Ikuei Nakayama
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Associate Professor, College of Business Administration, Ritsumeikan University
Founding Committee Member, College of Arts and Design, Graduate School of Science in Arts and Design, Ritsumeikan University
Project Manager, kei-fu LLC
Research Theme
“Design Practices in Government Organizations”
When people hear the word “design,” they often imagine graphics such as flyers or physical products like furniture. However, in recent years, there has been a clear trend toward expanding the scope of design to include intangible services and systems.
In this context, even policies and their implementation methods—planned and carried out by national and local government agencies—can be considered design targets. My research explores how the power of design can be harnessed within government organizations, which operate under many constraints.
Background
After working in the automotive industry, at a consulting firm, and as a university researcher, I returned to my hometown. Based in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, I have engaged in my own projects as well as collaborative work with municipalities and other partners.
In 2024, I published the book "Designing with/by Local Government" (BNN, Inc), based on my doctoral dissertation.
I hold a Ph.D. in Design from the Graduate School, Kyoto Institute of Technology (supervised by Professor Daijiro Mizuno).
I also serve as a Regional Revitalization Advisor for Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and I am certified as a Social Education Planner.
■Selected Past Projects
Developing a New High School Department in Collaboration with the Local Community (2021–present)
As a coordinator, I have provided ongoing support for community collaboration and the planning and establishment of the new “Forest Exploration Department” at Shiga Prefectural Ika High School, the northernmost high school in Shiga Prefecture.
Shinshu Otani-ha | Temple Revitalization Support (2017–present)
Shinshu Otani-ha (Higashi Honganji), one of Japan’s traditional Buddhist denominations, has approximately 8,600 temples. Recognizing the diverse circumstances faced by each temple, I have been involved in initiatives to support temple revitalization, exploring approaches tailored to individual temples and new ways of fostering relationships with local communities.
Funayama Research House (2023–present)
The Funayama Research House is an accommodation facility located in the central district of Nagahama City. Designed primarily for students and researchers, it was planned and developed as an in-house project (also available for general lodging). To date, it has hosted guests from a variety of universities and research institutions across Japan.
Establishment of a Public Design Center (2020–2021)
In Nagahama City, I was involved in launching Nagahama Kaiko, a publicly funded, privately operated design center that takes a broad view of design and supports a wide range of community activities. It is now operated as a space for junior and senior high school students.
■Contact
For inquiries related to my research or for work requests, please contact me via this Google Form.
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