Design project MILE is formed by acoustic engineer, Bandai Matsuo, software engineer, Kentaro Kai and interior designer, Kozo Shimoyama. As like the proverb, “Three heads are better than one” (the Chinese character for “MILE” can be read as “san” meaning three in Japanese), the trio are expanding their design activities, fully utilising each member’s specialty. Incorporating humor-filled storytelling in their ideas and design, they create products that plesantly link people, objects and space. In Milan Salone 2009, the trio has been selected as one of the aspiring 24 groups of young talents by ELLE DECO from various countries.

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Bandai Matsuo : Acoustic engineer.
Born in 1977. Graduated from University of Tsukuba, Collage of Engineering Systems in 2000. Ever since, he has worked for many audio equipment manufacturers, developing enclosures and acoustics. While he has working for Audio-Technica in 2004. Matsuo received a Good Design Award for the inner-ear headphones ‘ATH-EC7.’

Kentaro Kai : Software engineer.
Born in 1978. Graduated from University of Tsukuba, Collage of Informatics in 2001. In the same year, he joined Microsoft, where he participated in the development of the office application Microsoft Office. In 2006, Kai began participating in an internet-related venture company, where he develops various software.

Kozo Shimoyama : Interior designer.
Born in 1977. Graduated from University of Tsukuba, Collage of Engineering Sciences in 2000. In 2003, he graduated from the School of Art and Design of the same university, majoring in architectural design. In the same year, Shimoyama joined INAX corp., where he worked in product development. From 2006 to 2008, he worked for the design office Amp D inc., where he participated in the design of commercial spaces. In 2008, he founded Kozo Shimoyama Design Office.

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