Jakuets, the Japanese company dedicated to creating environments for play and growth for over a century, is unveiling its latest collaboration at Fuorisalone 2025. Designed by renowned designer Naoto Fukasawa, the collection, "Playful Sculptures", will be presented at Triennale Milano from 7th to 13th April.
The designer, Naoto Fukasawa.
For the first time, Jakuets has enlisted a designer of Fukasawa's calibre to create a series of sculptural, interactive pieces that blur the lines between design and play. Rooted in the philosophy that play is a means of exploration, education, and social connection, the collection promotes a new, open-ended approach to public spaces.
A new vision for play
At the heart of this collaboration is YUUGU, a collection of vibrant, sculptural pieces that serve as both functional objects and sources of creative inspiration. Each piece is designed to encourage imagination and experimentation, rather than dictating a specific use.
Fukasawa explains: 'Play is the act of exploring the uncharted oceans of creative affordance.' This concept of "affordance", describing how objects invite interaction, is central to the collection's design.
'OMOCHI is a good example,' says Fukasawa, referring to the slide inspired by the soft, rounded form of a traditional Japanese mochi. 'Its organic and bulging form welcomes children to come and slide down its curving slope. They can also enjoy clinging to its smooth surfaces, or slipping down while trying to hold on. OMOCHI can be played with in various ways. The glossy shine encourages tactile experiences.'
Similarly, BANRI, with its circular slopes, fosters balance and movement, while HOUSE and DONUT create transformable spaces where children can invent their own adventures. CUBE invites exploration of geometry and space, while PICCOLA and PICCOLA TABLE offer soft, comfortable seating solutions.
Redefining public spaces
Beyond functionality, the collection aims to redefine how play is integrated into urban environments. Fukasawa reflects on the instinctive nature of childhood play, noting: 'Even if children lack toys, they still find "affordance" value in other objects. They tiptoe along the confines of a narrow verge; they hang off fences; they bearhug circular pillars.'
This philosophy is central to "Playful Sculptures", which challenges traditional urban design by transforming play equipment into functional works of art. 'What do I want to design?' asks Fukasawa. 'Things that not only attract children, but which children find impossible not to play with. Children find predictability boring, but they are thrilled to discover creative "affordance." A designer's role should be no more than laying out sticks and stones. Adults are just advanced forms of children. They play, though are more serious about it.'
Ultimately, Jakuets and Fukasawa's collaboration champions play as a universal language that connects generations, shaping the way people interact with their surroundings.
Exhibition Details
Playful Sculptures
Triennale Milano
Monday 7 April – Sunday 13 April
10:30 – 21:00 (last admittance 20:00)
Press Preview: Monday 7 April, 10:30 – 21:00
More information:
Jakuets
www.jakuets.co