Exhibition Overview
The exhibition will center on Mr. Satoh’s award-winning works for the “water” exhibition, and new works further expanding on his earlier “Paper Fossils” employing layered paper, originally shown in 2004. At the gallery he will experiment with three-dimensional projection, demonstrating the future potential of packaging media.

Yusaku Kamekura Design Award
The Yusaku Kamekura Design Award was established to honor the design achievements of the late Yusaku Kamekura (1915-1997), and to promote the ongoing development of the graphic design field. Made possible by a gift from the Kamekura family, the award program is operated by the Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. (JAGDA), where Mr. Kamekura long served in the role of its founding president. Under this program, the “Yusaku Kamekura Design Award” is presented annually to the designer of the work or works deemed most outstanding among all entries included in the JAGDA yearbook, Graphic Design in Japan. In addition, every three years the “Yusaku Kamekura International Design Award” is bestowed in recognition of exceptionally outstanding work or works shown at the International Poster Triennial Toyama, held at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art.

Mr. Kamekura loathed being forever identified for his works created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and until just before his untimely death he eagerly vied against the younger generations of designers with works vibrantly “set in the present.” Through his editorial work for his graphic design magazine “CREATION,” he pursued the artistry and true essence of graphic design. Respecting his wishes, the awards presented in his name honor graphic design that blends universal appeal with innovative creativity. Each award comes with a prize of JPY 500,000 and a plaque designed by Taku Satoh.

Previous Winners of the Yusaku Kamekura Design Award
Ikko Tanaka (1999), Kazumasa Nagai (2000), Kenya Hara (2001), Kashiwa Sato (2002), Masayoshi Nakajo (2003), Kazunari Hattori (2004), Mitsuo Katsui (2005) and Shin Matsunaga (2007). (No work was judged worthy of the award in 2006.)

Message from the Award Winner
My generation is likely the last to have been able to interact directly with Yusaku Kamekura. I vividly recall the time when, heaving been selected to serve on the JAGDA Annual Screening Committee for the first time, I went to where the screening would be performed. I can still remember the atmosphere that filled the spacious venue. Upon entering, from among the various prominent committee members present I was approached by Mr. Kamekura. “Are you on the Screening Committee?” he asked me, a somewhat undefinable expression on his face. I couldn’t tell whether his nuance was “It’s nice to see the younger generation getting on board” or “If someone as unproven as you can be a committee member, JAGDA is doomed.” I remember proceeding with the screening process, my mind shrouded in feelings of uneasiness. In retrospect, I’m now certain his intent was the latter.

The very first time I met Mr. Kamekura was in 1990, when, of my own volition, I mounted my first solo exhibition at Axis in Roppongi. I had sent him a notice of the event knowing full well that he would surely not be interested in coming. But one day, unannounced, he stopped by. His coming was so unexpected, everyone was thrown for a loop. I was in my office at the time, working, when I received a phone call from one of my staff members at the venue, telling me with a mixture of excitement and anxiety that Mr. Kamekura was there. “Don’t let him leave!” I implored, and I jumped in a taxi and sped to Roppongi. Mr. Kamekura was still there: Yusaku Kamekura, the man who graced the pages of my textbooks, there, right before my eyes. I immediately went up to him, this celebrity so far removed from my reality, and introduced myself. I think I must have explained my works to him, but if I did, I’m sure what I said was totally incoherent. I have no recollection whatsoever of what I actually said. After he left, I tried to recall whether I might have said something stupid, or maybe something impolite, and I worriedly mulled over my every word and action. THAT, for some reason, I remember perfectly well. So although I indeed had contact with Mr. Kamekura, he remained a god-like figure, far beyond the realm of a mere mortal like myself.

Receiving this Yusaku Kamekura Design Award, I recall my nervousness on that earlier occasion. And, at a time when I am focusing on expanding the possibilities of design, I am grateful for the opportunity receiving this award gives me to mull over “graphic design” once again. The “water” exhibition, for which I received this award, took place with the participation of many individuals. I wish to take this opportunity to again express my gratitude to all of you. Thank you so much.