Keechdesign Celebrates 20 Years of Creative Excellency

The BCCJ is pleased to announce that Keechdesign celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of creative collaboration shaped by a strong and enduring connection between the UK and Japan.

Founded in London in 2005, Keechdesign’s roots are closely tied to Japan. Founder and Managing Director David Keech lived and worked in Japan as the first non-Japanese designer at Yamaha, an experience that went on to shape the agency’s outlook and long-term approach to partnership. Since then, Japanese companies and collaborations have remained central to Keechdesign’s story.

Over the past twenty years, the agency has worked closely with Japanese organisations including Yamaha, Epson, Yanmar, JR Central, Morinaga, Seiko, AIM Engineering, Heralbony and the Shiro Nakamura Design Platform. Supporting companies across sectors such as transport, technology, consumer goods and heavy machinery, Keechdesign has helped Japanese brands communicate clearly and confidently with international audiences.

This focus on UK–Japan collaboration remains strong today, reflected in recent initiatives such as Islands of Design: Japan, UK and the Creative Connection, held in collaboration with Japan House London.

The agency’s commitment to long-term partnership was recognised at the 2025 British Business Awards, where Keechdesign was nominated for Company of the Year and UK–Japan Partnership of the Year, the latter for its continued work with Central Japan Railway.

To mark its 20th anniversary, Keechdesign has created a short film reflecting on the people and partnerships that have shaped the agency along the way.

Reflecting on the milestone, David Keech says:

'From the very beginning, Keechdesign has been shaped by collaboration and cultural exchange. Working closely with Japanese partners has influenced how we approach design, communication and long-term relationships.'

As the agency looks to the future, its focus remains on thoughtful creativity, strong partnerships, and building meaningful connections between Japan, the UK and global markets.