Kenichi Mizuno is a Japanese product and industrial designer, and the founder of D-WEBER inc. / 4DESIGN. Based in Aichi, Japan, he has built a career around automotive, mobility and product design, working with manufacturers and technology-oriented clients to transform ideas into distinctive forms, experiences and design strategies.

His work is guided by the balance between surprise and logic. Mizuno believes that design should create an immediate emotional response, while also being supported by function, structure, manufacturability and cultural meaning. This approach allows his projects to move between advanced industrial design and the sensitivity of Japanese craftsmanship.

His works have been recognized by international design awards including the A' Design Award, Asia Design Prize, International Design Awards, European Product Design Award, DNA Paris Design Awards and German Design Award. His recent award-winning projects include Noshudo Zero, a symbolic circular Japanese blade, and GT Experience, a gaming enclosure that enhances immersion for sim racing.

Through his practice, Mizuno continues to explore how design can bridge industry, craft, technology and culture, creating works that are both visually memorable and meaningful in context.

Noshudo Zero Symbolic Blade by Kenichi Mizuno Noshudo Zero is a circular Japanese sword reinterpreted as a symbolic blade for self reflection. Hand forged and traditionally finished, it incorporates precision machined hilt and guard components only in limited areas. Forged from high purity tamahagane and finished with a uniform mirror surface, it reflects the viewer and transforms the sword from an object associated with direction and confrontation into one of self reflection and balance. Conceived as a cultural bridge between craft and people, it remains on continuous public display in Seki City.

GT Experience Gaming Enclosure by Kenichi Mizuno GT Experience brings the thrill and tension of circuit driving into sim racing through an immersive spatial enclosure. A modular pair of large scale 3D printed side panels shapes peripheral vision to deepen focus while staying open for home play and esports venues. Its sculptural form transforms visible layer lines into premium surface language, turning a manufacturing limitation into design identity. Lightweight elastomer modules improve safety, quick assembly, transportability, and compact storage.

Kenichi Mizuno

Kenichi Mizuno is IAD member since 2026, with 4084 IAD rating.