Rate My Professor Michihiko Yanai

Michihiko Yanai is a Professor in the Department of Design, Faculty of Fine Arts, at Tokyo University of the Arts, leading Studio 2 (Design Alternative). He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1990, having completed the Design Course in the Faculty of Fine Arts from 1986 to 1990. In addition to his professorial role since 2019, he serves as Executive Assistant to the President for University Reform and Branding Strategy and Director of Geidai Art Plaza since 2023. Previously, he was Associate Professor at the same department from 2016 to 2019, part-time lecturer there from 2007 to 2016, Visiting Professor at Akita Public University of Art from 2014 to 2018, and part-time lecturer at Aoyama Gakuin University's Faculty of Cultural Studies from 2008 to 2018.

Yanai's career began at Hakuhodo Inc. from 1990 to 2003, followed by founding Kaze to Rock Co., Ltd. in 2003, where he continues as creative director. He has directed prominent campaigns such as Tower Records' 'NO MUSIC, NO LIFE.', Recruit's 'Zexy', Suntory's 'Horoyoi', and Tokyo Metro promotions. A prolific author, his key publications include 'Kaze to Rock' (2004), 'Kaze to CM' (2006), 'Creative Aikido' (2007), 'Salaryman Aikido' (2008), 'Kaze to Rock no Shashin' (2010), 'Bokura no Jidai: Jiyuu ni Naru Gijutsu' (co-authored, 2012), 'Koukoku Rock 'n' Rollers' (2014), 'Reatime Holic. Reatime Lyric.' (2022), 'Furusato ni Kaze ga Fuku' (co-authored, 2023), and 'Kumo to Niji: Boku ga Deatta Hito to Kotoba' (2024). Yanai holds extensive committee roles, including judge for the Internet Media Awards (2025-present), Fukushima Art Inspiration Photo Contest (2025-present), and chair for the Japan Magazine Advertising Awards (2024-present). He also serves as Creative Director for Fukushima Prefecture, Honorary Director at Shibuya no Radio, founding editor of the free newspaper 'KAZETOROCK' (100 issues), and guitarist in the rock band Inawashirokoz. His work spans advertising, branding, education, media production, and music.