Company Overview and Philosophy

Miyazaki Chair Factory, founded in 1969 in Tokushima, Japan, specializes exclusively in wooden chairs. The company evolved from local Awa dresser chair production and launched its own brand in 2000. It collaborates with prominent designers such as Kazuteru Murasawa, Makoto Koizumi, and Inoda+Sveje. The core philosophy, "Chairs Nobody Else Can Make," emphasizes unique craftsmanship combining advanced techniques and design, supported by 25 skilled craftsmen. The company operates without salespeople, relying on cooperative distributors to foster strong partnerships with users.

Manufacturing Approach and Techniques

The factory stocks fully dried wood species including oak, maple, walnut, and teak, offering 6 to 8 types across over 50 chair models. Production is made-to-order, ensuring freshness and customization to customer preferences and interiors. Manufacturing blends traditional hand tools with precise modern machinery to enhance craftsmanship. Wood parts are machined precisely and hand-assembled, finished with 100% natural beeswax for durability. Upholstery is done by expert fabric and leather artisans for refined finishes.

Design and Quality Assurance

Design development follows a workshop-style collaboration between designers and craftsmen, involving hands-on prototype testing. Each chair is assigned a unique serial number to ensure quality and traceability. Close cooperation with distributors maintains strong user connections.

Product Highlights and Designer Collaborations

• #4110 Chair (Kai Kristiansen, 2011 revival): Ergonomic with gentle curves for comfort and versatile interiors.
• Bo Chair (Makoto Koizumi, 2012): Windsor style with twisted wood back bars for lumbar support.
• Comodo Dining and Stool (Inoda+Sveje): Award-winning all-wood chairs with rigid frames and springy seats; stools feature continuous curved lines.
• DC10 and DC09 (Inoda+Sveje): Lightweight armchairs with sculptural solid wood forms; DC09 won 2011 iF Gold Award.
• ENNE Series (Kazuteru Murasawa): Strong truss structure, stackable chairs including children's version; Good Design Awards recipient.
• GINA (Kazuteru Murasawa, 2009): Continuous line plywood seat and back offering flexible comfort and fabric variation.
• Haku (Tadashi Chiba, 2011): Lightweight, neutral chair with curved back and seat for comfort.
• Hata and Hozuki (Keishi Yoshinaga): Emphasize wood beauty and compact design; Hozuki includes stools and tables; Good Design Awards.
• IS Lounge and K Lounge (Inoda+Sveje and Makoto Koizumi): Lounge chairs combining organic curves and knock-down assembly.
• Kuku Series (Makoto Koizumi): Wooden cantilever chairs with high joint precision, available in fabric and wood.
• KAKI no ISU and Menu (Keisuke Furuta and Hiroshi Akutsu): Compact, lightweight chairs with curved backs; Good Design Awards.
• MM Chair and Table (Kazuteru Murasawa): First original design from the factory workshop, featuring leather-wrapped backs and tactile comfort.

Critical Information and Recommendations

• Prices and specifications are as of January 2013 and may change.
• Fabric and wood grain variations are natural and should be appreciated as unique characteristics.
• Latest information is available on the company website: http://www.miyazakiisu.co.jp.
• Production focuses on small-lot, diverse species manufacturing with strong craftsmanship and design integration.
• Each chair is individually numbered for quality assurance and traceability.

Designers and Key Products

Kai Kristiansen

• Universe Dining Table (No.42): Revived since 2008; sizes W535×D545×H760 mm and φ1000×H720 mm; spacious comfort with distinctive half-arm and inclined rear legs.
• Paper Knife Sofa Series: Since 2008; includes 1P, 2P, 3P sofas and ottoman; knife-shaped arms with slender frames and spacious seating.

Murasawa Kazuteru

• Ottimo Chair (2003): Design mimics a single brush stroke connecting arms and legs; thin yet strong frame.
• PECORA Chair (2012): Bent wood arms curved like sheep horns; cushion-like seat with unique upholstery.
• Pepe Series (2004-2006): Side chair, armchair, lounge chair, sofa; finger-joint reinforced frames; lightweight comfort; Good Design Awards.
• Pocket Chair (2007): Compact with pocket-shaped seat and large backboard; detailed thickness for comfort; Good Design Award.
• Rib Chair and Table (2011): Joined plate frame with subtle angles and curves; refined over multiple delays; Good Design Award.
• GAMBA Stool (2008): Curved seat fitting comfortably; smooth joint finish.

Koizumi Makoto

• ROKU Chair (2009): Fabric or solid wood seat; simple, architecturally inspired design.
• R+R Chair and Counter Chair (2002-2005): Minimalist with subtle curves; awarded Good Design Award and SME Agency Director's Award.
• Sansa Chair and MI Table (2007-2009): Architecturally integrated design; diagonal angles and curves for comfort and strength; MI table in square and round variants.
• UU Chair and Sofa Series (2006-2012): Horseshoe-shaped arms and back; easy side access; sofa versions include 1P, 3P, ottoman; Good Design Award.
• Bon Stool (2007): Flat seat for kitchen use; Good Design Award.
• A Stool (2008): Stackable with A-shaped legs; floating seat prevents stacking marks.
• Dan-dan Stool (2010): Two-level bent plate design serving as stepstool and guitar stool.
• ORI Chair (2004): Origami-inspired shape with visual effects and stackability; Good Design Award.
• Sansa Stool (2007): Three hooked legs with complex joint twists; centrally inclined seat; high and low versions; Good Design Award.
• En Side Table and En Table (2004): Side table with stem support allowing placement under furniture; solid wood with walnut legs inset; knockdown structure to absorb wood expansion; multiple sizes.

Design and Manufacturing Highlights

• Combining aesthetic form with functional comfort and strength.
• Innovative joinery techniques such as finger joints and complex twists enhance durability and design appeal.
• Ergonomic attention to seat shapes, backrest angles, and armrest functionality.
• Stackability and ease of cleaning incorporated in fabric-covered sofas and stools.
• Revival of classic designs using modern production methods.
• Use of natural solid and bent wood with consideration for seasonal expansion and contraction.

Awards and Recognition

• Multiple Good Design Awards for Pepe chairs, Pocket chair, Rib chair, R+R chair, UU sofa, Bon stool, ORI chair, and Sansa stool.
• Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Director's Award for R+R chair.

Company and Publication Information

Published by Miyazaki Chair Factory Co., Ltd. on February 1, 2013. Located in Naruto-shi, Tokushima, Japan, specializing in high-quality chair manufacturing. Document designed, edited, and photographed by A LAUnCH COMPANY and printed by paswork Co., Ltd.