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Close-up of a bundle of white and pink roses left atop the closed trunk of a blue 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Flowers left on top of a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a car designed by Tsutomo "Tom" Matano, on display at Cruising J-Town: Side Trip at ArtCenter's Mullin Transportation Design Center.

feature / alumni / transportation-design
October 08, 2025
By ArtCenter Staff

ARTCENTER REMEMBERS ALUMNUS TSUTOMO "TOM" MATANO, INFLUENTIAL MAZDA DESIGNER

In addition to being an automotive designer, the "father of the Miata" was also an educator and a mentor 

ArtCenter recently marked the passing of alumnus Tsutomu “Tom” Matano (BS 74), one of the College’s most celebrated transportation designers. 

An acclaimed automotive designer, educator and mentor, Matano has been called the “father of the Miata” for his role in designing the iconic first-generation Mazda Miata. Born in Nagasaki, Japan, Matano’s work and design philosophy championed empathy and human connection, values that have inspired generations of designers.

“The College is deeply saddened by the passing of Tom, who leaves behind a legacy that has touched countless car designers and enthusiasts,” said Transportation Design Chair Marek Djordjevic. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. His wisdom, warmth and creativity will be missed, but his influence will live on in all the lives he touched.” 

Tom Matano stands inside a well-lit garage next to a red Mazda MX-5 Miata.
ArtCenter alum Tom Matano stands beside the Mazda MX-5 Miata, one of his most beloved designs. Image: Mazda

Matano’s career spanned pivotal roles at General Motors, BMW and Mazda. At Mazda, he served as executive designer and later as general manager of Mazda Design, where he was responsible for some of the brand’s most celebrated vehicles. Beloved by the Mazda enthusiast community, he often appeared at fan events where he was welcomed enthusiastically. 

In addition to his long list of professional achievements, Matano was a mentor and educator. He maintained close ties with ArtCenter, from which he graduated in 1974, before beginning his career at GM. 

At the College, he supported students in the Transportation Design department, led projects and participated in events that enriched ArtCenter’s community. He also served as executive director of the School of Industrial Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. 

“Tom was my Mazda Sponsored Project leader 35 years ago at ArtCenter,” said Michael Warsaw (BS 90), an alum and chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees. “He was an executive but acted like a friend and mentor. He had so much fun reviewing our designs, critiquing hard but always with a little humor and a big smile. His salutation was ‘always inspired.’ All that have known Tom will indeed be ‘always inspired.’”

Matano’s iconic 1990 Miata can be viewed in the exhibition Cruising J-Town: Side Trip, on view through November 7 in the Mullin Transportation Design Center at ArtCenter’s South Campus.