視点の提示を試みています。
  3. Collaborative Project
    We work on projects with clients based on our 'artistic research' approach. We are involved in R&D projects (new business development, concept model development), branding and various communication designs for a wide variety of companies and organizations, and the knowledge gained is often returned to self-initiated projects.
    「アーティスティックリサーチ」をベースとしたアプローチを強みに、クライアントとのプロジェクトに取り組んでいます。多彩な企業や組織のR&Dプロジェクト（新規事業開発、コンセプトモデル開発）、ブランディング、各種コミュニケーションデザインを手がけており、得られた知見が自主プロジェクトに還流することも数多くあります。

Who we are

  • Toshiya Hayashi

    林登志也

    Toshiya Hayashi

    Co-Founder, Creative Director, Designer, Copywriter

    1980年富山県生まれ。一橋大学卒業。学生時代より舞台演出に携わり、広告会社等を経て2013年we+ inc.を共同設立。リサーチを起点とする作品制作やインスタレーションといった領域横断型のアプローチから、ブランディングやコミュニケーション戦略まで、幅広い分野に精通し各種プロジェクトを手がける。国内外の広告賞、デザイン賞等受賞多数。法政大学デザイン工学部兼任講師（2019年〜）。その他、アワードの審査員、教育機関での講師、セミナー等での講演も行っている。

    Born in 1980, Toyama Prefecture. Graduated from Hitotsubashi University. Engaged in stage direction since his student days and, after working in advertising, he co-founded we+ inc. in 2013. From cross-disciplinary approaches like self-initiated work and installations to branding and communication strategies, he is well-versed in a wide range of fields and has handled many projects. Both his skills in advertising and design have earned him many domestic and international rewards. He is a part-time lecturer at Hosei University, Faculty of Engineering and Design (2019-). He also serves as a judge for awards, teaches at educational institutions and gives lectures at seminars.

  • Hokuto Ando

    安藤北斗

    Hokuto Ando

    Co-Founder, Creative Director, Designer

    1982年山形県生まれ。武蔵野美術大学を経てCentral Saint Martins（ロンドン）卒業。視点と価値の掘り起こしに興味を持ち、プロジェクトにおけるリサーチやコンセプト立案、空間〜立体〜平面のディレクションやデザインなど、複合領域的に手がける。2013年we+ inc.共同設立。国内外のデザイン賞を多数受賞。iF Design Award（ハノーバー）、D&AD Awards（ロンドン）審査員。武蔵野美術大学空間演出デザイン学科准教授、東北芸術工科大学デザイン工学部客員教授。

    Born in 1982, Yamagata Prefecture. Left Musashino Art University and graduated from Central Saint Martins in London. Focusing on digging up and rebuilding value, he works across multiple fields ranging from design research, concept development, and strategic design to spatial / product / art direction and design. Co-founded we+inc. in 2013. His design skills have earned him many awards, domestically and internationally. Jury in iF Design Award (Hanover) and D&AD Awards (London). Associate Professor at Musashino Art University, department of Interior Design, Furniture Design and Installation Design. Visiting Professor at Tohoku University of Art & Design, Faculty of Engineering and Design.

  • Yohei Aoki

    青木陽平

    Yohei Aoki

    Designer

    1990年埼玉県生まれ。武蔵野美術大学卒業。グラフィックデザインを中心に、イラストレーション、立体、空間等あらゆる分野を手がける。動きや質感、時間的変化といった"モノ"の特性を平面に活かすような横断的表現に興味を持つ。主な担当プロジェクトにRefoam、Link、Drought、Beauty Innovation等。通称「桃」。

    Born in 1990, Saitama Prefecture. Graduated from Musashino Art University. Mainly works on graphic design, including illustration, product design and spacial design. He is interested in cross-sectional expressions that make use of the characteristics of objects such as movement, texture and time change for graphic design. He mainly handles projects like Refoam, Link, Drought, and Beauty Innovation. He's known as Mr. Peach.

    • Eri Sekiguchi

      関口愛理

      Eri Sekiguchi

      Designer, Researcher

      1992年横浜市生まれ。2015年慶應義塾大学SFCを卒業し、London College of CommunicationにてMA Graphic Media Designを修了。デザインリサーチからコンセプト構築、プロトタイプ・システム設計など幅広い業務を担う。マテリアルの自然美と人工的なテクノロジーを融合させることで生まれる新しい表現を追究している。2017年よりwe+に参加。主な担当プロジェクトに、HERMÈS、Less, Light, Local、Remliなど。武蔵野美術大学空間演出デザイン学科・女子美術大学アート・デザイン表現学科非常勤講師（2024年〜）。

      Born in 1992, Yokohama City. Graduated from Keio University's SFC (Shonan Fujisawa Campus) and completed her Master's degree in Graphic Media Design at London College of Communication. She is pursuing new expressions born from fusing the material's natural beauty and artificial technology. Mainly in-charge of projects like HERMÈS, Less, Light, Local and Remli. Part-time lecturer at the Department of Interior Design, Furniture Design and Installation Design at Musashino Art University and Joshibi University of Art and Design (from 2024).

