In early 50s, a group of students of then the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music (presently the Tokyo University of the Arts) started to study and practice industrial design in the hope of restoring life in war torn nation. They named the group as GK short for Group of Koike after Mr. Koike, then an associate professor of the university who led the study and venture of the group. In 60s, along with nation's growth, design had widened its realm and had spearheaded into the emerging era of many developing projects such as a new product, a new business, an urban and a regional development.
70s had lifted the curtain with the opening of Osaka Expo. Although Japan was initiated into international society, it had faced an era of sluggish growth caused by sudden oil shock and dollar shock in economic doldrums. In 1973, by heavy involvement of GK members, the first world industrial design conference in Asia was held in Kyoto. While Japan had again drawn attention of the world, GK had set up an outpost in both home and abroad like in Kyoto and Los Angeles.
Japan in 80s was heading toward information era through matured industrialized period. And it was getting into the era of bubble economy. In the midst of proceeding division and privatization of governmental institutions, GK Group had divided itself per professional realms. At the same time, GK opened regional and overseas offices such as in Hiroshima and Amsterdam. This strategic move enabled GK to lively develop a new business opportunity and created Group's primary framework to this day.
In 90s, a man-made calamity and a natural disaster had struck Japan one after another such as burst of bubble economy in 92, Hanshin Awaji great earthquake in 95. To operate the organization in this background, GK had tried to build organizational structure endurable to such change, and aimed at enhancing intellectual creativity heading toward a new century. In addition, to be prepared for a new Asian era to come, GK had opened an office also in China that was growing in tremendous speed.
In 2002, GK had 50th anniversary. The group is going to build an organization looking toward next 50 years. Design now should listen to a wake-up call from ﾒmother earthﾓ again. This is the time that GK Group is to actively recommend and propose any measure to design field in the new century, facing many issues such as global environment, food, resources, cultural conflict, etc., by exerting its organized creativity on it.