Japanese company Jakuets, renowned for its century-long commitment to designing play environments for children and communities, is set to present its latest project at Milano Design Week 2025. The installation, titled Playful Sculptures, marks the company's first collaboration with acclaimed designer Naoto Fukasawa and will be showcased at Fuorisalone in the gardens of the Triennale.
Photo: Tamotsu Fujii.
A century of fostering play and community
Founded 100 years ago in Fukui, Japan, Jakuets has consistently dedicated itself to equipping nurseries, playgrounds, and urban spaces with high-quality play environments. The company's ethos is deeply rooted in respect for nature and tradition, reflected in its guiding motto: "Future is in play".
Jakuets believes that play is fundamental to human development, especially in urban contexts. 'Even – and maybe above all – in the urban context, play is a key activity for human beings, essential to our ability to develop relationships, imagination, skills and self-awareness, as well as to acquire a higher awareness of others and the world that surrounds us,' the company states. By integrating play into everyday spaces, Jakuets aims to cultivate creativity, empathy, and a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.
Introducing Playful Sculptures by Naoto Fukasawa
For the first time in its history, Jakuets has partnered with an internationally renowned designer to expand its vision. Naoto Fukasawa, known for his minimalist and human-centred design philosophy, has created a new collection that embodies Jakuets' core values. The Playful Sculptures installation at Milano Design Week will provide an immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage with the works in a dynamic and interactive way.
Set against the lush backdrop of Parco Sempione, the installation aims to transform the gardens of the Triennale into a serene and engaging space for all ages. Jakuets envisions this as "an integrated oasis in the city" where 'the slow and dilated time of play can envelop passers-by of any age and suspend the frenzy of the Design Week for a moment.'
Shaping the future through play
Jakuets' work extends beyond product design to a broader vision of urban development. By fostering environments that encourage play, the company seeks to 'promote a kinder society and spread happiness.' With Playful Sculptures, Jakuets and Naoto Fukasawa demonstrate how design can enrich public spaces, making them more inclusive, engaging, and conducive to well-being.
As Milano Design Week 2025 approaches, Jakuets looks forward to sharing its vision with the world, inviting visitors to experience the power of play in a beautifully designed urban setting.
More information:
Jakuets
www.jakuets.co