KOSUKE SHINOZAKI
Consultant
VISION
Our vision is to become the leading company within Danish-Japanese business development - with a special focus on design, culture, and innovation.
We create value by facilitating intercultural processes that require knowledge about Japanese and Danish language, culture, values, and habits.
From our base in Copenhagen we provide linguistic and cultural assistance to businesses with activities in Japan. Let us become your cultural ally. We create new possibilities to enter the market.
Why Denmark and Japan?
THE DANISH-JAPANESE MINDSET
We are driven by the Danish-Japanese mindset.
Both nations have a long history within craftsmanship and creativity, and ayanomimi is founded on a deep understanding of the Danish and the Japanese culture. The Danish-Japanese mindset appreciates both tangible and intangible things in life. It is a mindset that shows respect to originality and functionality. We choose to be human-centered and sustainable in the solutions that we provide.
INTERCULTURAL
MANAGEMENT
For us 'intercultural management' is more than the ability to bridge two cultures. We put light on the business potential that emerges when cultures meet, and clash. As a business ally we develop strategies based on cultural differences and similarities. We communicate on behalf of Danish and Japanese companies, and facilitate the collaboration process in order to create a common understanding. Our insight in Danish and Japanese culture is the essence in everything we do.
TEAM MEMBER
ayanomimi hub
The 'ayanomimi hub' consists of business developers with special insights about Denmark and Japan. The team is an organic entity that works project-based from Copenhagen and Tokyo. Together we develop future platforms for Danish-Japanese collaborations.
ayanomimi design agency
We work with leading Danish and Japanese designers.
Managing director & Founder
AYA OKAMURA
- FOUNDER
- DESIGN MANAGEMENT
- BUSINESS CONSULTANT
- CULTURAL FACILITATOR
Aya Okamura is born in Copenhagen by Japanese parents who both have a long time experience of working in the field of design.
Personal experience combined with academic training basically constitutes the unique platform for the company’s business philosophy; to create intercultural channels for design, culture and innovation. The company is specialized in Danish-Japanese relations and believe in high cultural synergy in the process of profitable, intercultural business relations.
Languages:
Japanese, Danish, English
Academic background:
MSc. Leadership & Management Studies, Copenhagen Business School.
Keio University Tokyo. ETEA University Córdoba.
Dialogue partner & Advisory board member of:
- International Business and Culture, Copenhagen Business School.
- Asian Studies Program Advisory Board, Copenhagen Business School.
Publications:
- ”Kultur på arbejde” for danske handelsskolestuderende, Systime (2014), Kasper Asklund, CASE ”Made in Japan” (LINK)
- ”When culture means business – an ethnographic research of the Japanese market for Danish design” (2009).(LINK)
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Awards:
- ”Creative Business Cup 2011 – 2nd prize”
(from the Center for Culture and Experience Economy). - ”Best young entrepreneur 2009”
(from Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship).
- ”Creative Business Cup 2011 – 2nd prize”
MORE ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Aya’s father Takashi Okamura originally moved to Denmark in 1971, in order to attend the Danish Design School. Later he founded the design company O&M DESIGN with Erik Marqaurdsen. Aya’s mother joined her husband and moved to Denmark. She has worked as freelance writer for several Japanese design magazines and she is the author behind the book ‘Jacobsen’s house’ (published in Japanese), which describes the Danish lifestyle experienced through a Japanese family who lives in a house designed by Arne Jacobsen.
The potential of DENMARK & JAPAN:
In many ways, Japan and Denmark share a common appreciation of nice design made of good materials. Japanese manufactures produce a wide range of traditional handicrafts that is yet to penetrate the Danish market. At the same time I think that Japan has seen a high increase of interest towards Danish urban design and future coorporation in this area holds great potential.
PROJECTS:
Languages:
Japanese, English.
Academic background:
Sophia University Tokyo, Department of science and Engineering Physics
Designer
Tobias Jacobsen
Tobias Jacobsen, born 1965 is a danish designer. Tobias underwent formal training as a goldsmith and industrial designer at Denmarks Designskole. Today, he works with design in a wide range of areas like furniture, architecture and kitchenware. Tobias is the grandson of world famous Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen. For Tobias design is about the craftmanship, techniques and love for the products and their practical use.
Textile designer
Krestine Kjærholm
Krestine Kjærholm has designed textile for public and private spaces world wide since 1984. With her modest, and functional design aesthetics she keeps the spirit of classic Danish design alive. Her father, Poul Kjærholm, was one of the most profound Danish furniture designers of the 20th century. Krestine is working as a textile designer and she is chief responsible of Poul Kjærholm Aps.
Work pieces made for:
- Danish State Department, Denmark
- Supreme Court, Denmark
- Emperor’s suite at a railway station, Japan etc.
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SÆSON rug collection
by ayanomimi x Krestine Kjærholm
Design Studio
O&M DESIGN
O&M Design integrates the Danish and Japanese approach to simplicity, functionality, and esthetics. They create leading concepts for the global market and provide designs that challenge the emerging possibilities of the industry.
The design studio was established in 1973 in Copenhagen and the Danish-Japanese duo Takashi Okamura & Erik Marquardsen works with a broad range of international brands. Among others: Brdr. Krüger, Gallery Shuno, GETAMA, NELO, Skippers Furniture, Uchida Yoko. Their designs are made for private and public use, including places such as The Royal Theater in Copenhagen, Billund Airport, and Vejle Opera House.