Through competitions, international exchange and innovation in furniture design, Asahikawa has advanced its capabilities in technique and design. Every three years, the city holds the International Design Forum Asahikawa, welcoming designers from around the world to produce innovative wooden furniture designs, some of which are commercialized.

Preserving traditional crafts and strengthening modern design is managed through a variety of institutions and local initiatives. The city has adopted the IFI Interior Declaration in 2017, establishing its long-term commitment to promoting and creating a design industry whose practices support the environment and their local communities. Traditional wood carving designs of the Ainu people displayed at the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Hall continue to hold great significance within the region due to their influence upon modern art and crafts. In order to support contemporary designers, the city has implemented two projects: a programme to pass on craft skills to successors, and a human resource development project to sustain the craft industry. To broaden opportunities and promote interaction between designers, Asahikawa will also host the Asahikawa artist in residence programme as a part of the International Furniture Design Fair Asahikawa.