Looking Beyond the Light: Insights form MMP 2025 Grand Prize Collaboration
As the open call for MMP 2026 is ongoing, we would like to further unfold insights from the outcomes of the 2025 programme. This article focuses on the MMP 2025 Grand Prize Collaboration between Erika Kojima of Kojima Orimono Co., Ltd. (小嶋織物株式会社) and designer Samira Boon (サミラ・ブーン).
The Grand Prize Pair: Erika Kojima (Kojima Orimono Co., Ltd.) & Samira Boon
Kojima Orimono Co., Ltd. (小嶋織物株式会社) was founded in 1932 and is based in Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture (京都府木津川市). The company produces woven wallpaper and woven fusuma paper (織物ふすま紙) using natural materials such as hemp, cotton, rayon, and paper yarn derived from wood pulp. Their production process is fully integrated—from yarn production to finished textile.
A defining characteristic of their work is the coarse weave structure, which allows air and light to pass through naturally while creating a distinctive spatial texture. Kojima Orimono’s textiles have been used in luxury hotels, apparel brands, museums, and even the Imperial Palace (皇居).
Samira Boon, based between the Netherlands and Tokyo, is an international designer known for her architectural approach to textiles. Her practice integrates art, science, and technology to create spatial installations, including projects for international airports and luxury brands.
A Collaboration Inspired by Light
For Erika, the collaboration began with a personal memory: as a child, she was fascinated by sunlight shimmering through loosely woven fabric. Returning to the family business as the fourth-generation successor, she aimed to create new value while continuing her father’s philosophy and approach.
However, while Kojima Orimono had long produced high-quality textiles, moving toward new applications proved challenging. Ideas existed, but transforming them into a clear direction required external perspective and structured development.
Discovering the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM (MMP) became a turning point. From the initial designer matching through the online platform to hands-on collaboration support, the programme provided a clear framework and a strong sense of direction. Boon’s ability to propose concepts aligned with future market potential also played an important role in shaping the project.
Boon, in turn, highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship of Kojima Orimono, noting its strong potential for new interior applications. She also emphasized Kojima’s openness to exploration, and appreciated how MMP enabled the team to approach development from multiple perspectives while building new professional connections.
Within seven months, the pair progressed through analysis, strategy development, concept design, prototyping, and final proposal.
Collaborative Product: Vertical Blind (バーチカル・ブラインド)
The collaboration resulted in a textile-based vertical blind (バーチカル・ブラインド). Instead of blocking light, the material’s natural transparency is used to allow light to pass through softly. The result is an interior element that gently divides space while maintaining openness and atmosphere, balancing function and emotion through textile expression.
What Makes Collaboration Work
Although the two collaborations differed significantly in background and process, both coincidentally led to the development of window-related products. Both teams also participated in an NN Life-organised study tour in the Netherlands (オランダスタディツアー), where studio visits and face-to-face discussions played an important role in strengthening mutual understanding.
Kojima reflected that without MMP, she would not have had the opportunity to collaborate with a Dutch designer. She emphasized that Boon consistently considered market potential and sales perspectives—an essential factor in turning ideas into viable products. She also shared that her father had once casually mentioned he “wanted to try making blinds,” and she felt that this collaboration allowed her to take a step her father had been unable to realise.
Boon likewise praised Kojima Orimono’s technical skill and craftsmanship, describing it as highly promising for the development of new interior products. She noted Kojima’s strong motivation to explore new directions, and appreciated how MMP enabled the team to approach development from multiple perspectives while building meaningful professional connections.
With the programme’s structure and support, the pair successfully completed the full process, from analysis and strategy to concept development, prototyping, and final design proposal, within just seven months!
In the next article, we will explore the MMP 2025 Special Jury Prize Collaboration in more detail. The open call for MMP 2026 is now ongoing. Stay tuned for more insights and updates.
Apply for MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026, and become part of the next generation of makers shaping what’s next. Check out the Program Page for detailed information.
Open Call deadline: May 22, 2026
