Latest news with #SachikoNakajima
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Hong Kong Fabric Innovator Comfiknit Supports The Unified Diversity Fashion Show - SOROYURU in Osaka･Kansai Expo
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 August 2025 - Hong Kong fabric innovator Comfiknit is proud to support the Unified Diversity Fashion Show - SOROYURU, which was held on August 8, 2025 at Expo2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Adults and children from around the world gathered to showcase their respective cultures and -promoting textile technology in celebration of cultural diversity, sustainability, and inclusiveness. 'SOROYURU' - Transforming the Future of Fashion The Unified Diversity Fashion Show - SOROYURU took place at the Wasse Exhibition Hall, Expo 2025 Osaka. Models from Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Italy, France, Jordan, Canada, and Liberia were dressed in fashionable ethnic costumes made of Comfiknit's fabrics, showcasing the beauty of SOROYURU. The pieces designed for the nine nations are diverse when some of the elements on one piece are partially matched with those on another, creating a subtle sense of interconnection. The collection channels the 'SOROYURU' concept, which extends beyond colours and patterns to encompass the resonance of thoughts, ideas, and directions, fostering a harmonious balance and showcasing the linkage/unity of diversity and empathy beyond race, gender, and culture from different parts of the world. The Japanese word 'soro' (soroeru) means 'gentle coordination' while 'yuru' refers to 'something loosened, relaxed, laid-back, or unpretentious'. Comfiknit has engaged in a collaboration with Japan's innovative SteAm Design House to promote the 'SOROYURU' concept, which is envisioned to lead the development of a future-proof sustainable fashion business. SteAm was founded by Sachiko Nakajima, the curator of the Jellyfish Pavilion. A SOROYURU Executive Committee has been formed to advance the mission, with the Unified Diversity Fashion Show as the kick-off event. Comfiknit: Clothing as A Means to Enhancing Wellbeing Hiroyuki Akahori ( 赤堀宏之), Co-founder of Comfiknit, said the fabric innovator is very proud to take part in the Expo2025 as a Hong Kong company, and sponsor the meaningful fashion show, which aligns with the company's endeavor to redefine the standards of well fashion for the next generation and beyond. 'Comfiknit takes a future-proof approach to clothing in response to the growing concern for wellbeing and sustainability. The patented proprietary technology of the Comfiknit multi-layer fabrics provides wearers with the ability to manage the micro-climate on their skin, offering supreme comfort and protection without compromising style. ' Comfiknit has been working with top-notch institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US and Nagasaki University, Japan, to research the cooling properties of activewear fabrics and eczema-friendly fabrics. The event producer Sachiko Nakajima ( 中島幸子）remarked, 'The event is about co-creation with shared values, visions, and joint efforts in the selection and combination process. The process itself is a great experience in promoting empathy and connections. ' Official Uniform Supplier of Jellyfish Pavilion Comfiknit is the official apparel supplier of the Jellyfish Pavilion of the Expo 2025 Osaka. The colorful uniform with varying, vibrant graphics is designed by a renowned Japanese fashion designer, Shinshiro Mizuno (水野 信四郎), and made of Comfiknit's sweat management fabric. Shinshiro Mizuno and Indonesian designer Thresia Mareta are the fashion show designers. Mizuno has worked with Givenchy, Hanaemori, Yuki Tori, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, and owner of his brand[fuse] and a Givenchy-licensed wedding gown brand. Mareta, an architect-turned-fashion designer, is the founder of sustainable design brand LAKON, with a mission to cultivate an ecosystem for craftspeople to transform and sustain their craftsmanship. Special Offering to Expo2025 Kansai Visitors A limited-edition SOROYURU T-shirt collection is featured at the pavilion. Visitors to Osaka can buy Comfiknit's Activewear and Daily wear, including the SOROYURU collection at: E Salon, 5/F Lucua Osaka ( 7-26 Aug ) 〒530-8558 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3 Chome−1−3
Fashion Value Chain
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Comfiknit Showcases SOROYURU at Osaka Expo 2025
