Photo: Kenji Ekuan
It was only days ago when we introduced the absolute latest addition to the Yamaha VMAX family, the VMAX Carbon special edition machine. While the bike shone in all its serene glory, the creator of the original VMAX concept, was living his last days. It is with sadness and utmost respect that we have to announce you the passing of major Japanese design guru Kenji Ekuan.
The Yamaha VMAX is only marginal to his creativity, as the crown design for his career seems to be the Kikkoman soy sauce bottle he crated back in 1961. Among his most noticeable designs we also have to include the Komachi bullet train which connects the capital Tokyo and the northern regions of Japan, the Narita Express airport liner and countless products and logos.
A monk going for design
Born in 1927, Kenji Ekuan was supposed to follow in his dad’s steps and become a monk in a temple of post-atomic Hiroshima. His father had died because of radiation illness and Ekuan contemplated succeeding him in the temple. However, life reserved another path for the young Japanese, and he chose design. In 1955 he graduated the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, and in 1957, the Art Center College of Design, now located in Pasadena.
Kenji Ekuan also founded his own design company, GK industrial Design Group and later became an influential name in the industry. Ekuan was also distinguished with the prestigious Golden Compass Award, the same high accolade the Ducati 1199 Panigale was awarded recently.
Yamaha VMAX has just turned 30 this year, with the VMAX Carbon being launched as an anniversary model. The bike retains the full-fledged power figures and sheds some weight by means of dedicated Akrapovic exhaust silencers and extensive use of carbon fiber parts, such as fenders and side covers.
A monk going for design
Born in 1927, Kenji Ekuan was supposed to follow in his dad’s steps and become a monk in a temple of post-atomic Hiroshima. His father had died because of radiation illness and Ekuan contemplated succeeding him in the temple. However, life reserved another path for the young Japanese, and he chose design. In 1955 he graduated the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, and in 1957, the Art Center College of Design, now located in Pasadena.
Kenji Ekuan also founded his own design company, GK industrial Design Group and later became an influential name in the industry. Ekuan was also distinguished with the prestigious Golden Compass Award, the same high accolade the Ducati 1199 Panigale was awarded recently.
Yamaha VMAX has just turned 30 this year, with the VMAX Carbon being launched as an anniversary model. The bike retains the full-fledged power figures and sheds some weight by means of dedicated Akrapovic exhaust silencers and extensive use of carbon fiber parts, such as fenders and side covers.
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