On September 26, NYK and Tama Art University (“TAU”) proudly hosted the final presentation of their second co-creative research project, “Cozy・Comfy — Discovering Joy in Work and Life at Sea” at NYK’s head office in Tokyo. Seventeen master’s and bachelor’s students from Studio 3 of TAU’s Product Design Course unveiled a series of design proposals aimed at enhancing the well-being of future generations of seafarers through innovative spatial concepts that re-design both work and living environments on board.

This initiative is part of the “KANDO – Innovation through Logistics"* program — a visionary NYK-led endeavor geared toward redefining logistics and introducing new value to society. The project also aligns with TAU’s ongoing Design for Disposal** initiative, a broader collaboration with multiple companies working to advance a circular economy in the era of SDGs.

In the final presentation, the students proposed various items, including furniture and lighting, designed to make life at sea more cozy and comfortable, while exploring ways to enhance seafarers' morale and motivation. One standout proposal, titled “Colorful Wave,” which drew particular attention, addressed the challenge of the colorless interior spaces of ships. This art piece features a floral motif and undulating metallic panels that reflect and refract light and color from varying angles, adding visual richness to onboard spaces. This creative interplay between light and color aims to uplift seafarers’ spirits and foster a more pleasant onboard environment and a heightened sense of well-being.

Prior to this project, NYK and TAU successfully launched their first co-creative research initiative, “KRAFT & LOOP — Seafarers’ Uniform Development Project,” in April 2023. This initiative focused on design solutions that combine durability, practicality, and timeless design in pursuit of a circular society. The project provided mutual learning opportunities through fieldwork aboard NYK car carriers and in-depth interviews with seafarers. The resulting proposals advocated for long-loved uniforms that support seafarers’ well-being while aligning with the principles of sustainability.

For more details on these and other initiatives, please visit NYK’s owned media website, BVTL Magazine: https://www.nyk.com/english/stories/ .

Kei Yuhara, General Manager, Innovation Promotion Group, NYK
This collaboration with TAU is part of our ongoing effort to extend the value created by logistics beyond conventional boundaries. We are delighted to see transformative ideas that put seafarer well-being at the center while inspiring new possibilities for how we operate. We look forward to sharing these achievements worldwide as a great example of “KANDO - Innovation through Logistics” in action.

Daisuke Nakagawa, Manager, Offshore Business Group, NYK
Seafarers are our most vital resource and cherished colleagues. By co-creating with the students at TAU, we aim not only to transform onboard environments but also to foster a sense of pride among crew members. We are excited to carry forward these big ideas to actual implementation, making continuous strides toward future value creation.

Yoshiharu Hamada, Professor, Department of Product and Textile Design, TAU
This is our second industry-academia collaboration with the NYK Group. Our first project — designing seafarers’ uniforms — is currently moving toward real-life application on board, giving participating students both invaluable learning experiences and confidence. These proposals aim to create designs that enhance comfort and the enjoyment of shipboard life, and we hope that these efforts will lead to tangible improvements in the well-being of seafarers.

Tatsu Ogata, Associate Professor, Department of Product and Textile Design, TAU
This time, student proposals went beyond simply addressing comfort at sea by also focusing on nurturing seafarers’ pride and motivation. Over 22 design concepts were presented, and we hope these ideas will inspire not only life at sea but also broader perspectives on comfortable living.

* KANDO – Innovation through Logistics
Launched in 2019 by graduates of the NYK Digital Academy, this program aims to establish a new set of values and decision-making criteria in logistics. Through the creation and testing of innovative ideas, the project strives to challenge and modernize industry and societal norms.

** Design for Disposal
Under an open innovation project, TAU collaborates with multiple corporations on projects solving social issues. One such initiative seeks to develop a circular-economy model in the SDG era by reinventing design approaches and product lifecycles.
https://tub.tamabi.ac.jp/projects/1265/