One of the most respected design engineers in Japan, Professor Yamanaka has designed industrial products ranging from wristwatches for Issey Miyake, to railway cars for East Japan Railway. Founder of Leading Edge Design and professor at the University of Tokyo, Yamanaka’s research focuses on re-examining the relationships between humans and man-made objects through projects such as beautiful prosthetics and life-like robots. Numerous honors include: the 2004 Mainichi Design Award, the iF Design Award, and multiple Good Design Awards (backed by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Infrastructure). His 2010 work, Tagtype Garage Kit, is part of the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.