Akira Fujimoto

Born at Saganoseki in Oita city in 1937. Joined Sanei Shobo Art Department in 1959 and assumed the chief editor of “AUTO SPORT” in 1969. Launching a car styling specialized magazine “CAR STYLING” with both Japanese and English translation for the first time in Japan in 1972, and assumed the chief editor. Providing a fresh air to car and car design industries in Japan which were lagged behind the world car design, played even a role to cultivate designers beyond a framework of industrial and specialized magazine, Gained independence in 1974. Established CAR STYLING Co., Ltd. in 1979 assuming the representative director, president and chief editor. Suspended publication of CAR STYLING after 169th issue. In addition, served as director of Japan Automotive Hall of Fame, chairman of Car of the Year Award selection committee, judge of Torino Piemonte Car Design Award (1984~1997), judge of Mitsubishi Motors International Car Design Competition (1997~2002), judge of Luis Vuitton Classic Concour D’Elegance (2001~2004), judge of World Car Design Competition (Canada) (2002~2005) and establishment executive committee member of 2004 World Car of the Year.