      • Kihiro Inoue

        猪上気広

        Kihiro Inoue

        Designer

        1996年滋賀県生まれ。東京都立大学卒業。IT企業・スタートアップ企業で新規事業立ち上げ〜事業グロースのデザインに携わる。2024年よりwe+に参加。デジタルとフィジカル、ソフトとハード、さまざま領域を超えて手を動かす。知覚と想像力の拡張に興味を持ち、余白のある体験を追求している。

        Born in 1996, Shiga prefecture. Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan University. She has been involved in designing the launch and growth of new businesses at IT and startup companies. She joined we+ in 2024. She works across various domains, both digital and physical, software and hardware. She is interested in expanding perception and imagination and pursues creating thought-provoking and immersive experiences.

        • Mio Hayashi

          林深音

          Mio Hayashi

          Designer

          1996年東京生まれ。武蔵野美術大学空間演出デザイン学科卒業後、同研究室にて教務補助、助手として勤務したのち、2024年よりwe+に参加。既存の概念を疑うという哲学的なアプローチのもと、時間、存在、認識といったインビジブルなものに興味を持ち、それらから構造を抽出。立体、インスタレーション、映像、衣服など、メディアを横断した制作を行う。主な個人活動歴に、2023年アートディレクション「ECOCYCLE® in ZOZOVILLA」、2024年 個展「Compass」TIERS GALLERY（東京）など。

          Born in 1996, Tokyo. After graduating from the Department of Scenography, Display and Fashion Design at Musashino Art University, worked as a Research Assistant in the same lab. Joined we+ in 2024. Based on a philosophical approach of questioning existing concepts, she is interested in invisible elements such as time, existence, and perception, from which she extracts structures. She engages in creation across various media such as three-dimensional works, installations, videos, and clothing. Mainly personal activities include art direction for "ECOCYCLE® in ZOZOVILLA" in 2023 and a solo exhibition "Compass" at TIERS GALLERY (Tokyo) in 2024.

          • Qihua Huang

            黄綺樺

            Qihua Huang

            Designer

            1994年中国生まれ。中国で建築学科を卒業後、建築事務所で建築デザイナーとして勤務。その後、日本に留学し、多摩美術大学大学院環境デザイン学科を修了。東洋の美意識に影響を受け、人間、時間、空間の関係に興味を持ち、「瞬間の感知」をテーマにインスタレーション、立体作品、撮影などを横断した制作を行う。自然との共振体験を基に、自然現象を活かし、人工物と融合させることで人の感情と瞬間の感知を引き出す表現を追求している。

            Born in 1994, China. After graduating from the Department of Architecture in China, she worked as an architect at an architectural firm. She then studied abroad in Japan and completed a Master’s degree in the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design at Tama Art University. Influenced by oriental aesthetics, she is interested in the complex interplay between humans, time, and space. Her work, which includes installations, three-dimensional works, and photography, revolves around the theme of " Momentary Perceptions." Drawing from experiences of resonance with nature, she is pursuing expressions that evoke emotions and capture the moment's perception by integrating natural phenomena with artificial objects.

            Partner

            • Chiho Oba

              大場千穂

              Chiho Oba

              Project Manager

              1973年青森県生まれ。筑波大学卒業。日本文化を媒介に海外とつながることに興味を持ち、良品計画にてロンドンに駐在。海外市場向けの商品開発に携わる。2013年より、オブザベーション能力や駐在期間に培った問題解決能力を生かし、デザイン分野における商品開発や展覧会コーディネートを中心に、多数の国にまたがるプロジェクトに従事。2022年よりwe+に参加。英仏での長い海外経験を生かし、海外案件のクライアントマネージメント、プロジェクトコーディネート、PRなどを担当。

              Born in 1973, Aomori prefecture, Japan. Graduated from Tsukuba University. Interested in bridging connections with overseas markets through Japanese culture, she was stationed in London for MUJI, contributing to setting up product development for European markets. Since 2013, she has been involved in various projects across a number of countries, mainly in product development and exhibition coordination in the design field, utilising her observation and problem-solving skills developed during her time overseas. Joining we+ in 2022, she is responsible for client management, project coordination and PR for overseas projects, drawing on her extensive experience, notably in the UK and France.

