Shigetaka Kurita
Shigetaka Kurita is a Japanese designer best known for creating the first set of emojis in 1999 while working for the mobile phone company Docomo. His original collection of 176 emojis, which included iconic symbols like the heart, was designed to enhance digital communication in Japan and has since become a global phenomenon. In recognition of his pioneering work, Kurita was awarded the Webby Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2023, highlighting the lasting impact of his designs on modern communication.
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United Kingdom:
Shigetaka Kurita’s 176-icon set was the first emoji set to go mainstream.
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Switzerland:
Shigetaka Kurita was commissioned by Docomo to design symbols for message transmission, resulting in the creation of the first emoji set.
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