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)

• Awards:

  • ”Creative Business Cup 2011 – 2nd prize”
    (from the Center for Culture and Experience Economy).
  • ”Best young entrepreneur 2009”
    (from Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship).

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:

At the core for Danish-Japanese business potential one finds a unique mutual interest and respect for each others cultures, and, most importantly a willingness to collaborate and learn from each other. It it this attitude that determines the business potential between Denmark and Japan.

Languages:
Swedish, German, English, Danish, Japanese

Academic background:
Copenhagen Business School, Asian Studies Program

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

The potential of DENMARK & JAPAN:

I think Danes and Japanese share cultural values such as humility, respect for nature, sustainability and authenticity. These cultural values translate well into the appreciation for simplistic, functional and timeless designs.

PROJECTS:

Languages:
Finnish, Swedish, Danish, English, Japanese.

Academic background:
Copenhagen Business School, BSc. in Business, Asian Language and Culture
Exchange: Rikkyo University、Waseda University  M.A. in International Culture and Communication Studies

The potential of DENMARK & JAPAN:

I have spent some time in bookshops and interior stores here in Tokyo. As we already know, Japanese and Danish furniture and interior is very similar. There is a shared taste for the simple design, with a unique style. The mix of newly manufactured furniture and the retro-style by well-known designers is popular in both countries. Therefore, I think that there is a big potential in getting more Danish brands to Japan, both old and new designs.

PROJECTS:

Languages:
Danish, English, Japanese

Academic background:
Copenhagen Business School, BSc. Business, Asian Language and Culture

PROJECTS:

Languages:
German, Danish, English, Japanese, Cantonese.

Academic background:
Copenhagen Business School, MSc. Leadership and Management Studies.
Exchange: Rikkyo University Tokyo

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.

• SÆSON rug collection
  by 　ayanomimi x Krestine Kjærholm

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.