The Work Style Design Division designs various offices on a daily basis and has accumulated a wealth of know-how and experience. Utilizing this knowledge, we propose optimal space solutions that address the challenges faced by each company.

At the same time, in order to continue providing higher value, it is essential to constantly incorporate new perspectives and ideas. What was needed was an environment where each individual could continue to grow and a culture where new ideas could be born.

So an overseas study tour was planned.
Overseas design has a higher degree of freedom than Japan, and you can see trends and overseas designs that are one step ahead. By actually "experiencing" it, you may gain inspiration like never before - this was the idea behind the event.

Overseas inspections have been held in the past, but this is the first time that multiple designers have participated.
Several designers, led by Nakamura, Itagaki, and Ebiwara, were selected from within the department and traveled overseas.

This initiative is in line with the "pay for performance" approach outlined in Itoki's medium-term management plan. It supports members who take on challenges and actively encourages their growth - this helps to create a culture that also contributes to improving member motivation.

The overseas visit was conducted in three groups.

- A route centered around the world's largest furniture fair, Milano Salone

-Visiting furniture fairs and cityscapes in Northern Europe, a country known as a "design powerhouse"

- A route to visit the local manufacturer of "esPattio" and learn about the manufacturing background and product philosophy

A total of more than 10 designers participated, experiencing the different atmospheres, cultures, and values of each country and region.

The Milan Salone was overwhelming with its vast and varied architecture; Denmark, where design blends seamlessly into the city and there is an abundance of stylish furniture; and Spain, where esPattio spoke with local manufacturers and felt the commitment to their products during their visit to the actual manufacturing site.

Furthermore, during the tour, I was able to have in-depth conversations with colleagues with whom I don't usually have the opportunity to talk at length, which was very stimulating.
After returning to Japan, a report meeting was held for the entire team, where new insights and learnings were widely shared, stimulating the entire organization.

Participants all commented that they had gained a lot of inspiration.

By experiencing scenery and atmosphere I had never seen before, feeling the presence of furniture overseas and its connection to daily life, and seeing firsthand the trends in colors and shapes, the seeds of new ideas were born.

He also gained a deeper understanding of the value of "esPattio" by listening to the story behind the product from local manufacturers and observing the manufacturing process. Through these experiences, he says he is now able to make proposals with a more solid foundation.

The stimulation and learning they gained overseas, along with this experience, have given the members a sense of accomplishment, and they are starting to feel motivated to take on the next challenge.

The lessons learned from the overseas study tour brought about tangible changes in each of the participating designers.
The words of Itagaki, Nakamura, and Ebiwara, who participated this time, convey with deep emotion what they saw, experienced, and thought on site.

Itagaki: As designers, we deal with a variety of projects every day, but it can be difficult to find the time to really get acquainted with new materials and interiors. That's why being able to devote time to new stimulation like this was so valuable.

Nakamura: Overseas, we were able to come into contact with design thinking and how value is created, and we felt a strong sense of possibility for the kind of office we are aiming to create. I think this visit was a great opportunity to broaden our perspective on design, and it also motivated us to take on new challenges.

Ebihara: I participated in "3 Days of Design" in Denmark, and I was overwhelmed by the passion for interior design throughout the city. Everyone, both sellers and buyers, genuinely enjoys furniture and design. I've gained more knowledge about furniture, and it's made me want to try out new brands and color schemes that I haven't handled before. When you see it in person, you really notice the "gap with Japan."

Nakamura: To be honest, I was shocked when I saw the showroom of a certain Japanese furniture brand at Milano Salone. Even when they go overseas, they haven't changed their Japanese identity and are competing with the value of their own brand. It made perfect sense to me, and I thought, "Ah, so this is what it means to balance brand and business." I believe this will definitely be useful in my future proposals.

Itagaki: I was impressed when I was able to see the esPattio fixtures in Spain. The design, which was inspired by a courtyard, really connected to the atmosphere of the place. The factory tour also gave me a great opportunity to see how the products are made, and my attachment to the brand as a whole instantly deepened.

Ebiwara: Rather than keeping what I learned from this inspection to myself, I want to give back to my team, to my proposals to customers, and to Itoki as a whole.

Nakamura & Itagaki: We really think so.

This visit was an invaluable experience that helped each of the three students to develop new realizations and aspirations.
The inspiration I gained locally, my approach to design, and my understanding of the brand.
All of these will become new driving forces that will support ITOKI's design capabilities in the future.

In creating many office spaces, it is essential for us designers to "experience the actual space." By stepping out of our everyday lives and experiencing a space in a different culture and with different values, new perspectives and realizations naturally emerge.

The entire process of this European tour, from the preliminary research to the on-site experience, to the analysis and sharing of what they learned after returning home, was a valuable learning experience. Each of the participating designers has broadened their perspectives and applied them to their own designs.

We will continue to maintain a global perspective and, driven by curiosity and a spirit of inquiry, take on the challenge of expanding the possibilities of working spaces.