MA 間 COLLECTIVE
the space between things
A collective exhibition for Japanese designers during Milan Design Week
MA (間): The Japanese Concept of Meaningful Space
At the heart of MA COLLECTIVE lies MA (間) — the Japanese aesthetic of meaningful space.
MA (間) is not emptiness. It is the intentional pause that shapes everything around it.
It gives rhythm, clarity and emotional depth to design, transforming the space between things into a place of connection and possibility.
In Japan, MA lives everywhere:
ARCHITECTURE
The quiet intervals that create harmony within a room.
DESIGN
The negative space that lets form and material breathe.
MUSIC
The silence that deepens the impact of a single note.
COMMUNICATION
The respectful pause that creates understanding.
MA celebrates balance — valuing what is left open as much as what is added.
This is the spirit of MA 間 COLLECTIVE.
MANIFESTO
Design is not static — it breathes, evolves and lives in the space between things.
Japanese design has always balanced silence and intensity, craft and concept, tradition and imagination. But a new Japan is emerging — vibrant, playful, digital, and experimental — where designers break boundaries while honoring the depth of their craft.
MA 間 COLLECTIVE is where these worlds meet.
A living platform shaped by MA • 間, where heritage and innovation coexist — where lacquer meets light, bamboo meets pixels, wabi-sabi meets wonder.
Here, the space between disciplines becomes the place where ideas expand.
Collaboration replaces competition, and contrast becomes harmony.
Individual visions converge, resonate, and grow stronger together — forming a new coordinate for Japanese design.
This is not about choosing between old and new.
It is about letting them collide, collaborate, and transform.
A future where creativity can live, merge, and evolve in one shared universe.
About MA 間 COLLECTIVE
MA 間 COLLECTIVE powers Milan’s first dedicated platform for Japanese design during Design Week / Fuorisalone.
This inaugural edition marks a defining moment — a united, contemporary representation of Japan's creative culture.
First Edition & Prestige
A bold entrance into Milan’s design landscape, the beginning of an era where Japanese aesthetics, innovation, and cultural vision stand at the forefront of global design exchange.
Exclusively Japanese Design
From meticulous craftsmanship to avant-garde experimentation, MA COLLECTIVE showcases the full spectrum of Japanese creativity — minimal, maximal, tactile, digital, poetic, playful.
High-Level & Recurring
MA COLLECTIVE is conceived as a long-lasting movement. Every edition becomes a new conversation between Japan and the global design world — always shifting, always expanding, always alive.
Why MA 間 COLLECTIVE Matters
1
A Distinct Identity
Japanese design stands apart. Its sense of balance, material honesty and emotional depth form an unmistakable identity that inspires designers worldwide.
2
Bridging a Market Gap
The world is paying attention to Japanese creativity, yet in Milan, designers often appear scattered, making visibility expensive and inconsistent. MA COLLECTIVE creates the missing bridge — offering presence, clarity, and shared strength.
3
Global Presence
Through a seamless blend of design, storytelling and culture, we elevate Japan to a central place in today’s global design conversation.
4
Collective Strength
Under MA COLLECTIVE, individual designers become part of a shared manifesto — amplifying each other’s work and shaping a new perception of Japan on the world stage.
How It Works & The Venue
Collective Power in Numbers
A minimum of ten participants forms the core of MA COLLECTIVE.
By coming together, Japanese designers and brands transform individual expression into shared presence — creating the collective visibility, credibility, and impact that are essential during Milan Design Week.
Strategic Venue Selection
In Milan, the location determines visibility, prestige, and the overall impact of an exhibition. As MA COLLECTIVE expands, so does our ability to secure increasingly prominent spaces in the most active, culturally significant, and prestigious districts of Milan Design Week.
Exploring Milan Design Week Districts
Milan Design Week transforms the city into a vibrant showcase, with key districts each offering a unique atmosphere and focus. Discover where innovation, art, and design converge.
