Kaoru Tanaka

Design Consultant
Designer

Tokyo

With extensive knowledge and experience in design thinking and systemic thinking, Kaoru Tanaka has helped clients create value through branding, UX, design research, and service design, and has launched numerous products and new businesses. Recently, Kaoru has been working on social issues such as circular design, and organizational transformation to foster a mindset and culture that harnesses the creativity inherent in people. He has over 10 years of experience in branding at Hakuhodo and design consulting at IDEO, where he was instrumental in developing the Japanese market from 2006, before the Tokyo office was established, and eventually served as co-managing director of IDEO Tokyo. He has a background in video and music production. He grew up in rural Hawaii and New York. He loves road biking and cooking, and was the winner of the first and last jambalaya recipe contest.

Expertise