Hong Kong-based textile innovator Comfiknit proudly participated in the Unified Diversity Fashion Show – SOROYURU at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Japan, held on August 8, 2025. This global event brought together adults and children from nine nations—Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Italy, France, Jordan, Canada, and Liberia—to celebrate cultural diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity through fashion. The SOROYURU collection featured ethnic-inspired garments made from Comfiknit's advanced fabrics, where design elements subtly echoed across multiple outfits to symbolize interconnectedness. Drawing from the Japanese words soro ('gentle coordination') and yuru ('relaxed, unpretentious'), the concept highlights harmony, empathy, and unity across differences in race, gender, and culture. Comfiknit collaborated with Japan's SteAm Design House, led by Jellyfish Pavilion curator Sachiko Nakajima, to champion SOROYURU as a forward-looking, sustainable fashion philosophy. This initiative aims to redefine the future of the fashion business through co-creation and shared values. Hiroyuki Akahori, Co-founder of Comfiknit, expressed pride in representing Hong Kong at the Expo, noting that the event aligns with the company's mission to merge comfort, style, and sustainability. Comfiknit's patented multi-layer fabrics regulate skin micro-climate, ensuring optimal comfort and protection while being environmentally responsible. Research collaborations with MIT and Nagasaki University further enhance the brand's activewear and eczema-friendly offerings. As the official uniform supplier for the Jellyfish Pavilion, Comfiknit created vibrant, sweat-managing apparel designed by renowned Japanese designer Shinshiro Mizuno. The SOROYURU fashion show also featured designs by Mizuno and Indonesian sustainable fashion designer Thresia Mareta. Visitors to the Expo can purchase limited-edition SOROYURU T-shirts and other Comfiknit products at E Salon, Lucua Osaka, from August 7–26, 2025.
Arabian Post
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
Hong Kong Fabric Innovator Comfiknit Supports The Unified Diversity Fashion Show – SOROYURU in Osaka･Kansai Expo
Showcasing its Disruptive Textile Technology on a Global Stage & Celebrating Diversity and Interconnection HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – Hong Kong fabric innovator Comfiknit is proud to support the Unified Diversity Fashion Show – SOROYURU, which was held on August 8, 2025 at Expo2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Adults and children from around the world gathered to showcase their respective cultures and -promoting textile technology in celebration of cultural diversity, sustainability, and inclusiveness. The Unified Diversity Fashion Show at Expo2025 Osaka-Kansai 'SOROYURU' – Transforming the Future of Fashion ADVERTISEMENT The Unified Diversity Fashion Show – SOROYURU took place at the Wasse Exhibition Hall, Expo 2025 Osaka. Models from Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Italy, France, Jordan, Canada, and Liberia were dressed in fashionable ethnic costumes made of Comfiknit's fabrics, showcasing the beauty of SOROYURU. The pieces designed for the nine nations are diverse when some of the elements on one piece are partially matched with those on another, creating a subtle sense of interconnection. The collection channels the 'SOROYURU' concept, which extends beyond colours and patterns to encompass the resonance of thoughts, ideas, and directions, fostering a harmonious balance and showcasing the linkage/unity of diversity and empathy beyond race, gender, and culture from different parts of the world. The Japanese word 'soro' (soroeru) means 'gentle coordination' while 'yuru' refers to 'something loosened, relaxed, laid-back, or unpretentious'. Comfiknit has engaged in a collaboration with Japan's innovative SteAm Design House to promote the 'SOROYURU' concept, which is envisioned to lead the development of a future-proof sustainable fashion business. SteAm was founded by Sachiko Nakajima, the curator of the Jellyfish Pavilion. A SOROYURU Executive Committee has been formed to advance the mission, with the Unified Diversity Fashion Show as the kick-off event. Comfiknit: Clothing as A Means to Enhancing Wellbeing Hiroyuki Akahori ( 赤堀宏之), Co-founder of Comfiknit, said the fabric innovator is very proud to take part in the Expo2025 as a Hong Kong company, and sponsor the meaningful fashion show, which aligns with the company's endeavor to redefine the standards of well fashion for the next generation and beyond. ADVERTISEMENT 'Comfiknit takes a future-proof approach to clothing in response to the growing concern for wellbeing and sustainability. The patented proprietary technology of the Comfiknit multi-layer fabrics provides wearers with the ability to manage the micro-climate on their skin, offering supreme comfort and protection without compromising style. ' Comfiknit has been working with top-notch institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US and Nagasaki University, Japan, to research the cooling properties of activewear fabrics and eczema-friendly fabrics. The event producer Sachiko Nakajima ( 中島幸子）remarked, 'The event is about co-creation with shared values, visions, and joint efforts in the selection and combination process. The process itself is a great experience in promoting empathy and connections. ' Official Uniform Supplier of Jellyfish Pavilion Comfiknit is the official apparel supplier of the Jellyfish Pavilion of the Expo 2025 Osaka. The colorful uniform with varying, vibrant graphics is designed by a renowned Japanese fashion designer, Shinshiro Mizuno (水野 信四郎), and made of Comfiknit's sweat management fabric. Shinshiro Mizuno and Indonesian designer Thresia Mareta are the fashion show designers. Mizuno has worked with Givenchy, Hanaemori, Yuki Tori, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, and owner of his brand[fuse] and a Givenchy-licensed wedding gown brand. Mareta, an architect-turned-fashion designer, is the founder of sustainable design brand LAKON, with a mission to cultivate an ecosystem for craftspeople to transform and sustain their craftsmanship. Special Offering to Expo2025 Kansai Visitors A limited-edition SOROYURU T-shirt collection is featured at the pavilion. Visitors to Osaka can buy Comfiknit's Activewear and Daily wear, including the SOROYURU collection at: E Salon, 5/F Lucua Osaka ( 7-26 Aug ) 〒530-8558 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3 Chome−1−3 Hashtag: #Comfiknit #SteAM #OsakaKansaiExpo #farbicinnovation #Soroyuru #fashion #diveristy #SDG The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Comfiknit Comfiknit is a fabric innovator and spearhead of well fashion, dedicated to developing fabrics intelligence for skin microclimate management that makes our fabrics work in sync with the human body for optimal performance of evaporative cooling, moisturizing, protection and healing. Based in Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Comfiknit presents a range of wellness-focused products: Active wear, Moisturizing Travel wear, Daily wear and Eczema-friendly clothing （ Eczewear) About Jellyfish Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka The Jellyfish Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka is curated by musician, mathematician, and STEAM educator Sachiko Nakajima as a co-creation space that brings science, technology, and art together to work towards the goals of the Expo2025. Activities and performances promoting sustainable development and the enhancement of well-being from different parts of the world are broadcast on the 360-degree screen in the pavilion. Thematic talks are held there every day. Comfiknit is showcasing its health-promoting fabric innovation in collaboration with MIT and Nagasaki University, Japan, in the Jellyfish Pavilion.
Scoop
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Te Ao Māori Steps Onto The World Expo Stage Once Again; Carries The Full Force Of Mana Motuhake O Te Ao Māori
More than 70 Māori delegates from Aotearoa are arriving in Osaka to celebrate Te Aratini: Indigenous Peoples Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai from 4–10 August 2025. They will be joined by over 170 Indigenous representatives from across the globe. 'This global delegation is a declaration that Indigenous Peoples are not peripheral to global conversations. We are central to its future,' says Ngahiwi Tomoana, Kaihautū for Te Aratini. From Aotearoa, iwi leaders and Māori executives to performing artists and entrepreneurs, this dynamic Māori delegation embodies the diversity, determination and vitality of our living culture. More than $1 million NZD has been collectively invested through self-funded travel, direct contributions, and the gift of our delegates' time, affirming a shared commitment to a kaupapa that stretches across oceans, generations, and worldviews. 'Our people are not waiting to be invited. We are investing in our own future, standing in our own sovereignty, and carrying the weight of our tīpuna with us,' proclaims Tomoana, echoing the sentiments he voiced at Expo 2020 Dubai: 'Māori will be at every World Expo, whether or not Aotearoa has an official presence.' Five years in the making, Te Aratini builds upon its successful launch at World Expo 2020 Dubai. Formidable partners from Japan's Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion, Australia and Canada have generously shared their spaces on the world stage, grounded in an Indigenous ethic of connection and care. This next chapter would not have been possible without the foresight and advocacy of Professor Kenji Yoshida, Senior Cultural Adviser to Expo 2025 Osaka, and Professor Emeritus and former Director-General of the National Museum of Ethnology and Japan's Thematic Project Producer 'Invigorating Lives' Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Sachiko Nakajima. Reflecting on these pivotal relationships, Tomoana shares: 'We travel to Japan as manuhiri and acknowledge the Ainu people as an Indigenous Peoples of Japan, joining in shared spirit and mindful of the deep tikanga and kawa that shape our engagement. Each delegate is an ambassador. Together, we are future-focused, frontier-exploring, and fiercely Indigenous,' explains Tomoana. 