At Kyoto Institute of Technology’s KYOTO Design Lab, we are hosting a series of five consecutive symposiums to commemorate the 10th anniversary of KYOTO Design Lab. Guided by the slogan “Designing Possible Futures,” we delve into discussions about our potential future as an academic hub for the next generation in the fields of urban planning, design, and architecture.

From August 25th to August 27th, 2023, we celebrated the inauguration of this series with the first symposium, titled “Circular Design for System Transition,” held over the course of three days (co-hosted by Circular Design Praxis and Re:Public). We are now delighted to share the crux of these discussions.

The details regarding symposium speakers, schedule, and more can be found here.

DAY 0／2023.8.25

Prior to the symposium, students and faculty members from Kanazawa University, Keio University, and Kyoto Institute of Technology came together for themed discussions and presentations, serving as a prelude to the symposium that would begin the following day.

The students were organized into three groups, each delving into specific themes: “Transitioning from Waste to Resources: When does waste become waste?”, “Reproduction of Overlooked Elements,” and “The Role of Rules in Forging Consensus for a Sustainable Society.” During their respective presentations, they emphasized the significance of conceptualizing circularity as a continuous “cycle” and illuminated the pivotal role of evocative keywords that inspire the transformation of waste into valuable resources. They also discussed the need for updating environmental awareness through design actions and advocated for a bottom-up worldview that should serve as the foundation of a sustainable society. These discussions were further explored and enriched with the participation of researchers.

Student groups were created among students from Kanazawa University, Kyoto Institute of Technology, and Keio University, where they delved into discussions on themes tailored to their individual fields of study.

Symposium speakers also joined each group, sparking enthusiastic discussions that went beyond the boundaries of universities and research disciplines.

The discussions within each group were condensed into newspaper-style summaries, which were then presented in order. Faculty members and symposium speakers provided feedback, inspiring further discussions.

DAY 1／2023.8.26

On the day when the full-fledged symposium commenced, three sessions were held with the themes of “Autonomous, Distributed and Circular Flow,” “Business and Industrial Ecology,” and “Place-Based and Indigenous Practice.”
In Session A, “Autonomous, Distributed and Circular Flow,” discussions began with the evolution of recycling in Japan and covered various aspects of the reality of circular systems from both macro and micro perspectives.
In Session B, “Business and Industrial Ecology,” the current state and future direction of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is currently experiencing significant growth. Opinions were exchanged on how to expand awareness among consumers and businesses.
Lastly, in Session C, “Place-Based and Indigenous Practice,” the discussion revolved around the fundamental issue of inherent violence in a circular society. It explored the transition towards regional-based industries and the effectiveness of non-violence-focused design strategies.

Not only researchers, but a total of 135 attendees from different companies and local governments gathered, along with an additional 123 online viewers. To kick off the event, we allocated some time for ice-breaking discussions on topics of shared interest.

Session A
Autonomous, Distributed and Circular Flow

Speakers:
Hiroya Tanaka [Professor, Keio University]
Tomohiro Tasaki [Material Cycles and Social Systems Research Section, National Institute for Environmental Studies]

Facilitators:
Kazutoshi Tsuda [Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology]
Fumiko Ichikawa [Re:Public]

From Consumers to Circulators: Conveying the Social Value of Resource Circulation through Narratives

In tackling the challenge of shifting from a society often dubbed “gigaton flooding,” characterized by mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal, to one centered around balanced production, autonomous decentralized system, and resource circulation, this session featured two experts: Mr. Tasaki, who has extensive experience in researching, analyzing, and evaluating international and national macro environmental policies, and Mr. Tanaka, who specializes in practical and diverse approaches to resource circulation, including the application of digital fabrication in Kamakura City.

Throughout the discussion, the emphasis was placed on recognizing the real-world dynamics and core principles of recycling, encouraging citizens to identify as circulators rather than just consumers, and underscoring the importance of framing the societal value of resource circulation as a compelling narrative to drive these shifts in awareness and behavior.

From left to right: Ms. Ichikawa, Associate Professor Tsuda, Director Tasaki, and Professor Tanaka.

Strategies for Transitioning from Flow Circulation to Stock Circulation

One of the topics that has emerged in the discussion on resource circulation is the issue of whether there is a limit to the amount that can be recycled. While efforts to increase recycling rates are progressing, there is growing concern about whether there will be enough demand to recycle and fully utilize the current stock in a society where population decline is advancing, even 30 years from now. This session also explored the strategies and perspectives necessary for transitioning from the circulation of flows to the circulation of stocks.

