Born in 1981 in Toyama, Japan, Masaki Hirokawa is a versatile graphic designer and developer. Beginning his career in web design and programming at the age of 16, he moved to Tokyo in 1999 to specialize in web and desktop publishing design. By 2002, his expertise expanded to include system engineering and advanced programming. In 2005, Hirokawa embraced a freelance career, undertaking a variety of projects encompassing web design, graphic design, and interactive media. His exceptional talent earned him the Grand Prize in the Web Screensaver Category at the MTV SO-ZO Competition in 2006. From 2008 onwards, Hirokawa authored several reference books and contributed articles to graphic design magazines, further expanding his professional repertoire. In 2011, he ventured into video game development, utilizing his technical and artistic skills. By 2013, he successfully entered the smartphone app market, with one of his apps achieving over 20 million downloads and maintaining a global user base of over 3 million active users. Rediscovering his passion for graphic design in 2019, Hirokawa began exhibiting his work internationally, from Italy to the United Kingdom and beyond. His artistic prowess was recognized in 2022 when he was named “ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2021” by the ITSLIQUID Group. Currently, he continues to integrate his graphic design expertise with his flourishing app business, constantly innovating and captivating a global audience.
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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.
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