'Through the vision of Professor Yoshida and our friends in Japan, doors began to open. Through his advocacy, we established an early connection to Sachiko Nakajima and laid the foundation for Te Aratini: Indigenous Peoples Week . Our relationship is built on shared purpose and the belief that Indigenous voices belong at the heart of the global conversation.' Building on that foundation, Professor Yoshida and Sachiko Nakajima recognised that the week of 4– 10 August, culminating in the United Nations International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (9 August), would offer the most powerful and resonant moment to honour and elevate Indigenous Peoples globally through Expo. Te Aratini invites the world into a future where Indigenous values of reciprocity, responsibility, and relationality are remembered and reimagined at scale. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, also joins the delegation to support this kaupapa. Mahuta was an instrumental partner in the inaugural Te Aratini: Festival of Indigenous & Tribal Ideas at Expo 2020 Dubai, and an advocate for continued engagement between Te Aratini and Japan in the years leading up Expo 2025 Osaka. 'Te Aratini is a unique opportunity to promote Indigenous-to-Indigenous relations and cross-cultural diplomacy. During this time of significant geo-political tension Indigenous Peoples provide a different advantage to promote peace, prosperity and planetary wellbeing. I look forward to promoting the Tauhokohoko a research project, which is designed to inform Indigenous trade policy" said Mahuta. For Tomoana, 'Expo is not the destination, it's the waka. And we are paddling together toward futures forged in tino rangatiratanga, mana motuhake, and whanaungatanga. Tū Māori mai, e te iwi. The world is watching. And we are ready!' Programme Highlights: Across the week, Te Aratini partners will deliver a compelling programme of events that honour Indigenous ingenuity, cultural resurgence, economic aspiration and leadership. Monday 4 August: Te Aratini launches at the Australia Pavilion with keynote speakers including Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Canada's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Keith Smith, and Indigenous Partnership Council members of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA). Performances will feature Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre, Baka people from Cameroon, First Nations performers from Australia, and Indigenous musicians from Canada. Tuesday 5 August: The day begins with a Water Ceremony led by Elder Gerard Sagassige (Curve Lake First Nation, Canada) and concludes with Confluence, a performance showcase curated by Canada's National Arts Centre at Expo 2025 Osaka's EXPO Hall (Shining Hat), celebrating the diversity and unity of global Indigenous voices. Wednesday 6 August: Focuses on dialogue across Indigenous economies, trade, and intellectual property, and features a cross-cultural collaboration between Indigenous musicians and performers at Life Plaza. Thursday 7 August: Centres on Indigenous knowledges, climate resilience, Indigenous women entrepreneurs, and Indigenous business dialogue and networking events. Friday 8 August: Builds on the themes of Indigenous innovation through fashion, cultural expression, and global connection, including an Indigenous Fashion Show and a Cultural Showcase spotlighting Indigenous voices and performances from across the globe. Saturday 9 August: The UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples will bring the week to a crescendo, culminating in a full day of dialogue, performance, and strategy at the Canadian Pavilion. The programme will include a forward-looking focus on Expo 2030 Riyadh, where Te Aratini will mark a decade of presence at World Expos. Indigenous performers, including the Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre and Waiata Māori Music Ambassadors, will also take the stage at the Matsuri Arena to open the Inochi Music Festival in a powerful display of visibility and solidarity. The day will conclude with a celebratory evening at the Australian Pavilion, featuring a special menu of canapés created by a leading First Nations guest Chef.