Tanaka (on the right in the image): I believe it’s probably a mistake to view things solely through the lens of recycling rates or the word “recycling.” We need to work backward from questions like “Where is this going, and what is the real demand for it?” I don’t think recycling is all that commendable, to be honest.

Tasaki: There is indeed a limit to the amount that can be circulated at some point, so we need to keep that in mind and control it by using resources over the long term. In other words, I believe it’s essential to design with the premise of extended use in mind.

Tanaka: The municipality I’m involved with is still in the middle of its journey, stuck in the phase of mass recycling based on the premise of mass production and mass consumption. The emphasis on “mass” is still preserved in our approach. I believe we need strategies to reduce the emphasis on quantity and shift from flow circulation to stock circulation.

However, there are challenges, such as the difference in materials used in flow circulation and stock circulation. I’m still grappling with how to bridge that gap.

Tasaki: Maybe building from the start with wood and circulating it as biomass, for instance.

Tanaka: I’m involved in research to improve the weather resistance of plastic, but it’s quite a forced effort. Whether it’s a good or bad idea to construct buildings with plastic is a matter of debate. In the midst of this, I have one idea in mind, and that is creating things that float. Anticipating the increasing impact of natural disasters like floods due to global warming, the concept is to design structures that resemble boats, designed to float as much as possible. It’s purely a personal concept I have in mind.

Session B
Business and Industrial Ecology

Speakers:
Satoko Okubayashi [Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology]
Eri Amasawa [Special Appointed Associate Professor, University of Tokyo]
Ikoho Kochi [Associate Professor, Kanazawa University]

Facilitators:
Daijiro Mizuno [Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology]
Hiroshi Tamura [Re:Public]

Organizing Key Aspects for Advancing Sustainable Economic and Technological Systems

The concept of circular systems in industries, focusing on the ecosystems of nature, was proposed in the 1990s as a step towards a sustainable society. However, even more than two decades later, the development of sustainable economic and technological systems, including zero-waste production, waste recycling, inverse manufacturing, and the effective utilization of surplus resources like sharing and rentals, remains a work in progress.

In this session, three researchers with diverse backgrounds came together to discuss the various challenges that need to be overcome for the transition to a circular economy. Topics included the current status of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the issue of “learned helplessness” experienced by consumers, and the necessity of altering perspectives when evaluating corporate activities.

From right to left: Mr. Tamura, Professor Mizuno, Associate Professor Kochi, Special Appointed Associate Professor Amasawa, and Professor Okubayashi.

Can Prospective LCA Influence Behavioral Change?

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for Prospective LCA. Unlike the conventional LCA that assesses the environmental impact from the production, provision, and disposal of already established products and services, Prospective LCA evaluates the environmental burden of uncertain new technologies and services in their development stages. This prompts a crucial question: Could Prospective LCA become a pivotal tool for instigating behavioral change? This question sparked a lively exchange of perspectives and ideas.

Amasawa: In the center I’m currently affiliated with, we’ve established a new organization called the LCA Center for Future Strategy. The concept behind it is that if we can proactively understand environmental impacts in advance, we can strategically leverage this information in product development and business ventures. We’ve also invited participation from companies, with the goal of collectively shaping the future direction of LCA.

Mizuno: I find it very fascinating. However, it also seems like we might need to discuss to what extent we should engage in a bit of “pie in the sky” thinking. If we’re not careful, we might have to envision an entirely new future, including new industrial ecosystems and new consumer profiles, in order to fully grasp and depict the potential outcomes, don’t you think?

Amasawa: Painting such a comprehensive picture is indeed quite challenging, so we’re approaching it with the assumption that the current world will continue as it is. Additionally, we haven’t fully considered behavioral changes up to this point, so I agree that it’s essential to incorporate that aspect.

Mizuno: Earlier, Professor Kochi mentioned the idea that changing the conscious and unconscious beliefs and values of people underlying the social system might influence behavioral change towards environmental issues. How do you view the relationship between Prospective LCA and consumer behavioral change?

Kochi: I believe it’s extremely important. When consumers are confronted with information that goes beyond their cognition and understanding, they often end up in a situation where they don’t know what’s best. Therefore, I believe it’s crucial to simplify and convey key parameters within the scope of consumer comprehension, such as, “If this changes, this is what will happen.” By presenting this information in a simple and straightforward manner, consumers may be better equipped to initiate behavioral changes based on it.

