Design with Love, Life with Wood


June, 2001
Dear Sir/Madam:

Our city, Asahikawa, is located in the center of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, and is situated in lat. 43 degrees N. and long. 142 degrees E. It is rich in nature and blessed with four distinct and splendid seasons. Its population is about 360,000. Moreover, Asahikawa is located at the foot of Mt. Taisetsu National Park which is the largest mountain park in Japan, where most of the mountains range about two thousand meters in height. Asahikawa has gradually developed as a trading center of high quality lumber including lumber harvested in Hokkaido.

Asahikawa has expanded as a synthetic furniture-producing district which mainly produces cabinets, chairs, and tables by using abundant lumber resources and excellent manufacturing skills. The furniture produced in Asahikawa is valued not only in Japan but worldwide.

In order to produce good furniture, superior designs are needed. We will hold the "International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa 2002", our fifth competition, seeking fabulous furniture designs to make life more comfortable.

It is our hope that this competition will enhance the relationship between man and wood, promote the quality of design, and strengthen the link between different furniture-producing districts throughout the world. We also hope that wooden furniture designed by you will build a great and valuable bridge between designers and users, between designers and makers, and between you and Asahikawa.

Best Regards,



Minoru Nagahara
Chairman
International Furniture Design Fair Asahikawa
Organizing Committee