Kansai Companies Building a Future Society with Expert Technologies and New Ideas

In April 2025, “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan” will be held. In correlation with the theme and concept of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which continues to attract public attention, we'd like to introduce Kansai companies and products that use futuristic and new ideas in their production.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Set for 2025

A World Expo is a gathering of people and innovations from all around the world to address a variety of challenges. It is a major event that showcases innovative technologies and cultural arts to facilitate deeper cultural interaction and exchange. The theme of this World Expo is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and it will be held with the concept of “a laboratory for a future society.”

The Kansai Region Companies Undertaking New Development and the Sharing of Ideas

Osaka, the city that will serve as the stage for the event, lies in the Kansai region of western Honshu. This time, we will be introducing four companies and projects located in the Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga prefectures of the Kansai region that are actively realizing the World Expo’s concept of “a laboratory for a future society” by undertaking new development and the sharing of ideas.

Development of New Products Through Collaboration Between Local Governments and Companies/Designers

In Higashiosaka, a city with around 5,500 companies engaged in monozukuri, the manufacturing industry is booming. In this “monozukuri city,” a project is underway to promote the appeal of Higashiosaka’s diverse technologies and creative monozukuri to audiences both in and outside of Japan.
The project, led by Higashiosaka City, is an initiative to create new products in collaboration with local companies and designers. So far, four companies specializing in the production of electrical wiring, chain-link fencing, sheet metal processing and landscape casting have collaborated with four designers to create various products with innovative ideas. For example, new cross-type, straight-type, and rain-resistant extension cords developed in collaboration with an electrical wiring company and a designer are made with thick cables that can withstand high voltage, yet are designed to be flexible and easy to handle. Furthermore, in anticipation of outdoor use, the design incorporates innovations such as the integration of the electrodes into the main unit with one-piece molding.

Creating a product from scratch is challenging, but the distinguishing characteristic of this project lies in the dedicated collaboration between companies with excellent technical expertise and designers with proven track records, working together patiently with close communication.
While engaging in new monozukuri with collaborations between companies an designers, the project also introduces the initiative to local elementary school students, instilling pride and familiarity in the area’s manufactures from a young age, thus helping to cultivate new talent within the community.

Popular Both In and Outside of Japan! Elaborate Figures That Shine With Craftsmanship and Design Sensibilities

In Osaka, a company known as a pioneer in domestic figure production creates figures with a concept of “bringing the joy of creation to everyone.” The company aims to be a “hobby model manufacturer like no other.” In the pursuit of unique creations and with a commitment to superior monozukuri, the company creates figures of popular Japanese characters such as Godzilla and Ultraman, characters from international movies and characters from anime and manga, as well as shokugan (toys included as a bonus with sweets) made in collaboration with confectionery companies, Japanese Buddhist statues and nature-themed figures. Not only do they use content from other companies, but they use their unique design sensibilities and technical expertise to create original content never before imagined, resulting in the creation of new figures one after another. This ability to create new value through collaboration is just one of the company’s strengths. Their figures are renowned for their dynamic looks, as though about to jump to life, and for their stunning accuracy and precision compared to their real counterparts. Their figures are often used as reference materials by students, and they are even popular enough to be collected by fans outside of Japan, too.
New figures that pave the way to future designs bring joy and inspiration to us all.

A Sustainable Mixed Juice Machine That Uses No Electricity

Mixed juice that comes together while pedaling a bicycle. This exciting product was born through a collaboration between a Kyoto-based design company, a specialty mixed juice shop and an Osaka-based company that designs and builds furniture, stores and homes. The product was developed with an initiative of “creating a society with good circulation through ‘mixing.’”
It uses no electricity, only the power of pedaling. The main part of the machine is made from an upcycled exercise bike. The experimental idea of using an exercise bike to make juice is truly unique and innovative. It is incredibly simple to use: just add ingredients into the mixer, push the pedals and your delicious juice will be made right there.
Furthermore, the machine raises awareness about the environment and the fun of creating without reliance on electricity. This original mixer machine is not only environmentally friendly, but also enjoyable for children and adults alike.

Discarded Coffee Grounds Reborn as Synthetic Leather!

Left to decompose, coffee grounds will emit a type of greenhouse gas called methane. Given its prevalence in daily life, the significant amount of discarded coffee grounds has become a global issue, and many countries around the world are currently grappling with the challenge of effectively disposing of and reusing coffee waste. A leather goods company in Shiga Prefecture took the initiative to find a solution and change the situation, developing a sustainable new material known as vegan leather, which is made by finely grinding discarded coffee beans and mixing them with synthetic leather components. This new material, imbued with a subtle coffee aroma, has garnered attention since its development, not only for its ability to reduce waste, but also for its potential in the creation of products with deodorizing and antibacterial effects.
Currently, the company is crafting accessories like tote bags, wallets and business card holders using the new material, however, they are considering a broader range of product offerings in the future.
It will be exciting to see what comes next from this company as they explore the possibilities of the new material, like a laboratory for the future.

The World Expo host region is home to many unique and vibrant companies specializing in monozukuri. From this place, many new and exciting products that utilize fun ideas and Japanese craftsmanship will continue to emerge.