Mizuno: It’s like recognizing a sense of self-efficacy towards our planet, isn’t it? On this topic, I’d like to hear from Professor Okubayashi since he is presumably on the production side. Professor Okubayashi, your research is on supercritical dyeing with carbon dioxide, which doesn’t use water and addresses issues related to water resource usage during industrial manufacturing. However, there may be aspects where the logic from the production side hasn’t fully considered aligning with the consumer side. What are your thoughts on this?

Okubayashi: In fact, the status of supercritical dyeing is still uncertain in terms of its alignment with LCA principles. Nevertheless, we believe that something like Prospective LCA, a preliminary evaluation, is necessary. We have an ongoing project within our institution dedicated to addressing this issue. Furthermore, while supercritical dyeing is already being practiced in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, regulatory constraints in Japan have prevented its adoption here. So, it’s currently unlikely that this technology will be a primary factor influencing purchasing decisions in Japan.

Session C
Place-Based and Indigenous Practice

Speakers:
Yutaka Nakamura [Professor, Tama Art University]
Daichi Iwase [Associate Professor, Tokyo Zokei University]

Facilitators:
Tomohide Mizuuchi [Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology]
Ryota Kamio [Re:Public]

Exploring Regionalistic Production and Non-Violence as Keys to Depart from Imperial Lifestyles

How can we design a society that thrives within the limits and boundaries of environmental capacity through resource recycling? The key to this lies in Regionalistic Production, which leverages local resources, traditional knowledge, and technology. Wisdom deeply ingrained in various regions, passed down from pre-modern times, offers a diverse perspective often overlooked by modernity. During this session, we shared real-life examples of regionalistic production in the Global South as a model to break free from the imperial lifestyle and foster long-term transformation. Additionally, we emphasized the importance of addressing violence, including resource exploitation, and the process of non-violence in the context of circular design.

Uncovering the Violence Embedded in Recycling-Based Societies and Designing Systems to Mitigate It

Japan and Western economies have historically thrived by exploiting resources in developing countries, a form of violence that underpinned their economic growth. Unfortunately, the mass circulation of resources can also contribute to an increase in such exploitation. How can we address the issue of violence in a circular society and provide designs for non-violence? This discussion explored crucial themes, akin to attitudes, essential for progressing towards circular design.

Nakamura: The 20th century witnessed a multitude of designs that, under the guise of problem-solving, actually increased and accelerated violence. As we entered the 21st century, the efficiency of violence further improved. Organized and institutionalized violence, born from the fusion of scientific knowledge, economic capitalism, and the creativity of design, gradually blended into our lives and went unnoticed. It’s essential not only to address direct and overt forms of violence but also to focus on these structural and collective manifestations of violence. Design, I believe, holds the power to address and eliminate such violence.

Iwase: Capitalist society, even in addressing environmental issues, fundamentally exhibits a form of structural violence. We are often shielded from or kept unaware of these violent aspects. Listening to Professor Nakamura’s discussion, I realized the importance of recognizing that circular design and a circular economy can also encompass such inherent violence. Even if we were to achieve a fully circular society, we cannot avoid some level of violence, such as resource exploitation and waste generation. It’s crucial to design a circular society with this understanding in mind.

Nakamura: That’s right. Building a completely non-violent world is not feasible, so preventive, ameliorative, restorative, and healing approaches are crucial. I believe that design can provide systems where violence is further reduced, or systems that are less prone to sudden large-scale violence. We are currently at a stage where we can delve into these possibilities.

For instance, the design of our desires, which has evolved within capitalism, has taken considerable time. However, if we consider that design has exerted a force that rapidly spreads worldwide, we now should aim to redirect that force in the opposite direction. I’m actually quite eager to take on this challenge. Altering mindsets takes a significant amount of time, and when it comes to designing culture, it will likely take at least three generations. However, for urgent issues like climate change, it is necessary to recognize the violence of intervention while designing and implementing solutions. That’s the perspective I’m currently considering.

DAY 2／2023.8.27

On the final day of the symposium, the morning began with a reflection and recap of the previous day’s sessions. Thanks to an idea by Ms.. Yoko Akama, participants had a unique start by experiencing Tai Chi as a clue to “perceiving the worldview through the body.”

