Konel Inc.

Company overview

Konel carries out a variety of creative work without limiting its domains, including art, research & development, and branding.
In addition to client work centered on the design and production of goods, images, music, and spaces, the company's activities include its own original innovative projects, such as "3D printed Japanese confectionery," which expresses climate at a specific date and time in conjunction with weather data.
Mitsuyo Demura, a representative of the company, cited the keywords "future implementation" as the starting point for these initiatives, saying: "The starting point is the desire possessed by each and every one of our members. We will not stop at merely fantasizing about things but will make the most of the power of art and technology so as to give it a form and have as many people as possible experience it. We will create future experiences based on the possibilities that we see therein."
One example is a project called "Brainwave Trading Center," which sells paintings of human brain waves and which has seen strong response from various experts in science, law, and other fields, and a heated debate has begun on the unknown subject of brainwave trading.
Demura, who says he likes to "speed up the hands of time of the world," explains the significance of his work: "When we ask questions to the world, the people inspired by our questions become a network, and the world begins to move toward a future that we could not even imagine." Adito, a designer from Indonesia, says happily: "What is great about Konel is that designers, engineers, copywriters, producers, and various other specialists do not limit themselves to their own fields but fuse together to create phenomena that do not end with experimentation but that spread throughout the world."

Work-life balance initiatives

The manifesto (action guideline) created by all members of the team states: "We will approach our creative work in the best condition possible."
Against that backdrop, the company has prepared an environment where its members, who are creators, can maximize their abilities.
Regarding the balance between work and private life, Adito says: "On weekday evenings, I enjoy attending art events that interest me, plus bouldering, which is my hobby. Surprisingly, I often come up with ideas for my work at such times."
In terms of working style, activities not bound by the framework of the company are allowed, and members are actively engaged in work and activities outside the company. Since the company was founded in 2011, there has been no boundary between remote and real work, and it has an environment where people can work freely. In addition, as stated in the company's manifesto: "It is a loss to keep things to yourself," as a culture of sharing knowledge and skills is deeply rooted in the company. Ms. Ushida, who worked on new product development while raising her children, shared her joy with the project members when she realized the development of “Onomatope no Oyatsutachi,” a brand of snacks for children, by having members share their knowledge and skills.

Human resource development initiatives

"People will not grow if they are not doing what they are interested in," says Demura. "Therefore, the mission of management members is to first prepare projects that 'excite' other members. Of course, we will spare no effort to support the acquisition of knowledge and skills in tackling new challenges, such as the purchase of books and participation in exhibitions and workshops. Even more attractive is the Input Allowance and Other Allowances Program, which is available regardless of content."
This is all because of Demura’s desire to "remember to broaden interests beyond the boundaries of one's job." This gives members the freedom to try things that they don't need at the moment but that are a little curious about. The results of the activity will then be shared on Slack. In addition, the company provides an environment where play and work are mixed with learning, such as via workshops and overnight training sessions with external instructors.
"I am satisfied with the variety of support that we receive. The most-important lesson of all is the work we do every day. I feel like I am experimenting every day while having fun with members that have completely different approaches and perspectives. When you are absorbed in a scene, you may suddenly be visited by a landscape that you have never seen before. That moment is the best,” said Adito.

Message from our top executive

Representative Director Mitsuyo Demura

We will continue to work as a group of cross-border creators that bring the future to life. I would like to meet people that can be selfish in their desires and that can exchange thoughts and skills with other members, so as to give shape to them. As the scale of the project grows each year, we feel that we can influence more and more people. Let us speed up the "hands of time" together and move society forward.

Message from foreign talent

Designer/Andraditya Respati(Indonesia)

Communication is an important part of our work. Some Japanese language skills are required, but that can be learned later. The most-important thing is to tell them what you want to do. There are many foreign colleagues in Tokyo, so if you actively communicate with them, I am sure that you will find a company that suits you.