“DEZAIN CRUSH project could propel Düsseldorf to the forefront of European cities, cementing its status as a vibrant, permanent epicenter for Japanese culture in Europe.”

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DEZAIN CRUSH is not only a unique project that combines German and Japanese design & illustration in an innovative way, but it also capitalizes on the cultural diversity and creativity of Düsseldorf - a city known for its energetic Japanese community and dynamic creative scene. Through close collaboration between local and international creatives, the project sets new standards for cultural exchange while simultaneously forging a platform that emphasizes Düsseldorf's hipness factor.

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The unique blend of design & illustration and culture appeals to a broad audience, attracting visitors not just for day trips but also for longer stays in the city. DEZAIN CRUSH enhances Düsseldorf's attractiveness as a city travel destination, draws international visitors, and thereby contributes to an increase in overnight stays.

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By the way, DEZAIN is the Japanese spelling for design.

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Partner:

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The initiative was started by designers Lilly Friedeberg (Design Studio B.O.B.), Kiyo Matsumoto (Letterpress 77) and Alexandros Michalakopoulos (Design Agency Morphoria).

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Alexandros Michalakopoulos says: "I have been passionate about Japanese culture in Düsseldorf for over 10 years, and it continues to inspire me. From the food to the packaging design, and the people, we are very grateful to have this window into another culture right here in Düsseldorf."

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Lilly Friedeberg adds: “We are fascinated by how Japanese design can be both minimalistically elegant and cute and playful at the same time. We believe that the influence of Japanese design on Germany is very good, it loosens up the view of design here and makes it clear that high-quality, serious design can also be interspersed with kawaii (cute) elements.”

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Kiyo Matsumotos says: "It's been 18 years since I made Düsseldorf my home, and the warmth of the people here is undeniable — which I think is one of the reasons why the Japanese community feels so at home in this city. With DEZAIN CRUSH!, our vision is to bring the design cultures of both worlds together. Through design, we'll discover each other's cultures in a deeper, more creative way."

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Project/Campaign Description:

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Düsseldorf, known for its bright and diverse culture, is home to the third-largest Japanese community in Europe. Around 15,000 Japanese people live in and around Düsseldorf. This exceptional connection is not only of cultural but also economic significance and shapes the cityscape, especially in the "Little Tokyo" district.

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It is in this unique environment that the idea for DEZAIN CRUSH "the Japanese-German design exchange" was born — Inspired by a desire to bring more attention to the design scene, the initiators came up with the idea of blending Japanese and German design in an exhibition and festival. The aim is to boost visibility beyond the city, while also strengthening ties between Germany and Japan through design and fostering a creative exchange.

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DEZAIN CRUSH celebrated its premiere and preview in Düsseldorf. On May 31st, 2024, the preview event started with the private release of 150 limited edition T-shirts at the Tourist Information Office of Visit Düsseldorf. Dr. Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf, and Frank Schrader, Managing Director of Visit Düsseldorf & Düsseldorf Marketing, welcomed the guests.

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With a two-week pop-up exhibition at Toykio at Immermannstraße 18 in the heart of Little Tokyo. From June 2 to 16, 2024, the works of four renowned graphic designers and artists from Düsseldorf and Tokyo were presented. The pop-up exhibition is the prologue to the DEZAIN CRUSH Festival 2025, which focuses on German and Japanese graphic design & illustration and aims to deepen the exchange between the two countries with an international network meeting.

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The prologue of this exhibition set the stage for DEZAIN CRUSH’s bold vision: opening a community hub in the near future, designed to be a permanent space for Japanese and German design and illustration. It will promote cultural exchange while further solidifying Little Tokyo as Düsseldorf’s vibrant cultural heart.