Masaki Kawahara

Masaki Kawahara has been the driving creative force behind so many Japan’s largest expressions of beloved Japanese IP. From 18-meter tall mechanical Gundam statues, to real scale Godzilla appearing in Awaji Island, to beloved Ghibli artifacts spread through the country, he has had an outsized impact on Japanese popular culture.

His recent work on the Gundam Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka is just another example of the commitment to create excellence in immersive storytelling. You may also recognize him in the collaboration with famed landscape architect and animation director Goro Miyazaki on Ghibli Park, Valley of Witches, a 2025 TEA Award winner for Immersive Lands.

As a mentor, he has guided countless young designers in his role as Executive Creative Director at Nomura. Through guidance and example, he empowers others to excel in their own craft and brings out the best in everyone he works with. In his current role, he directs everything from planning to design and quality control for space creation. He

has developed innovative ways to deliver projects, and he has been instrumental in revolutionizing the industry. He is a true Master of his Craft, and a leader in Japan’s vibrant cultural entertainment industry.