2026 Highlights

The fifth edition of ORGATEC Tokyo brought together 151 brands from Japan and around the world. Building on the core message of “SHIFT DESIGN”, which has guided the exhibition since its launch, this year’s event was held under the sub-theme “To Be One – ideas in harmony, inspiring tomorrow”. Exhibitors presented a range of solutions connecting individuals and organisations, the physical and digital worlds, and autonomy and co-creation. Together, they offered a vision of the future workplace where knowledge and creativity resonate with one another to generate new value.
Here, we look back on ORGATEC TOKYO 2026, where diverse ideas and values came together in harmony.

Opening Ceremony

ORGATEC TOKYO 2026 started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Yumi Ito from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, KOKUYO President and CEO Hidekuni Kuroda, JOIFA Chairman Masayuki Nakamura, and Koelnmesse Chief Operating Officer (COO) Oliver Frese.

Kicking off with a dynamic video presentation
Address by Koelnmesse COO Oliver Frese
Address by JOIFA President Nakamura
Ribbon-cutting ceremony

ORGATEC Tokyo Awards

The ORGATEC TOKYO Awards celebrated outstanding spatial design, products and original concepts that presented new visions for the future workplace. Following evaluation by a panel of experts from the fields of architecture, interiors and design, OKAMURA was awarded both the Grand Prize and the Best Stand Design Award: Chosen by Exhibitors. The Second Prize was awarded to Karimoku Furniture, DeVorm, and KOKUYO, while ten exhibitors received Special Recognition Awards. This year saw the creation of numerous presentations that addressed social issues such as the value of human connections and dialogue, sustainability, and the development of future materials even as they offered visions of future offices.

Group photo of all judges and representatives of award winners
OKAMURA was awarded both Grand Prize and Best Stand Design Award: Chosen by Exhibitors.
The spatial design of the OKAMURA booth, an office of the future, promoted natural exchange.
KOKUYO (Second Prize): An immersive exhibit highlighting craftsmanship and embodied knowledge.
Karimoku (Second Prize): A modular display showcasing the richness of wood and the possibilities of space.
DeVorm (Second Prize): A bold yellow environment expressing the brand’s identity.
ITOKI (Special Recognition Award): A sustainability-focused, fantasy-inspired space with striking curved forms.
Panasonic Electric Works (Special Recognition Award): An immersive experience shaped by light and video.
HIDA (Special Recognition Award): Soft lighting and a low height let the character of the furniture pieces shine.
KAWASHIMA SELKON (Special Recognition Award): A memorable composition of light and fabric.
QUON (Special Recognition Award): Praised for a clear signage concept linking colour and emotion.
ARTWORKSTUDIO (Special Recognition Award): A refined entrance design that drew visitors in.
ARTE JAPAN (Special Recognition Award): A cohesive presentation showcasing the products to great effect.
TOLI (Special Recognition Award): A clear and well thought-out presentation of new ways of working.
IYB. (Special Recognition Award): A sophisticated spatial design that enhanced the elegance of the furniture.
PLUS (Special Recognition Award): A strong presence defined by iconic forms and effective signage.

Sessions

The keynote speech featured Hirokazu Suemitsu and Yoko Suemitsu, principal architects of SUEP., together with Chikara Ohno, director of sinato. They explored what kind of workplaces foster creativity and a sense of belonging, focusing on natural environments and the distance between individuals. At the TREND FORUM, Raphael Gielgen, Trendscout Future of Work Life & Learn at Vitra, shared insights into human-centred collaboration and the value of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Exhibitor presentations also welcomed a diverse line-up of speakers at the forefront of workplace design and innovation, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere throughout the venue.

Keynote speech by SUEP. Principal Architects Hirokazu Suemitsu and Yoko Suemitsu and sinato Director Chikara Ohno.
Exploring spaces that foster creativity and belonging under the theme of “‘Environment’, ‘Space’, and the Ideal Workplace”.
The TREND FORUM by Raphael Gielgen, Trendscout Future of Work Life & Learn at Vitra.
“WORK PANORAMA 2026: Human to Human, To Be One” examined human-centred collaboration and future workplaces.
“Future Workplace Envisioned by Panasonic and Gensler” showcased future workplaces focused on “Well-Being Lighting”.
“Econifa UPCYCLE - Examples of Creating Value from Untapped Resources” introduced ITOKI’s upcycling initiatives.
“Blending: The Power of Okamura's New Workstyle” reflected on the development of their Blending Furniture line and workstyles it inspired.
“Driving Curiosity // Designing the New KOKUYO HQ Experience” offered insights into the vision behind the new global HQ.

Special Exhibition

The special exhibition Circular MIRAI 2026 explored the current state and future potential of the circular economy in the workplace industry. Featuring natural and recycled materials, resource- and energy-efficient manufacturing, and initiatives spanning repair, collection, reuse and recycling, the exhibition showcased a wide range of approaches towards a circular society and a more sustainable future for the workplace.

ORGATEC NIGHT

In the evening hours, ORGATEC NIGHT brought exhibitors and visitors together to mingle and enjoy stage shows. A dazzling performance by the internationally acclaimed Fabulous Sisters lit up the venue, celebrating the spirit of the To Be One theme: people from diverse backgrounds coming together and connecting naturally.

Views of the exhibition

Now in its fifth edition, ORGATEC Tokyo brought together more than 150 brands from Japan and around the world. Alongside leading domestic manufacturers, the exhibition welcomed a range of celebrated international brands, particularly from Europe, showcasing the latest workplace solutions from diverse regions. Throughout the venue, diverse ideas and perspectives came together to present new visions for the future workplace. Fuelled by lively conversations and meaningful connections between visitors, ORGATEC Tokyo once again affirmed its position as Asia’s leading international trade fair for workplace design.