October 5, 2026 | News & Notices Shimadzu's 150th Founding Anniversary Project, Co-Created with Kyoto Craftsmanship, Selected as a Finalist in the IDEA 2026 International Design Competition
The Craftech Project: A Fusion of Kyoto Craftsmanship and Advanced Science & Technology, a project marking the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Shimadzu Corporation, was selected as a finalist in the Branding category of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2026. The IDEA international design award is organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). It is judged according to five criteria: design innovation, benefit to user, benefit to client/brand, benefit to society, and appropriate aesthetics. This project was recognized as an initiative that fused Shimadzu’s manufacturing philosophy with traditional Kyoto craftsmanship.
Shimadzu's 150th Founding Anniversary Project
Shimadzu celebrated its 150th anniversary in March 2025. To commemorate the event, we started The Craftech Project: A Fusion of Kyoto Craftsmanship and Advanced Science & Technology. The intent was to share with the world our manufacturing philosophy, which has been passed down through generations. Based on a comprehensive collaborative agreement with Kyoto Prefecture, Shimadzu cooperated with 10 workshops specializing in traditional crafts. Four concept models incorporating traditional designs into Shimadzu products were manufactured. Nishijin-ori weaving, kyo-yuzen (dyeing), kyo-shikki (lacquerware), and kintsugi (the art of repairing with gold) have been applied to the Nexera series liquid chromatograph, the Brevis GC-2050 gas chromatograph, the MobileDaRt Evolution MX8 Version mobile X-ray system, and the BresTome (PositView) head and breast TOF-PET system. These decorative treatments were offered as optional exterior parts, special stickers, and bed covers, and more than 100 units were delivered during the limited period ending in December 2025. Over the course of one year, the 4 concept models were exhibited at 57 locations including Shimadzu Group sites in 18 countries, and in the Kansai Pavilion at the 2025 Japan World Exposition (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan).
Nexera Series Liquid Chromatograph
Brevis GC-2050 Gas Chromatograph
MobileDaRt Evolution MX8 Version Mobile X-Ray System
BresTome (PositView) Head and Breast TOF-PET System
For more information about The Craftech Project, visit:
https://www.shimadzu.com/research_and_development/design_strategy/wazatowaza/
For more information about IDEA, visit: The Craftech Project:
https://www.idsa.org/awards-recognition/idea/idea-gallery/the-craftech-project/