What KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN does

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN (KOD) is a privately held Japanese design consultancy founded in 2006 by Kiyoyuki Ken Okuyama, a former Chief Designer at General Motors, Senior Designer at Porsche, and Design Director at Pininfarina. The Tokyo-headquartered firm operates across transportation design (trains, buses, marine equipment), industrial product design, architecture, branding, and design consulting, serving enterprise clients including JR East, Yanmar, LG Electronics, Seiko, Bulgari, Maserati, Ferrari, and Issey Miyake. The company runs a unique manufacturing operation at its Yamagata Factory — described as Japan's only active carrozzeria (coachbuilder) — where it hand-builds one-off sports cars under the kode series (kode0, kode7, kode7 Clubman, kode9, kode9 Spyder, kode57, kode61 Birdcage, and the hydrogen-powered F61H Birdcage).

The firm monetizes across five distinct revenue streams: enterprise design consulting and branding projects (professional services fees), bespoke one-off vehicle sales (ultra-premium hardware, quote-based pricing), direct-to-consumer e-commerce via Ken Okuyama Casa (tableware, cutlery, furniture, accessories), eyewear through Ken Okuyama Eyes, and licensing/co-development royalties on collaborations with traditional Japanese craft manufacturers (Arita ware, Nambu ironware, Yamagata casting, tsuiki copperware). Notable sub-brands and product lines include the ARITA 400 craft-elevation project (exhibited at Maison & Objet Paris), the KOD COLLECTION, and the recently launched TEAPO glass teaware line with LUPICIA.

The business model is founder-centric and hybrid: enterprise sales are driven by Ken Okuyama's personal relationships and design reputation, while consumer-side revenue is built around a direct online storefront supplemented by international trade show distribution and OEM/white-label partnerships (notably FFL Massage Chair for the OHCO M.8). The firm's design philosophy — 'Modern, Simple, Timeless' — anchors both premium product positioning and the consulting engagement methodology, which integrates user-experience research, prototyping, and verification into enterprise projects. Revenue and headcount are not publicly disclosed.

Name

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN

Legal name

株式会社KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN

Website

https://kenokuyamadesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN is a Tokyo-based design consultancy led by founder Ken Okuyama (ex-GM, Porsche, Pininfarina) delivering industrial design, branding, transportation design, and handcrafted one-off sports cars to enterprise clients and premium consumer markets via its online storefront and OEM partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Design Consulting Services: Management consulting from a design perspective, branding strategy, and design services for corporate clients including JR East, Yanmar, and government entities.
2. One-off Vehicle Sales: Limited production and sale of bespoke sports cars (kode series) at ultra-premium price points. Each vehicle is unique and handcrafted.
3. Product Sales (Online Store): E-commerce sales of designed products including tableware, cutlery, furniture, eyewear, and accessories through kenokuyamacasa.com.
4. Local Industry Collaboration Products: Co-produced products with traditional Japanese craft manufacturers, featuring KOD design on Arita ware, Nambu ironware, and other crafts sold through online store and international exhibitions.
5. Branding & Rebranding Projects: Complete branding projects including brand strategy, visual identity, logo design, and promotional materials for corporate clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN is a Japanese industrial design studio offering comprehensive design services across transportation, product, architecture, branding, and furniture categories, plus the design and manufacture of limited-edition one-off sports cars (kode series) at its Yamagata Factory. The firm also produces consumer goods (eyewear, tableware, cutlery, metalware) and co-develops products with traditional Japanese craftsmen under a "Modern, Simple, Timeless" design philosophy.

Product overview

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN (KOD) is a design consultancy led by Ken Okuyama offering comprehensive design services across transportation (trains, buses, one-off cars), product design, architecture, branding, and local industry development. The core offerings include: bespoke one-off cars (kode series: kode0, kode7, kode7 Clubman, kode9, kode9 Spyder, kode57, kode61 Birdcage) manufactured at their Yamagata Factory; design consulting and development services; transportation design for major Japanese railways and bus companies; traditional Japanese craft product development (Arita ware, metalwork); eyewear; and the Ken Okuyama CASA e-commerce platform. The philosophy is 'Modern, Simple, Timeless' with a focus on both luxury products and premium commodities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KOD COLLECTION: Product collection including porcelain, cutlery, and lifestyle items sold through the online store
• TEAPO
• ARITA 400
• kode series

