Selected Pairs for MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026

We are excited to announce the selected collaborations for the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026, a cross-cultural initiative connecting Japanese manufacturers with international designers to create new value through craft, dialogue, and design.

Following a careful and thoughtful selection process, the jury has chosen the following two collaborations for their outstanding potential and their strong alignment with the goals of MONO JAPAN and NN Life Insurance Company in Japan.

Grand Prize: Tatsumi Wooden Handle Manufacturing Co. × Aldo Bakker Studio

This collaboration was selected for its exceptional potential and the remarkable compatibility between the maker and designer. The jury was particularly impressed by the strong mutual motivation demonstrated throughout the application process and by the shared curiosity that forms the foundation of this partnership.

The proposal reflects a deep commitment to exploration and exchange, bringing together Tatsumi Wooden Handle Manufacturing Co.’s expertise in craftsmanship and Aldo Bakker’s distinctive design approach. The jury believes that this collaboration has the potential to generate outcomes that neither party could achieve independently, resulting in a meaningful and inspiring dialogue between tradition, material knowledge, and contemporary design.

Left: Aldo Bakker (Aldo Bakker Studio) / Right: Hiroyasu Tatsumi (Tatsumi Wooden Handle Manufacturing Co. )

Jury’s Special Prize: Studio Wieki Somers × Yamagishi Washi Inc.

This collaboration was recognized for the strength of its proposal and the exciting possibilities it presents for the future. Throughout the selection process, the jury engaged in extensive discussions about the project and was highly impressed by the creative potential emerging from the combination of Studio Wieki Somers’ artistic vision and Yamagishi Washi’s expertise in papermaking.

The proposal demonstrated a thoughtful and ambitious approach, with the potential to create new perspectives on materiality and craftsmanship through international collaboration. The jury appreciated the project’s capacity to inspire future developments while maintaining a strong connection to traditional knowledge and techniques.

One consideration during this year’s selection process was the overall direction of the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM. In previous editions, the programme has already featured several collaborations involving washi. For MMP 2026, the jury hoped to create opportunities for projects exploring a broader range of materials and fields of craftsmanship. While this was an important consideration, the strength and quality of the proposal from Studio Wieki Somers and Yamagishi Washi ultimately convinced the jury that it deserved special recognition.

Left: Wieki Somers (Studio Wieki Somers) / right: Yasuki Yamagishi (Yamagishi Washi Inc.)

We warmly congratulate both selected pairs and look forward to following their creative journeys throughout the coming year.