              Company Profile

              Name
              we+ inc.
              Flotation
              March2013
              Location
              3F, 6-14, Nihonbashiyokoyamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0003, Japan (Google Maps)
              Tel / Fax
              +81 3 6231 0163 / +81 3 6231 0164
              Web
              weplus.jp
              Mail
              weplus.jp

              Clients

              • 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
              • Ambientec
              • Elica
              • FINNAIR
              • FUJIFILM
              • Hermès Japon
              • Hermès International
              • Hosei University
              • IKEA
              • Isetan Department Store
              • ISSEY MIYAKE
              • Iwate University
              • JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
              • Kajima Corporation
              • LEXUS
              • LIXIL
              • Marimekko
              • Japanese Ministry of the Environment
              • Japanese Cabinet Office
              • National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
              • Mitsui Chemicals
              • Mori Art Museum
              • MUJI
              • Musashino Art University
              • National Museum of Western Art
              • NBC Meshtec
              • Nissan Motor
              • NUNO
              • Panasonic
              • PAÑPURI
              • Seiko Watch
              • SEMBA
              • Shimadzu Corporation
              • Shiseido
              • Sogo & Seibu
              • SONY
              • Tokyo Midtown
              • Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design
              • TOYO Aluminium
              • Yokohama City
              • etc

              Awards

              2024
              • Fuorisalone Award / Media Partners Special Mention
              • Fuorisalone Award / Special Mention
              2023
              • FRAME Awards / Furniture of the Year
              • Wallpaper* Design Award / Best Elements of Surprise
              • Fuorisalone Award / Special Mention
              • KUKAN DESIGN AWARD / Silver Award
              • KUKAN DESIGN AWARD / Special Jury Award
              • Dezeen Awards / Longlist
              2022
              • Dezeen Awards / Emerging design studio of the year (Public Vote)
              • Fuorisalone Award / Special Mention
              • EDIDA - ELLE DECO International Design Awards / Japanese Social Design Project
              2021
              • Pen Creator Awards / Creator of the year
              • EDIDA - ELLE DECO International Design Awards / Japanese Social Design Project
              • Dezeen Awards / Design longlist
              2020
              • KUKAN DESIGN AWARD / Gold Award
              • KUKAN DESIGN AWARD / Bronze Award
              • FRAME Awards / Shortlist
              2019
              • EDIDA - ELLE DECOR International Design Awards / Young Designer of the Year / Nominated by Japan Edition
              • Dezeen Awards / Furniture design / Longlist
              • KUKAN DESIGN AWARD / Gold Award
              • KUKAN DESIGN AWARD / Silver Award
              • FRAME Awards / NOMINEES
              2018
              • DSA Design Award / Silver Award
              • Dezeen Awards / Furniture design / Longlist
              2017
              • ELLE DECOR Japan / Young Japanese Design Talent
              • DSA Design Award / Gold Award
              2014
              • DSA Design Award / Special Jury Award
              • Asia Digital Art Award / Awards for Excellence
              2012
              • DSA Design Award / Honorable Mention
              2011
              • Asia Digital Art Award / Finalist
              2010
              • Good Design Award

              Exhibitions

              2024
              • WONDER POWDER, DROPCITY, Milan
              • Straordinaria, Palazzo Litta, Milan
              • Ro Collective, Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              2023
              • More than Materials, HiCity, Tokyo
              • Design for Anthropocene, Good Design Marunouchi, Tokyo
              • Asia Creative Relation, DESIGNART, Tokyo
              • KYOTO ITO ITO, NEUTRAL, Kyoto
              • KYOTO ITO ITO, NEUTRAL Azabudai, Tokyo
              • OCEAN BLINDNESS, AXIS GALLERY, Tokyo
              • Less, Light, Local, Almach Art Gallery, Milan
              • Ro Collective, Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              • The Thinking Piece, DROPCITY, Milan
              • DESIGN SCOPE, Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, Toyama
              • NOMAD ST. MORITZ, St. Moritz
              2022
              • Futurists, MINT, London
              • Design Miami/ Basel, Basel
              • Ro Collective, Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              • Nature Study: MIST, Nomena gallery, Tokyo
              • The Thinking Piece, (Place) by method, Tokyo
              • RESONANCE: Vortex to Diversity, Superstudio Più, Milan
              2021
              • Futures In-Sight, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Tokyo
              2019
              • Hebei International Industrial Design Week, Hebei
              • Autogenesis Design, Design Gallery 1953, Tokyo
              • Ro Collective, Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              • The Upward Spiral That We Wonder, Shenzhen
              • Gallery Tamura Joe, Tokyo
              • FLUX, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan
              2018
              • Gallery Tamura Joe, Tokyo
              • TAIWAN DESIGN EXPO 2018, Taichung
              • Ro Collective, Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              2017
              • Art and Design dialogue with materials, Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, Toyama
              • IDS Vancouver, Vancouver
              • Ro Collective, Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              • Ambiente Talents, Frankfurt
              • Design New Standard, Singapore
              2016
              • HIGHLIGHT, Design Koishikawa, Tokyo
              • Gallery S. Bensimon, Paris
              • VENTURA LAMBRATE 2016, Milan
              2015
              • Salone del Mobile 2015, Milan
              • Arts of Jomon, Spiral Garden, Tokyo
              2014
              • Maison et Objet 2014, Paris
              • Salone del Mobile 2014, Milan
              • Arts of Jomon, Aomori Museum of Art, Aomori
              2012
              • FLOW, OZONE, Tokyo

              Galleries

              • Rossana Orlandi, Milan
              • Galerie Philia, New York / Geneva / Singapore
              • MINT, London

              Permanent collections

              • Vitra Design Museum
              • Anchorage Museum

              Presskit