Products and services

• kode61 Birdcage One-Off Sports Car One-off sports car inspired by the Maserati Tipo61 Birdcage. Evolution of the Birdcage75th (2005), featuring FR transaxle layout, steel pipe frame with CFRP body panels, and a Barchetta-style twin-cockpit configuration. Handcrafted at the Yamagata Factory and targeted at collectors and ultra-high-net-worth automotive enthusiasts.
• kode57 One-Off Sports Car One-off car paying homage to the iconic year 1957 in racing. Design concept: 1957 Ferrari 250 TR reimagined for modern times with sculptural styling and powerful presence. Handcrafted at the Yamagata Factory.
• kode0 One-Off Sports Car One-off car inspired by the 1969 Lancia Stratos Zero concept car. Modernized dream car from the era of innovation, featuring a one-motion form with a single line from nose to rear. Handcrafted at the Yamagata Factory.
• kode9 One-Off Sports Car Spartan lightweight sports car positioned between a race car and a sports car, unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show 2013. Simple proportions form an anti-thesis to complex modern car design. Handcrafted at the Yamagata Factory.
• kode7 One-Off Sports Car One-off car inspired by the functional beauty of the Japanese katana, embodying the "Modern, Simple, Timeless" concept. Made-in-Japan quality with aluminum and carbon fiber components, handcrafted at the Yamagata Factory.
• F61H Birdcage Hydrogen Fuel Engine Project One-off hydrogen fuel engine vehicle built as a continuation of the historical Birdcage 75th Maserati collaboration. World premiere held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi and previewed at Yas Marina Circuit harbor during an F1 race.
• Transportation Design Service Comprehensive transportation design service covering trains, buses, boats, aircraft, and agricultural equipment. Notable engagements include JR East Shinkansen trains (E235, E353, E6, E7, E8), Osaka Metro buses, and Yanmar agricultural and marine equipment. Targeted at transit operators and transportation equipment manufacturers.
• Design Consulting Service Management consulting from a design perspective, including innovative business management, market research, idea visualization, business model development, office design, and dealer service design. Targeted at corporate clients seeking design-led business transformation.
• Branding Design Service Brand value definition and product creation service covering luxury, premium, and premium commodity brand positioning. Notable project includes the TRAIN SUITE SHIKI-SHIMA luxury cruise train branding. Targeted at corporations undertaking branding and rebranding initiatives.
• Design Development Service Product design service incorporating user experience, including brand positioning strategy, brand concept development, ideation, ergonomic design, and verification processes. Targeted at companies developing physical products.
• Local Industry Produce (Traditional Japanese Craft Co-Production) Project service that elevates Japanese artisan craftsmanship to world-brand status, covering Arita ware ceramics, traditional metalwork (Nambu ironware, copperware), and collaboration with master craftsmen. Notable engagements include the ARITA 400 project exhibited at Maison & Objet Paris and the Red Dot Award-winning ORIGAMI teapot.
• Eyewear Collection Eyewear collection designed by Ken Okuyama, applying car-design sensibility to frame aesthetics. Sold via kenokuyamaeyes.com and targeted at design-conscious consumers.
• Ken Okuyama CASA Online Store Online retail platform at kenokuyamacasa.com selling KOD-designed products including porcelain (RINGO, JAPAN SERIES, ORIGAMI), cutlery (EDA, STILE), metalware (FUKU, MAYU, FUJI), wine glasses (ARC), and furniture. Ships within Japan (free shipping above ¥11,000) and internationally via EMS. Targeted at design-conscious lifestyle consumers.

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered key and flagship.

• LUPICIAkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Global specialty tea retailer collaborated with KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN to create TEAPO glass teaware collection. KOD designed the glass teaware featuring shapes sized for refrigerator storage while maintaining elegant table presentation. Launch event held at Ken Okuyama Tokyo office with Ken Okuyama speaking about design philosophy.
• Tokyo SunrockerskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026B.LEAGUE basketball club (founded 1935) partnered with KOD for complete rebranding including original 'SR Font' typeface development. Project involved interviews with management, players, staff and surveys with fans to redefine club's essence and vision.
• MaseratiflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025F61H Birdcage hydrogen fuel engine project world premiere. Building on historical Birdcage 75th collaboration while working at Pininfarina, KOD continues relationship with Maserati for one-off vehicle projects.
• Yamazaki MazakkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigned INTEGREX i AM series hybrid multi-machine processing machine and exhibition booth for 2016 Japan International Machine Tool Fair. Industrial design partnership for cutting-edge manufacturing equipment.
• Seiko WatchflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigned PROSPEX LX line diving/sports watches under 'inheritance and evolution' theme. Collaboration producing flagship watch that won 2019 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Diver's Watch Prize.
• BulgariflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan-exclusive OCTO watch models (Solo Tempo and Velocissimo) designed with inspiration from kode9 dashboard. Limited editions with 50-200 pieces for Japan market only.
• Issey MiyakekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigned GT chronograph watch collection inspired by Grand Touring automobile concept. Combined car design sensibility with Japanese horology expertise.
• Sampo Sangyo (三宝産業)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduced ARC stainless steel wine glass with double-wall thermal insulation. Six-part laser-welded construction with craftsman polishing achieving seamless finish. Won Red Dot Award 2013.
• IWACHU (岩鑄)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduced ORIGAMI Nambu ironware teapot featuring origami-inspired multi-faceted design with sharp diamond-cutting edges. Sand mold casting technique achieving complex polygon silhouette. Won Red Dot Award 2016.
• Gyokusendo (玉川堂)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated FUJI copper teapot and tea container featuring hammer-textured 'rocky skin' surface with apple-bowl form. Traditional tsuiki copperware technique producing unique world-class colors.
• Kikuchi Hojudo (菊地保寿堂)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduced MAYU teapot and warmer in Yamagata casting with cocoon-inspired form and Japanese sword handle design. Enamel interior prevents rusting, maintains tea temperature.
• Yamazaki Metal Industries (山崎金属工業)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduced EDA cutlery and STILE cutlery. EDA won Red Dot Award 2013 best of the best. STILE features triangular cross-section with stainless steel and lacquer combination.
• Arita Ware Producers (8 companies)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerARITA 400 project - collaborated with 8 Arita ware companies to exhibit at Maison & Objet Paris (2014-2016) as part of 400th anniversary celebrations. Total brand development including booth design, product curation, and sales channel development.
• Famous Collaborators (Takeshi Kitano, Kengo Kuma, Kazuma Sato)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerARITA 400 project featured collaborations with prominent figures including filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, architect Kengo Kuma, and creative director Kazuma Sato to create limited-edition Arita ware pieces.
• FFL Massage ChairkeyOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed KOD design for OHCO M.8 & M.8 LE massage chairs sold globally. Flagship product featuring front-open door design application from automotive design. Won multiple awards including CES Innovation Award.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Designworks (BMW Group): BMW Group's design consultancy serving automotive, mobility, and adjacent industries with transportation and product design expertise. Comparable in enterprise transportation design mandate but operates at substantially greater scale as part of a global OEM.
• Pentagram: Multi-disciplinary design consultancy with a partner-led studio model (similar in spirit to KOD's founder-led structure), working across branding, product, and identity for global clients. Comparable in branding and product design expertise, broader in scope.
• frog (Capgemini Invent): Global design and innovation firm (now part of Capgemini Invent) with deep transportation and product design expertise across automotive, rail, and consumer goods. Comparable breadth of enterprise design work but with substantially larger scale.
• IDEO: Global design and innovation consultancy with overlapping transportation, product, and brand design capabilities. Operates at significantly greater scale and headcount than KOD but addresses similar enterprise design mandates across industries.

Direct peers

• Touring Superleggera: Italian coachbuilder producing limited-edition bespoke vehicles (e.g., A8 RH, Disco Volante) in small numbers for collectors. Direct analogue to Ken Okuyama Cars in model, customer base, and unit economics.
• Pagani: Italian ultra-low-volume hypercar manufacturer (Zonda, Huayra, Utopia) producing bespoke vehicles in small numbers for UHNW collectors. Direct peer to Ken Okuyama Cars in low-volume bespoke manufacturing model and customer profile.
• Naoto Fukasawa Design: Japanese industrial designer with a globally recognized solo-studio model, collaborating with major brands (Muji, Herman Miller, Samsung) on products that blend minimalism and functional craft. Comparable in studio structure, design philosophy, and brand cachet.
• Italdesign: Italian automotive design and engineering company serving major OEMs with full vehicle development, prototype, and small-volume production capabilities. Direct peer in offering integrated design-to-manufacturing services for transportation clients.
• Pininfarina: Italian automotive design house where Ken Okuyama served as Design Director and where the original Birdcage 75th / kode61 lineage began. Now an independent listed group designing for global OEMs and producing limited-run EVs (Pininfarina Battista) — the closest analogue combining transportation design services with low-volume luxury vehicle manufacturing.
• Nendo: Japanese design studio led by Oki Sato with a similarly broad portfolio across product, furniture, packaging, architecture, and brand design. Comparable single-studio model operating globally, working with both major Japanese and international brands, and shipping physical products under its own brand name.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kenodesign
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/kenokuyamadesign
• Facebookfacebook.com/kenokuyamadesign
• Instagraminstagram.com/ken_okuyama_design

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN