KOHEI NAWA

 

We are pleased to announce that Sandwich Inc. took charge of the spatial design of the Kyoto Zone within the Kansai Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Amid the overwhelming array of content throughout the Expo site, our goal was to create a unified, minimal, and tranquil space—crafted in collaboration with various creators—where visitors can take the time to reflect deeply on Kyoto’s future and its profound past.

The floors and walls are covered with Kimono Tiles, a Kyoto-style ceramic tile that was developed together with Kyogawara Co.,Ltd, Asada Tile Factory. Inspired by the overlapping front panels of traditional kimono, the distinctive tile pattern is both geometric and organically irregular, and create a sense of rhythm, movement, and depth within the space. Complemented by video visuals by Shimpei Yamada from Aozora Inc. and music by composer Marihiko Hara, the result is a multi-sensory environment that tells a layered and immersive story.

Exhibition Period: until October 13 (Mon), 2025
Opening hours: 9:00 - 22:00
Venue: Expo 2025 - Kyoto Zone, Kansai Pavilion, East Gate Zone
​Yumeshimanaka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0044, Japan

Space Design: Sandwich Inc.
“Kimono tile” Production: Masahisa Asada (Kyoto Trading Co., Ltd. Asada Tile Factory)
Construction: FACT Inc. ＆ Oda space design
Video Production Surpervisor, Director: Shimpei Yamada (AOZORA, LTD.)
Music: Marihiko Hara
Sound design: Raku Nakahara (KARABINER inc.)
Lighting design: Masaki Yasuhara (Plus y)
Organized: Kyoto promotion committee for the EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN Project Management: TOPPAN Inc.

photo: Takeru Koroda

Expo 2025 Kansai Pavilion Kyoto Zone