In the 1960s, Kuramata opened his own design studio, where he created unique furniture using materials such as acrylic glass, aluminum and stainless steel. He also designed interiors for stores, restaurants and public spaces, including the famous Issey Miyake store in Tokyo.
Kuramata was known for his avant-garde approach to design, incorporating elements such as transparency, lightness and simplicity into his creations. He won several awards for his work, including the Good Design Award in 1989 for his How High the Moon chair.
Kuramata died in 1991 at the age of 56 of lung cancer. His contribution to the world of design continues to inspire designers the world over.