Based in Tokyo and Valencia, Japanese designer Mikiya Kobayashi established his own practice in 2006. His creative process is focused on the perception of the design, looking for uniqueness in minimal shapes. In true Japanese tradition, Kobayashi has a long-standing relationship with wood and has employed this natural material in a number of projects. For Kobayashi, it is important that he remains connected with his cultural heritage, while also combining the past with modern-day practices and innovation. Mikiya Kobayashi has worked on a number of built projects, including cafe design, retail and showroom spaces. His many product designs mix a range of materials (although wood is foremost) and uses. They include, among many others, ILY-Ai, a playful and ergonomic personal mobility vehicle for Aisin, and Donut, an outdoor stool for Diabla (a Gandia Blasco brand). Kobayashi has also designed a number of furniture pieces for his own lifestyle brand Implements, with showrooms/stores in Tokyo and Kyoto, established in 2018 with the desire to deliver products that enrich people’s lives.