The event, organised by the Azbil Corporation, brings together three personalities with distinct cultural and professional backgrounds: Fritz Frenkler, an internationally renowned industrial designer known for his focus on functional and user-centred design, who has maintained close ties with Japan for many years; Akifumi Yogo, Professor at the Institute of Laser Engineering at Osaka University and a specialist in high-performance technologies; and Clarence Chua from the Singapore Economic Development Board, who has long engaged with Japanese culture, including traditions such as chanoyu and the philosophy of wabi.
Together, they will explore how a balanced life between humanity, technology, and the environment can be shaped in the future. How can technology serve people without seeking the spotlight? What role does design play in times of social and ecological transformation? And what can we learn from Japanese concepts such as chōdo ii?
Frenkler’s design philosophy meets Yogo’s technological precision and Chua’s strategic perspective on global innovation processes. Fritz Frenkler’s design approach, in particular, has been strongly influenced by his long-standing connection with Dieter Rams. Rams’ principles of good design – including restraint, clarity, durability, and the ambition to place design at the service of people – reveal fascinating parallels with the Japanese concept of chōdo ii, which aims at achieving a balanced, unobtrusive harmony.
The conversation will focus on how a life in balance between technology, design, and social responsibility might look in the future.
Livestream
The panel discussion will be broadcast live on 16 May 2025. The livestream link will be added here as soon as it becomes available.
Event Information
theme-weeks.expo2025.or.jp/en/program/detail/675bf5544137d.html