Latest news with #Osaka-KansaiExpo
Asahi Shimbun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
See floating shoes, turf dress in expo's future fashion week
Magnetically levitating shoes will be on display at the Osaka-Kansai Expo's future fashion show in September. The footwear, along with other conceptual future fashion items, is showcased at a preview in Osaka on July 18. (Kazuhito Suwa) OSAKA—Shoes that float, dresses that grow living plants and garments that fold like origami—these are just a few of the futuristic fashions that will be on display at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in September. These imaginative designs, revealed during a preview on July 18, reflect a spirit of experimentation and wonder, prioritizing innovation and inspiration over immediate practicality. The preview, held at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, featured prototypes developed by local small and midsize businesses aiming to spark curiosity about what the clothes of the future could look like. Among the standout pieces are levitating shoes created by shoe manufacturer Re:getA and wetsuit material company Yamamoto Corp. The shoes hover using magnets embedded in the soles that repel against magnets in the display base, lifting the shoes off the ground—though not strong enough to lift a person. Re:getA President Yasuo Takamoto explained that stronger neodymium magnets, typically used in electric vehicle motors, could theoretically support the weight of humans. However, the cost and technical challenges—such as the need for a maglev-style ground platform—make that a distant dream. 'Like flying cars, there's something magical about floating objects,' Takamoto said. 'I hope our floating shoes will inspire children to explore the world of manufacturing in the future.' Although the floating shoes remain conceptual, the company is exploring ideas for footwear that uses magnets to improve shock absorption. Another eye-catching concept is a photosynthetic outfit, co-developed by four Osaka-based companies including textile maker Toki Sen-i Co. and cosmetics firm Momotani Juntenkan. The clothing features a mesh fabric infused with moisturizing lotion and seeded with plants such as cat grass, clover and turf. With regular misting, the garments sprout greenery in a week. 'Roots grow inward toward the skin, so we need to improve the fabric's comfort,' said Yoshiaki Oshita, executive director at Toki Sen-i. 'There are still many hurdles to commercialize this.' Despite this, the concept has already sparked public imagination. Observers suggested using it as a fur alternative, turning wearers into walking greenery in urban environments, or even growing edible plants. Meanwhile, an 'origami garment' project by auto dismantling firm Yoshimura Industry Co. and Osaka Institute of Fashion combines sustainability and versatility. Made from repurposed airbag fabric salvaged from scrapped vehicles, the garments can be folded into various styles. A single piece transforms into multiple outfits without any cutting, reducing waste. 'We hope the technology packed into this piece can inspire what fashion could look like in the future,' said Yuki Nakagawa, a third-year student at the institute and a member of the project team. These exhibits will be open to the public from Sept. 23 to 29 inside the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion at the expo site. No reservations are required for entry.
Yomiuri Shimbun
5 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Akazawa, Japan's Chief Negotiator for Tariff Talks, Plans to Visit U.S. for 8th Round of Talks
Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa plans to visit the United States this week at the earliest for an eighth round for tariff negotiations, he said Saturday at a ministerial meeting. Akazawa told reporters in Osaka about the planned visit after showing U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent around the venue of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Bessent is the chief U.S. negotiator for Japan's tariff talks. The Aug. 1 deadline of the U.S. imposing its 25% 'reciprocal tariff' on Japanese imports is approaching. 'While protecting Japan's national interests, I want to continue efforts of searching for a possible concession that both sides can agree on,' Akazawa said. If his visit to the United States is realized, it will be Akazawa's first since late June. On the day, Akazawa and Bessent visited the Japanese and U.S. pavilions at the Expo as the U.S. treasury secretary attended an official event for the United States' 'national day' at the Expo. The U.S. did not regard Bessent's visit to Japan as part of the tariff talks. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Bessent met on Friday but exchanged only a few remarks about the tariff. 'We did not discuss tariff-related issues,' Akazawa added on Saturday.
Yomiuri Shimbun
7 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan PM Ishiba Meets U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent to Talk Tariffs, Hoping for Progress
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline for when 'reciprocal tariffs' are set to be imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ishiba hopes to advance tariff negotiations. Bessent, who oversees the tariff talks between Japan and the United States, arrived in Japan on Thursday and is set to lead the delegation participating in the United States' 'national day' at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo on Saturday. Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa, who is the chief tariff negotiator for Japan, will host the U.S. delegation in Osaka on Saturday.
Yomiuri Shimbun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Kodo Taiko Group Drummer Makes Homecoming Debut in Iwate Pref.
OSHU, Iwate — The pounding of taiko drums reverberated throughout a hall in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, in mid-June as renowned taiko drum performance art ensemble Kodo performed for its Japan Tour. For Hana Ogawa, her debut with the group was also a homecoming. Having been recognized as a full member about a year ago, 23-year-old Ogawa showed off her elegant drumming technique in the middle of about 15 members at Oshu City Bunka Kaikan Z Hall on June 14. She and the group captivated about 900 audience members, including her family and friends, with their powerful drumbeats. Kodo was founded in 1981 and is based on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. The ensemble has performed over 7,500 shows in 54 countries and regions. The group also performed at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo in April. When Ogawa was a third grader in elementary school, she began playing the taiko at a local school after a friend invited her. She first saw Kodo perform live during her second year at Hanamaki Higashi High School. She was deeply moved by the sound of the taiko and the performance as well as the members' demeanor, which made her want to wear their hanten jacket and perform with them. After graduating from high school, Ogawa moved to Sado to live on her own and enrolled at Kodo. During her two-year training period, she devoted six days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. to practicing the taiko, singing, dancing and running about 7 kilometers. She also cultivated her senses through learning tea ceremony and noh, and built up her lower body strength through farm work. In 2022, she became an associate member to accompany Kodo's tours. Students usually practice as an apprentice for a year before being selected as an official Kodo member. However, once one year passed, Ogawa was told that her apprenticeship would be extended. The leader, Yuichiro Funabashi, said that her performance was 'textbook-perfect, but lacked individuality and was unremarkable.' His point puzzled Ogawa, who thought, 'I'm giving it my all, so what else can I do?' While seeking advice from her colleagues, she realized something. Her eagerness to keep up with her seniors had taken the expression away from her face on stage and during practice. By trying to smile instead of aiming to be perfect, she gradually began to enjoy her performances more. After about four years since joining, she was selected as a regular member in January 2024, fulfilling her long-held dream. At the long-awaited homecoming show, she performed six pieces. 'I was nervous, and it felt like the show finished in a moment, although I've done the same performance elsewhere,' she said. Ogawa's friends and acquaintances came after the show to tell her things like, 'You looked great!' That made her happy as she could show them her efforts and progress. Ogawa said she is determined to stand on the world stage while spreading knowledge of taiko in Iwate Prefe
Yomiuri Shimbun
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Ishiba Likely to Meet with Bessent in Tokyo This Week; U.S. Treasury Secretary to Attend Expo Event
Arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is scheduled to visit Japan to attend an event at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo in Osaka on Saturday, it has been learned. Bessent is the chief negotiator for the Japan-U.S. talks on tariffs imposed by the United States on Japanese products. According to Japanese government sources, Ishiba hopes to make progress in the negotiations as the Aug. 1 deadline nears. A meeting is being planned to take place in Tokyo on Friday, the sources said. Ryosei Akazawa, minister in charge of economic revitalization and Japan's chief negotiator, is also expected to meet with Bessent. Bessent will participate in an event for the U.S. national day at the Expo as the head of the U.S. delegation.
