IFDA 2027 calls on global designers to return to the origins of wood

IFDA 2027 OPENS SUBMISSIONS FOR TIMBER DESIGNS

Returning for its 13th edition, the International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa (IFDA 2027) has officially launched its call for entries under a singular, provocative theme: Origin. The triennial competition invites creators from across the globe to re-examine the fundamental relationship between human lifestyle, craftsmanship, and raw timber. The theme asks designers to look closely at the intrinsic qualities of wood, pushing the boundaries of traditional technology and modern design while exploring the potential of the material.

CONNECTING GLOBAL DESIGN WITH JAPAN’S HEARTLAND OF FURNITURE

Since its inception in 1990, IFDA has established itself as a legendary bridge connecting the global design community with the historic woodworking region of Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Often referred to as the ‘heartland of furniture,’ Asahikawa has nurtured a highly sophisticated ecosystem of craftsmanship. Over the past three decades, the competition has garnered a staggering 10,084 entries from 79 countries and regions, slowly transforming local expertise into a globally recognized design hub. This rich heritage of cross-cultural dialogue and dedication to design excellence was a key factor in Asahikawa being named a UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2019.

What sets IFDA apart from typical design competitions is its direct line to manufacturing. To date, more than 50 of the submitted works from past editions have been commercialized and distributed worldwide as official Asahikawa Furniture. Selected designers will have the invaluable opportunity to collaborate directly with Asahikawa’s master woodworkers, translating their raw, conceptual ideas into highly refined physical prototypes. It is a rare chance to see a sketch evolve into a beautifully manufactured product, showing the world how the next generation of creators interprets the very origin of wooden design.

BRINGING PROTOTYPES TO LIFE 

For designers looking to step onto this prestigious stage, the competition guidelines are clear and uncompromising. IFDA 2027 is strictly open to newly created, previously unpublished wooden furniture designs where wood serves as the primary material. The submission window opened on July 1, 2026, and will remain active until the deadline on December 11, 2026.

To evaluate the 2026 submissions, IFDA has assembled a prestigious jury of globally renowned creative visionaries. Led by Japanese product designer Jin Kuramoto as jury chairperson, the panel includes French artist and designer Ronan Bouroullec, Danish designer Cecilie Manz, and Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane. Working alongside Tetsuya Fujita, the chairman of the IFDA Organizing Committee, this stellar panel represents a unique intersection where world-class design perspective meets the deep-seated manufacturing expertise of Asahikawa’s local artisans.

project info: 

name: International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa (IFDA 2027) | @ifda_asahikawa

theme: Origin 

submissions deadline: December 11, 2026