KOTAN

KOTAN

A collection developed for sustainability and longevity, with a simplistic, soft, round design, KOTAN is meant to be a series of “next-generation, long-lifespan products.” The name “Kotan” comes from the Ainu word for “settlement” or “village,” illustrating the series’ design focus of bringing family and friends together. Designer Naoto Fukasawa poured over many details in order to perfect the KOTAN Chair (wooden or upholstered seat), which he created to be comfortable, light, and durable at the same time. The round table, available as a dining table or bar height table, was designed for pleasant and easy use in daily life, and features a unique single-leg support and metal base.

Available in Japanese Ash wood, KOTAN is perfect for residences, stores, office spaces, or anywhere a bright, airy design is desired.

Designers

Naoto Fukasawa
Naoto Fukasawa

Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1956, Naoto Fukasawa has worked at Seiko Epson and ID Two (now IDEO San Francisco), founding and heading up IDEO’s Tokyo office. In 2003, Fukasawa went independent and established NAOTO FUKASAWA DESIGN.

Fukasawa has established a reputation for his quietly powerful designs and philosophies embodying human sentiment. He has collaborated with numerous international companies and brands. His designs span a wide variety of fields, from home accessories and precision electronic equipment to mobility, furniture, interior spaces and architecture.

Fukasawa is the recipient of numerous design awards. He has been accorded the title of Royal Designer for Industry (Royal Society of Arts) and received the Isamu Noguchi Award in 2018. He is also a professor at Tama Art University. Since 2012, he has been a curator at The Japan Folk Crafts Museum.

Designer’s Profile