Himo chair, 1952
Riki Watanabe (1911–2013) was a prominent Japanese industrial designer associated with modernism. With a background in woodworking and academic roles, he founded Japan's first design studio in 1949. His renowned work includes the Himo Isu chair and the Hibiya Clock. Watanabe's influence extended to founding key Japanese design institutions, receiving prestigious awards, and earning a dedicated exhibition at MoMA in 2006.