The first session, Session A, titled “Place-Based Circular Design,” brought together three practitioners of circular design from different regions and perspectives. They engaged in discussions about the future direction of circular design based on their research results and achievements.

Sessions B and C ran concurrently. In Session B, “Developing Talent for Circular Design,” the keywords revolved around shifting from problem-solving thinking to an exploratory approach. Meanwhile, Session C, “Institutional Design for Circular Design,” brought to light the current challenges faced by industries, local governments, and others from the perspective of legal and institutional development.

To conclude the symposium, Ms. Yoko Akama delivered a keynote speech. His speech proposed various ways to reframe the abstract concept of circulation, incorporating the notions of marginalization and invisibility.

Over the course of three days, the symposium featured a diverse range of themes and speakers. Each theme and issue interlinked organically, providing a multidimensional examination of how design should progress in the future.

Session A　Place-Based Circular Design

Speakers:
Motomi Saito [Gassaku Inc., Executive Director]
Shuji Soga [Hitachi, Ltd., Research and Development Group]
Ryohei Yuasa [Keio University, Project Lecturer]

Facilitator:
Takahisa Masui [Re:Public]

Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Reconstructing Regional Ecology Based on the Circular Society of the Edo Period

To practice place-based circular design, it’s necessary to reconstruct the ecology of that specific place. In this session, Mr. Soga, who investigated the Edo-period circular society still prevalent in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, Mr. Yuasa, who primarily focuses on plastic resource circulation in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Mr. Saito, who is involved in system development in Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, known for having Japan’s highest recycling rate, discussed the challenges and possibilities of reconstruction. Various key concepts were presented, such as the importance of raising citizens’ awareness of materials and resources, the collaborative efforts between stakeholders and citizens to create new products and services, and design approaches that foster “attachment” to prevent the disposal of items.

From left to right: Mr. Masui, Mr. Soga, Project Lecturer Yuasa, and Mr. Saito

Fostering Positive Change through Material Composition Labeling and Public Awareness

One of the challenges surrounding resource recycling is that many products are not designed with the assumption of subsequent sorting and recycling. This is particularly problematic for composite materials and materials that have undergone crushing processes, making material identification difficult. The discussion highlighted the importance of material composition labeling and the significance of empowering manufacturers based on feedback from citizens. Additionally, it was noted that the awareness of even a few citizens can lead to a collective behavioral change, as demonstrated through practical experiences.

Yuasa: One thing I would like to request from manufacturers is to make material composition information publicly available. By providing ingredient labels, it might motivate the next manufacturer to choose materials that can be reused, potentially leading to positive changes.

Saito: In Osaki Town, we receive collaboration offers from nearly 100 companies annually, but what often surprises me is that many of them lack a process to consider the disposal of packaging within the product manufacturing process. This is because it’s not seen as important since it doesn’t directly lead to sales. However, if citizens on the buying side start voicing the importance of this for the future, it might encourage companies to change. From there, test cases could emerge and lead to broader transformations. This is something I strongly sense at the grassroots level.

Soga: It’s crucial to have proper ingredient labeling, and when companies can see the significance and potential outcomes of ingredient labeling, as seen in Osaki Town, it can be very convincing for them. Additionally, our research on the circular society system in the Edo period revealed that ordinary people had a deep understanding of materials because they were familiar with things like rice straw and ash from a young age. It’s uncertain how much understanding citizens can have about materials today, especially with regards to plastics, but I hope there can be a connection between citizens giving another try to understand materials and manufacturers providing clear ingredient labeling.

Saito: This is something we’ve experienced in Osaki Town, but when about 2% of the citizens start taking action, things start moving. If even 2-3% of the residents can explain that the organic waste they sorted becomes compost used in a certain farm or that PET bottles are processed in a specific way at a particular company, it leads to a behavioral change across the entire community, and it continues to be sustained. That, to me, is a great source of hope.

Session B Developing Talent for Circular Design

Speakers:
Shogo Kudo [Associate Professor, Akita International University]
Daijiro Mizuno [Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology]

Facilitator:
Fumiko Ichikawa [Re:Public]

Creating Learning Environments for Circular Design Practice

Circular design practice is built upon a diverse range of elements such as the traditions, local context, stakeholders, and the natural environment of the land where materials are actually circulated. When it comes to educating individuals in circular design, there is a need to transition towards learning environments that enable a deep understanding of the context specific to each location. In this session, Professor Kudo and Professor Mizuno, who are actively exploring new approaches to design education through practical experience, discussed the necessary learning environments for the future. They addressed issues within Japan’s higher education system, which tends to emphasize specialization and research methodologies at the expense of epistemology, and emphasized the necessity of a liberal arts-oriented design approach that transcends disciplinary boundaries.

