TDC Yuichiro Katsumoto
NUMBERS DESIGN BY
AWARD
2026
TDC Prize
Yuichiro Katsumoto

Sasu 28

Yuichiro Katsumoto| Sasu 28
Yuichiro Katsumoto| Sasu 28
Yuichiro Katsumoto| Sasu 28
Yuichiro Katsumoto| Sasu 28

Since ancient times, humans have been writing and drawing with lines. In contrast, computers present information using dots. Recognizing this difference, I have been using computers to manipulate linear objects to form characters and drawings since 2016. In this work, I focused on the “needle.” In the culture of Chinese characters, the needle is a tool used to pierce cloth and tell time. Furthermore, the needle has a dual nature: it is a line when viewed from the side and a point when viewed from the tip. This work controls the duality of the needle, with 28 sewing needles appearing and disappearing from the surface of a black knit. This visualizes the passage of time as the needles move back and forth between point and line, analog and digital. I was literally speechless when I received the news that my work had won the prize. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the judges, the secretariat, and the people who support my work daily. I also deeply thank my wife, who taught me how enjoyable it can be to play with letters.

 

 

Support: JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP24K15251

Yuichiro Katsumoto

Yuichiro Katsumoto

Media artist and a professor at the School of Science and Engineering at Tokyo Denki University, where he directs the university’s Utsuroi Lab. He creates devices that question technology and expression, based on findings from everyday life and prototyping. His work is presented continuously at international conferences such as ACM SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Asia. His major awards include the Tokyo TDC Prize (2026), nominations for the prize (2018 and 2025), the A’ Design Award & Competition Platinum Prize (2024), the Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize (2011), and the Japan Media Arts Festival Encouragement Prize (2006).

https://katsumotoy.com/