Fucco Creative Seminar 2025: Leading Co-Creation to Transform Fukui’s Cityscape and Business

The Fukui Creators Association (fucco) will host the Fucco Creative Seminar 2025 on January 31, 2025, at the incubation facility Koshino Valley, located just a 2-minute walk from JR Fukui Station.

The theme of the seminar is Co-Creation.

The seminar will feature Seiichi Saito, the Creative Director of Panoramatiks, who also serves as the Chief Judge of the Good Design Award and the Director of the EXPO Co-Creation Program for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. He will speak on the future of co-creation in urban development and business.

In the talk session, Mr. Saito will line up on the stage with Naohiro Niiyama (TSUGI) and Mamoru Sakata (Design Studio BINEN), both fucco directors based in Fukui. They will discuss the changes in Fukui’s city and business driven by co-creation.

Related: Design Thinking: Breaking Through Conformity Pressure with Thinking Skills in Hokuriku (Now Japanese only)

The seminar will run from 14:30 to 17:00 (doors open at 14:00). Participation is 2,500 yen for on-site and online attendance, with advance registration required through the website. The venue has a capacity of 80 people, and the online session can accommodate 100 people. Registration will close once the limits are reached. A subsequent online broadcast will also be available.

After the seminar, there will be a networking event where local designers, copywriters, photographers, and other creators based in Fukui will gather. The event has a capacity of 50 people, and the participation fee is 4,000 yen. It also seems possible to attend the networking event only.

(Comments from Hokuroku editorial team: I would love to attend the networking event with local designers, copywriters, photographers, and other creators! But unfortunately, I have to pick up and drop off my children at their track and field class. Both seem fun, but sadly, it’s not possible. Sakamoto, Editor-in-Chief

Recently, Fukui Prefecture has seen a tremendous increase in design-driven activities, which are now garnering envious attention from outside the region. Initiatives like PLAYCE, the Echizen Sabae Design Management School, and of course, fucco, have been at the heart of this movement. The excitement was symbolized by the appearance of Seiichi Saito, a well-known figure in the design world. It’s so impressive! I wish I could be there to hear him speak, but unfortunately, I’m in Shodoshima, working on a wine barrel… Takei Development P

The days when Toyama was considered the leader of design in the Hokuriku region may be long gone, or perhaps they were just an illusion to begin with. Now, there’s no doubt that Fukui is the leader when it comes to design in the Hokuriku region. It’s clear! I’m so jealous! Akashi P)

(Guest comment: This event will undoubtedly showcase Fukui’s tremendous momentum in promoting design! As the theme suggests, it will mark the beginning of Co-Creation (collaboration) among the participants. The networking event will be held at PLAYCE, so we hope you can join us! Sho Takano, Representative Director, PLAY CITY)

Story: Mai Takahashi
Edit and translation: Masayoshi Sakamoto