Oki Sato hands Nendo leadership to Akihiro Ito

Oki Sato, founder of design studio Nendo, announced he will step down as leader, passing the role to managing director and co-founder Akihiro Ito. The chief designer position will be entrusted to multiple young designers. Sato founded Nendo in 2002 and will remain closely involved in creative work. The change was announced on Nendo's Instagram page. Sato stated the transformation is needed for the company to grow and evolve. Nendo has designed high-profile projects including a spherical hydrogen-flame cauldron for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in-flight amenities for Japan Airlines, a sliceable trophy for Japan's athletics association, the latest generation of France's TGV trains with Arep, the Hand in Hand cottages in Karuizawa, and an archive guest house made from concrete box culverts.