「Transitioning from Problem-Solving Design Thinking to an Exploratory Approach Questioning Designers’ Positionality

In this session, the main focus was on reimagining the education of circular design professionals by moving away from the problem-solving thinking paradigm. The discussion emphasized that problem-solving approaches not only have limitations when dealing with the design subjects requiring long-term commitment but also because the prevailing issues in society are becoming increasingly complex and challenging to solve. Given the need for advanced talent development, the question arises: What alternative approaches can be considered in contrast to problem-solving thinking?

Mizuno: When thinking about what is needed for the development of circular design talents, there is a premise that we should tackle problems that everyone has left behind. Many of these problems are wicked in nature and don’t have precise answers like 1+1=2. They often generate new issues the moment you find an answer. Within this context, there’s an exploratory approach, which involves exploring all possibilities, discussing the positive and negative impacts they might have, and inserting the results of exploration into communities, businesses, and government organizations based on democratic consensus. I believe this designerly approach is valuable.

Mizuno: However, for some reason, not many people seem to like it. There may be issues related to power dynamics, but another issue is the attitude of asking, “Is this correct, teacher?” In other words, there is a strange atmosphere where you need to provide an accurate answer that satisfies everyone immediately, and there is a fear of “failure equals death.” Being exploratory is a kind of attitude in itself, but there might be something organizational or acquired through learning that inhibits it. I think this could be a somewhat significant issue.

Kudo: What Professor Mizuno pointed out earlier is related to what I’m interested in when approaching exploratory methods. It’s the question of “Where am I in this process?” In traditional Western modern science, often referred to as Cartesian science, you first externalize the subject you’re dealing with. Then, you objectively analyze it and derive methods or solutions. We are concerned about the limitations of this traditional problem-solving approach.

Personally, I am based in a depopulated and aging region called Gojome in Akita Prefecture and approach the local issues by immersing myself within the system. Rather than being there as a researcher who sees the object of discussion as a system, I am there as myself. This means that, by changing myself, I can bring about change within the system.

So, I have structured my programs to encourage students to engage in ways that question their own positionality and to get involved as if they were living there. I believe that by continuously changing themselves, becoming the primary beneficiaries of improving their surroundings, the entire system will transform. In fact, I sense that we are witnessing a form of local entrepreneurship, not for scaling up, but for striving to enhance our own daily lives.

Session C
Institutional Design for Circular Design

Speakers
Yuriko Hayabuchi [Associate Professor, Kyushu University]
Shogo Minemura [Founder and CEO, Zoukei Kousou]

Facilitator
Hiroshi Tamura [Re:Public]

Organizing Current Challenges and Issues Amid Advancements in Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

In April 2022, the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Law was enacted, and since then, there have been revisions to this law, such as adding solar panels, storage batteries, clothing, and apparel to the items covered by the Resource Efficient Utilization Promotion Law. These efforts are part of the ongoing process to establish legal and regulatory frameworks for the realization of a circular economy. However, there are still numerous institutional challenges that need to be addressed to promote place-based circular design practices in society. This session delved into the current legal and regulatory landscape, examined the perspectives from local governments and industries striving for a circular society, and emphasized the importance of visualizing and sharing systems, highlighting various key points to facilitate the practice of circular design.

The Impact of Civic Decision-Making on Advancing Circular Economy Policies

Ms. Hayabuchi brings a wealth of experience, having been involved in calculating Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions for the Kyoto Protocol and participating in negotiations at United Nations Climate Change conferences. On the other hand, Mr. Minemura’s expertise lies in researching circularity within the apparel industry. During their discussion, a wide range of perspectives and issues were raised, including considerations of how international frameworks have been incorporated into current corporate initiatives, the current state of regulatory design within the apparel industry, and the crucial role of civic decision-making in driving policy initiatives.

