Yoshihiro Kunihara | Designer, Interaction Designer, Engineer
My studies at Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Inter-Media Art, cultivated an approach to freely traverse art and technology. By combining multiple media such as video, sound, and interaction, I explored “how to expand the possibilities of expression.” During my time there, I established RINPA DESIGN, working on Flash-based web production and interactive installations, simultaneously experiencing both art and practical work.
Advancing to the Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences (IAMAS), I researched motion design utilizing programming and image analysis using computer vision. By connecting technologies that detect human movement and position with video and spatial production, I developed interactive systems that communicate with visitors. These efforts went beyond mere research, being applied to practical experience design in showrooms and retail stores, embodying the bridge between academia and social implementation from an early stage.
Building on this experience, I co-founded Aitia Corporation in 2006. At the time, no companies in Japan specialized in creating interactive advertising, so we pioneered that market ourselves. As a board member, I was involved in everything from planning to development, exploring new forms of advertising. We received international recognition, including a One Show Award. This experience was the origin of learning the joy of “creating work with our own hands that didn’t exist before,” and became a valuable period where I first experienced the management perspective.
From 2009, I joined IMG SRC, where I challenged myself with more diverse interactive advertising and installations. I successively developed experiential content combining sensors and hardware, realizing mechanisms where advertisements in the city responded to people’s movements and voices. I was involved from ideation to art direction and won an ADFEST Award. I strongly felt the satisfaction of freely crossing between hardware and software with knowledge that “realizes enjoyable experiences for people through technology.”
In 2013, I joined the startup Pocket Supernova. As a member of the global team, I was responsible for iOS development of the video messaging app “Unda.” This product, which aimed for an experience that could be considered a precursor to TikTok, was a notable service selected by 500 Startups. By communicating daily in English and immersing myself in an international team development environment, I became constantly aware not only as an engineer but also of “how to get users to use the product.” The experience of improving the app including user analysis and marketing formed the foundation of being an engineer with a business perspective.
From 2017, I joined WHITE, where I engaged in new business development specializing in VUI (Voice User Interface). Centered on app development utilizing voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Alexa, and LINE Clova, I supported numerous service launches through PoC and MVP. Particularly impressive was an installation using Google Assistant. I designed and developed from scratch a mechanism where light and effects were triggered by visitors’ voices, witnessing the surprise and joy of many audiences. I worked closely with UX designers and business designers, practicing a way of working that connected engineering to experience design and business strategy.
From 2021, I joined Sun Asterisk. As a tech lead engineer, I promoted new business development for domestic and international clients. I was involved in a wide range from major corporate projects to startup support, leading collaboration with the Vietnam-based engineering team (1,000+ people). I comprehensively handled everything from requirements definition to design, development, MVP release, and improvements based on user feedback. The process of creating something from 0 to 1 together with clients went beyond mere contract development, becoming a place where I strongly felt my position as a “business partner.”
Thus, the path that began with art research has continued through advertising, startups, VUI, and new business development, constantly pursuing “the experience between people and technology.” A career as a pioneer of interactive advertising, establishing a company, winning international advertising awards, engaging in global app development, and launching numerous 0→1 new businesses. The consistent theme throughout is “delivering new experiences to people through technology and expression.”
CV
Education
- 2006 Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences (IAMAS), Graduate School of Media Arts and Sciences, Master of Media Arts
- 2004 Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Inter-Media Art
Business Career
- 2021-2025 Sun Asterisk, Inc.
- 2017-2020 WHITE, Inc.
- 2013-2014 Pocket Supernova, Inc.
- 2009-2013 IMG SRC
- 2006-2009 Founded Aitia Corporation, Appointed as Director
- 2006-2007 Kanda University of International Studies, Media Education Center, Part-time Instructor
- 2002- Established RINPA DESIGN
Lecture Career
- 2007- Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Applied Media Literacy, Part-time Lecturer
Awards
- 2012 “Asia Pacific Advertising Festival (ADFEST) 2012” music video of androp「Bright Siren」Cyber & Film Craft Categories, Silver (IMGSRC)
- 2012 “Space Shower Music Video Awards” androp’s music video「Bright Siren」Special Award (IMGSRC)
- 2009 “ONE SHOW INTERACTIVE 2009” Other Interactive Digital Media Category, Merit (AITIA)
- 2008 “Digital Signage Preaward 2009” Landscape Category, Excellence Award (AITIA)
- 2002 NTT Docomo “Mobile Movie Creatives’ Festival” CM Category, Prize Winner
Exhibitions
- 2005 “Time Travel Exhibition” Mass exhibited, YCAM, Yamaguchi
- 2005 “DAG Exhibition” YCAM, Yamaguchi
- 2004 “TKK” Shibuya, Tokyo
- 2004 “TKK” Aoyama, Tokyo
- 2003 “Liberté Gauloises Freedom Live Painting” TDB2003, Aoyama, Tokyo
- 2003 “nuvoice no5” with IDEE R-project TDB2003, Yoyogi, Tokyo
- 2003 “F-exhibition for FREITAG’S 10th Anniversary” Aoyama, Tokyo
- 2002 “rex vest 2002” TDB2002, Aoyama, Tokyo