HIYOSHIYA HOLDINGS

We are pleased to report that on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the special events "Austria-Japan Evening" and "Cultural Co-Creation through Tradition and Innovation" were successfully held at the Austria Pavilion and Signature Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai. The events were organized by MEISTERSTRASSE HANDMADE, for whom we serve as the exclusive representative in Japan.

Thanks to your warm support, both events concluded successfully. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended.

The event was a memorable evening where traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge creativity of both Austria and Japan came together, evoking the emergence of a new cultural synergy.

The venue offered a stunning array of handcrafted works by artisans affiliated with MEISTERSTRASSE, including ceramics, silverware, jewelry, and glassware, with each piece being a testament to the craftsmanship of both nations. The exquisite sparkle of hand-blown glass and chandeliers from Lobmeyr, a venerable Austrian company, captivated many visitors.

A special highlight of the event was a live concert performed on the Bösendorfer 214VC ‘Great Wave’ grand piano.

This rare model - one of only 16 in the world - was played by Japanese pianist Shun Oi, delivering a truly timeless musical experience that revived Bösendorfer’s history in Japan, which began over 150 years ago.

The reception also featured a selection of Austrian wines and Japanese sake, offering a moment of cultural exchange through food and drink. Additionally, a presentation of the digital art project ‘KISSATEN VIENNA’ explored the theme of the ‘café of the future’ by blending tradition and technology.

Earlier that day, the symposium, "The Future of MEISTERSTRASSE HANDMADE" was held under the theme "Cultural Co-Creation through Tradition and Innovation". Craft enthusiasts from around the world gathered to engage in a lively discussion on the future of craftsmanship, culture, design, music, hospitality and digitalization.

The keynote speech was delivered by former Japan national football team player Hidetoshi Nakata, who spoke passionately about the potential of Japanese culture and the importance of sharing it with the rest of the world. His words resonated deeply with the audience. We are also grateful for the strong interest shown in the traditional umbrellas (wagasa) and initiatives by HIYOSHIYA, and that this led to meaningful new connections.

Through this event, we were reminded once again that craftsmanship has the power to connect people across countries and generations, shaping the future. We hope that this special evening spent together will serve as a step toward future cultural co-creation, and we sincerely thank everyone who attended. Moving forward, we will work with MEISTERSTRASSE and craft enthusiasts around the world to create places where tradition and innovation come together.

About MEISTERSTRASSE

HIYOSHIYA serves as the official Japanese agent for MEISTERSTRASSE HANDMADE, an international platform founded 25 years ago in Vienna by Nicola and Christoph Rath to promote exceptional craftsmanship. Today, the MEISTERSTRASSE website features over 5,000 artisan workshops worldwide, ranging from long-established traditional companies to small studios run by passionate, skilled craftsmen. MEISTERSTRASSE HANDMADE introduces carefully selected handmade masterpieces and regional specialities in a curated online shop and at pop-up events around the world.