Hayabuchi: Before we knew it, companies are required to calculate Scope 3 emissions (greenhouse gas emissions associated with the activities of companies in their supply chains), and local governments are making carbon-neutral declarations. However, it’s important to understand that the origin of the requirement for companies to assess greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chains can be traced back to the Paris Agreement’s preamble, which mentioned the role of “Non-Party Stakeholders” – not just governments but also businesses, local governments, NGOs, and citizens. Additionally, the Paris Agreement has led to the creation of initiatives such as Science Based Targets (SBT), where companies set reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement’s standards and consider what actions are necessary.

On the other hand, in addition to calculating emissions, I have been conducting compositional surveys of plastics in local governments. What I have noticed in these practical scenarios is the importance of not just creating top-down policies but also providing opportunities like workshops for local residents to learn the difference between sorting and incineration, and discussing what future choices residents want to make before the government implements any regulations. It has been pointed out that having such opportunities greatly influences residents’ participation and contributions when policies are implemented.

Minemura: I’ve been involved in the apparel industry, but at the grassroots level, we rarely paid attention to policies. Firstly, there are no regulations in Japan regarding the disposal and recycling of textile products. Moreover, the industry as a whole prioritizes economic viability in the market. It seems that the pursuit of certifications, such as the B Corp certification, is often driven by the anticipation of securing budget allocations.

Minemura: One illustrative example of the challenges in the apparel industry is the transition from the plastic bottle industry to the apparel industry through inter-industry collaboration. Plastic bottles boast an impressive collection rate of 96.7% and a recycling rate of 88.5%, with approximately 30% of them reportedly finding their way into the apparel industry. However, the apparel industry lags behind with a collection rate of only 32% and a circularity rate of merely 34%. From the perspective of the plastic bottle industry, it may seem unnecessary to channel resources into an industry that recycles so little. Nevertheless, when tackling societal issues is seen as a profitable endeavor, the apparel industry seeks to incorporate recycled polyester. This underlines the significance of establishing regulatory frameworks and systems, even when examining these two industries from a broader perspective.

After the sessions concluded, attention turned towards Mr. Minemura’s circular diagram for the apparel industry. This sparked discussions about collaboration with other industries and the necessity of a time-based perspective, all with the aim of envisioning further updates within the industry.

Keynote Speech

Yoko Akama [Associate Professor, RMIT University]

The symposium concluded with a keynote speech by Yoko Akama, a design researcher and Associate Professor at RMIT University in Australia. In her speech, she drew parallels between Dominant Design and colonialist structures, highlighting how the values of Dominant Design have resulted in designers who are disconnected from their body and land. She pointed out the importance of unlearning, introducing relational and non-binary approaches that are founded on mutual relationships as well as the concept of Archipelagic Thinking that fosters a deeper understanding of diversity.

During the keynote speech, Mr. Tamura and Ms. Ichikawa from Re:Public were invited to discuss the “Unagi-no-Nedoko” (Eel’s Nest) project in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Interviews explored the potential for innovation driven by local industries and residents.

Furthermore, while the concept of circularity is often seen as a seamless and flawless system, it was pointed out that in reality, issues such as pollution, friction, and inequality exist. Simultaneously, there is the concern that our bodies and minds are not included within the conceptual framework. To address this, the perspective of considering these elements as “en” (fate, relation) was proposed. This perspective recognizes the potential for serendipitous encounters and brings attention to the absence of precious elements that have been lost.

Moreover, it was noted that a broader perspective beyond current collaborative methodologies could emerge when “Co-design” is conceptualized as “Ko-design,” derived from the initial character for “kokoro” (meaning heart or mind in Japanese).

In the final part of the keynote speech, an engaging activity took place in which participants roamed the campus and inscribed their thoughts on ema (small wooden plaques) about what they perceived as catalysts for the “pluriverse ,” where people, nature, and artifacts interact harmoniously.

Akama: Let’s think of Circular Design Praxis as embarking on a journey towards numerous islands, an archipelago if you will. Archipelagos are always plural and never isolated. They are connected, and perhaps we can find the courage, support, and inspiration to depart from the modern continents that once dominated us.

However, setting sail towards archipelagos is a challenging endeavor in itself. We must be prepared for differences in values, perspectives, and worldviews. The currents flowing between the islands are formidable, and there are no calm passages. Just as we need to be cautious of tides, swells, and depths when entering the sea, we should recognize that this entangled state is our existing condition. When it comes to what we learn, what we access, and what cannot be theorized, we must always maintain a state of being able to respond with care and sensitivity. We must approach “differences” with respect.

I look forward to embarking on this voyage to the islands with all of you in the future. Thank you very much.