Sakura - Design Business Directory

Sakura

He designed the Sakura in order to make efficient use of wooden materials without wasting natural resources. The symmetry shape features curved surfaces that offer a natural both-hands fit and it enhances a beautiful wooden grain. A fine finish of the rim creates a soft reaching to the mouth, which is handmade individually by Japanese traditional craftsmen. The white and beige mixed color rope is decorated as a cup holder with a tiny tied snake knot is an accent of the design not to be simple.

Created by Takanori Urata

684.300 Views

Honored with the A' Design Award.

Takanori Urata

Embracing a thoroughly modern design style, TAKANORI URATA DESIGN INC. has become one of the most in-demand design firms in the region, celebrated for an ability to create exceptional spaces that are- in every way – unique. Though Takanori works primarily in the architecture and interior design spheres, he has also built a reputation on the back of other pursuits and in other markets, namely, in the package and graphic design industry. Throughout it all, Takanori’s signature remains apparent: crisp, clean and elegant. This has driven TAKANORI URATA DESIGN to thrive in sectors that require a certain sense of modernity, think modern condominiums, cosmetic companies and pharmaceutical clients. In those areas, Takanori has truly flourished, harnessing a skill for large open spaces that remain, at their core, entirely functional. Yet, the root of TAKANORI URATA DESIGN’s success lies in Takanori’s skill in communication, as he explains in more detail here. “I interview my clients first and try to understand exactly what they want. I pay attention to how my work satisfies their needs. Then I suggest a design which is improved on and refine over time. I aim to always exceed my client’s expectations and surprise them. Once they decide to move ahead with my office, I provide services that meet my client’s needs to gain their trust and establish a long-term partnership.” This is made all the more impressive when you consider that TAKANORI URATA DESIGN is a two-person operation. “There’s only two people, including myself. It is a small office, but I always try my best for my clients. I believe that my best will be evaluated as success, and it will lead to the next offer of work from my clients.” In a way that is to be very much expected for the firm, Takanori prefers to carve his own path in the sector and ignore the transient fashions and trends that come and go year on year. “I don’t mind so much about today’s trends. I always concentrate on my client’s needs first. Then, I imagine and create a design for them. I love long-life design which is simple, but never fails to be interesting. I aim for timelessness in my work and go from there.” Finally, Takanori offers some insight into TAKANORI URATA DESIGN’s future. “I don't know what will happen in future. So, I think I should try hard to make my design skill up so that I can meet variety needs from clients.”

Takanori Urata Creative Domains

Showcase

About DBD

Design Business Directory was founded on the principle that true design excellence cannot be measured by popularity alone. Instead, we believe that the most meaningful indicator of skill, creativity, and professionalism is official recognition by respected international juries who follow transparent, pre-established voting criteria. When a designer, architect, or creative agency enters a rigorous peer review process, one that evaluates submissions against clear quality benchmarks, ethical standards, and innovation requirements, it ensures that any accolades they receive are both credible and deserved and are meritocratic.

Peer-reviewed awards, such as the prestigious A’ Design Award, exist to showcase the very best in design and innovation. The A’ Design Award is judged by a balanced panel of experienced academics, influential press members, and established professionals, all of whom apply a thoroughly documented scoring system. Through this structured method of evaluation, only truly exceptional projects are recognized. This is precisely the level of excellence that Design Business Directory aims to highlight: forward-thinking professionals who have demonstrated mastery in their field according to objective, globally respected criteria.

Because we are committed to presenting only the cream of the crop in design, Design Business Directory accepts listings exclusively from those who have proven themselves in such distinguished competitions. By requiring at least one peer-reviewed award—namely, the A’ Design Award—as a prerequisite for inclusion, we maintain the authenticity and overall quality of the directory. Consequently, to be listed on Design Business Directory, you must have already won the A’ Design Award. This ensures every individual and studio showcased here operates at the highest tier of professional accomplishment, innovation, and credibility.

Get Listed at DBD


Professional Edition

Pro Entry

No Winner Fees

  • All-Inclusive A’ Design Prize (Trophy, Yearbook, Certificate, Gala Night, PR Services)
  • Designed to help promote laureates internationally, create business opportunities & provide media exposure
  • Perfect for enterprises, agencies, professionals, government & NGOs
  • Peer-reviewed & anonymous judging with no contractually obliged winner fees

Digital Edition

Digital Entry

No Winner Fees

  • Cost-Effective version of the professional edition
  • Excludes physical items like trophies, framed certificates, and gala-night invitation, reducing the fee significantly
  • Provides digital deliverables only (logos, digital certificates, etc.)
  • Same rigorous peer-reviewed & anonymous voting process

Vision Edition

Smart Entry

No Winner Fees

  • Flexible & Cost-Efficient "Smart Entry" with minimal up-front costs
  • Winners can add services (press releases, trophies, yearbook inclusion) after results are announced
  • Perfect for emerging professionals or entrepreneurs who value budget control
  • Same peer-reviewed judging but pay only for the extras you actually want
Classic Edition
Classic Edition

Industry Standard Entry

Requires Winner Fees

  • Submit your work for official A' Design Award consideration
  • Automated checks and peer review for each submission
  • Pick the package (Professional, Digital, or Vision) if you prefer no winner fees
  • Winner fees apply to finalize your award status for the Classic Edition