On June 26, 2025, our CEO participated as speaker in a roundtable session at the FRENCH CREATION DAY event, held at the France Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

This event was held under the theme of Art de vivre à la française (French lifestyle), as part of a traveling exhibition aimed at presenting exceptional craftsmanship to the world. It was organized by Business France, the French government agency for trade and investment, in coordination with the French Embassy in Japan.

Art de vivre à la française has been held annually since 2009, aiming to raise awareness and develop new markets by presenting the appeal of French-made products in major cities. At this year’s FRENCH CREATION DAY held at the France Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, roundtable sessions and networking events took place to foster exchange between Japan and France.

Bringing together their expertise and experience from different fields, the speakers shared ideas and perspectives on the future of Japanese and French craftsmanship.

At this forum, where tradition and innovation, as well as regional and international perspectives, intersect, our CEO shared insights on the theme of “Preserving Tradition, Embracing Innovation” and also had the honor of closing the session.

After the event, participants were given a guided tour of the France Pavilion, including a detailed explanation of the concept behind its architecture and exhibition design. They were also invited to the VIP room, where the significance of international exchange through craftsmanship was once again highlighted.

In fact, the VIP room of the France Pavilion features COCOON Light, a lighting design we developed in collaboration with French designer Céline Wright. Also on display are a folding screen, coffee table, and side table produced by Koseido under our creative direction.

This opportunity to exhibit has reminded us of the remarkable potential of traditional Japanese crafts and materials.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to present the craftsmanship and beauty of Japan on such an international stage. As we look ahead, we remain committed to preserving the tradition of kyo-wagasa (Kyoto-style traditional umbrellas) while seeking new possibilities for their future.