Brera Design District
Known for its artistic history and sophisticated showrooms, Brera is a hub for established brands and galleries, offering an elegant experience.
Isola Design District
A dynamic area fostering emerging talents and independent designers, Isola is celebrated for its experimental and innovative showcases.
Tortona Design District
A historic industrial area now synonymous with large-scale installations and international brands, Tortona offers a high-impact, immersive experience.
5 Vie Art + Design
Milan's oldest and most charming district, 5 Vie blends ancient traditions with contemporary design, featuring artisan workshops and hidden courtyards.
Porta Venezia in Design
Focusing on Art Nouveau architecture and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, Porta Venezia showcases design with a cultural and historical narrative.
Comprehensive Services Included
We’ve designed every detail to remove barriers between your vision and the world. Our team handles the logistics — you focus on creation.
Tailored Exhibition Space
Dedicated area designed for your specific display requirements, with professional partitioning between exhibitors ensuring each designer maintains distinct identity.
Production & Installation
A dedicated support team provides professional display and installation services, ensuring flawless execution that reflects the precision and aesthetics of Japanese design.
Media & Social Coverage
A full PR strategy — including press releases, influencer collaborations, and targeted social media — to promote both the collective and each participant.
Additional Support Services
Operational Excellence
  • Staffing Solutions: Professional booth attendants who understand design language and can represent your work
  • Interpretation Services: Japanese-Italian-English interpreters available throughout Design Week
  • Technical Subcontracting: Specialised lighting design, audio systems, and temporary licensing handled seamlessly
  • Daily Maintenance: Professional cleaning services maintaining pristine presentation standards
Travel & Hospitality
  • Accommodation Coordination: Pre-negotiated rates at quality hotels convenient to exhibition venue
  • Transfer Management: Airport pickups, local transportation, and logistics support throughout your stay
  • Networking Events: Curated aperitivi and evening events connecting exhibitors with press, buyers, and design community
Maximising Your Visibility
Interni Magazine Feature
Guaranteed listing in the prestigious Interni guide as "MA 間 COLLECTIVE", ensuring discoverability by thousands of Design Week attendees actively planning their visits.
Printed Materials
Beautiful collective brochure introducing the Japanese design movement, plus individual flyers for each exhibitor explaining your unique products and design philosophy.
Rotating Programme
Workshops, talks and creative social hour — making the space alive and ever-changing, encouraging repeat visits and media interest.
Our structured programme ensures steady flow of qualified visitors, from industry buyers to design journalists, throughout the entire week.
Transparent Participation
Investment is calculated per square metre, with rates reflecting your chosen location within the exhibition space. Premium positions near entrances offer maximum visibility, while spaces further inside maintain the same professional quality and design standards at a more accessible rate. This approach ensures transparent, scalable participation for all exhibitors.
Fair Pricing Structure
Your investment is carefully tailored to your needs. Costs are based on square metre allocation and specific placement within the curated exhibition layout. This guarantees a fair, transparent pricing model, maximizing the value of your selected display area while maintaining equity across all participants.
All-Inclusive Service Option
For a completely hands-off experience, our all-inclusive package covers everything from delivery to setup. Simply ship your works to us, and our team will manage installation, presentation, and on-site coordination. A final check from you ensures your display is on point.
Joining the Collective
MA COLLECTIVE is an exclusive initiative dedicated to showcasing the depth and breadth of Japanese design.
Exclusively Japanese Design Talent
Participation is reserved for Japanese designers and design companies, embracing both established studios and emerging voices shaping the future of creativity.
A Vision for Collective Recognition
Each participant is selected through a careful evaluation of aesthetic quality, originality, craftsmanship and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the shared vision of the collective.
Join Us
If you are interested in exhibiting or would like to receive more information about participation details and costs, please contact us.
Together, we can make MA 間 COLLECTIVE the new home of Japanese design in Milan.
Please contact us at [email protected]
Let's Create Together
FUJIEU
Website
unknown link
Bridging cultures, building brands, creating meaningful connections between Japan and Europe