| 「RED animal crayon」 |
There are a number of animal species facing extinction in the near future in Japan. Many have been deprived of their habitats due to human invasion. Most people, however, have rather poor understanding of this fact. These are pure black crayons in the shapes of such animals facing extinction. While the shapes of these animals get smaller as they are used on paper, the pictures remain on the paper. They let people realize that these animals are becoming extinct. Let’s use these crayons to convey that fact to our children.
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Masahiro Minami Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1978. Has been teaching as assistant at the Department of Living Design, School of Human Culture, University of Shiga Prefecture since 2005. |
| Shunji Yamanaka |
| This is a grand work on the theme of endangered species and gives great thought to the carbon cycle, the basis of living processes, on the global scale. Creating a tool that children could use while employing a bold use of color that evokes images of “death” and provides a warning shows the designer’s ability. The fact the message is too forceful and turns the design into a special campaign item is regrettable. |
| Oki Sato |
| Among the numerous entries, this proposal sent a powerful social message. The excellence of this proposal lies in expressing the fact these animals gradually “disappear” through the form of the crayon. |
| Fumie Shibata |
In the initial stage I felt this design had great impact. I gave it high marks for expressing a powerful message on the theme of environmental issues through red and black contrast and using pure black crayon to express the forms of endangered species. The finished product would be better if the package design could address practical problems such as size, structure, and crayon holding function. |
| Manabu Mizuno |
I felt this is something that both children and adults will want to have. Children will want to use it as a cute stationery item; adults will want it for educational purposes. This will be best appreciated if it is sold as a museum souvenir. |
| Akihiro Kuroda |
This work has unusual power. The process by which crayons molded in the forms of endangered species gradually wear away with use, ultimately disappearing, conveys a powerful message. While the work reproduces the creatures realistically, it does so in just one color: black. The striking red of the package expresses a sense of crisis, prompting one to ponder the perilous state of the world’s wildlife today and to consider what we as humans can do. This work makes one think. It is especially impressive in the thought-provoking way in which it presents its response to the carbon theme. |
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