Kita Toshiyuki: Designs for a Better Japan

Aquos C1 / 2001 Sharp (Japan) Photo: Luigi Sciuccati

Wajima / 1986 Ōmukai Kōshūdō (Japan) Photo: Nob Fukuda

Kita relaxes on the Saruyama chair, one of his trademark pieces. He says he got the idea for the relaxing, freeform chair (whose name means “monkey mountain”) while watching monkeys on Mt. Takasaki in Ōita Prefecture. The prototype was produced more than 40 years ago, and the product has been a favorite around the world since 1990.

Aoya / 2005

Ceremony Space / 1986

Pewter Collections / 1994

Wakamaru / 2002

Multi Lingual Chair / 1992

Wink / 1980

Two Points Watch / 1991

Tronco / 2007

Aquos Custom / 2003