[EXPO Report] Inside EXPO2025 Osaka-Kansai – A Look at Tajima Group’s Collaborative Projects and Embroidery Highlights

EXPO2025 Osaka-Kansai, a global celebration of innovation and culture, is being held from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Participating countries have been showcasing their cutting-edge technologies and diverse cultural traditions. Among them, the Tajima Group has contributed to several pavilions and exhibits, captivating visitors with the warmth and artistry of embroidery.
In this article, we introduce the Tajima Group’s collaborative projects at the EXPO, along with inspiring embroidery encounters from around the world!

Shoji Kawamori’s Signature Pavilion: “LIVE EARTH JOURNEY”
Embroidered Patches for Pavilion Attendant Uniforms

At the Signature Pavilion “LIVE EARTH JOURNEY”, produced by renowned Animation Director, Mechanic Designer Shoji Kawamori—best known for MACROSS and AQUARION—the Tajima Group collaborated in creating embroidered patches for the uniforms worn by pavilion attendants. The pavilion is themed around “Totality of Life,” showing how all living things are connected. Each attendant wears an embroidered patch on their chest that reflects the spirit of the pavilion and adds a colorful accent to the uniform.
As you enter the pavilion, the first thing you see is the striking figure “INOCHI-DAMA”, a symbolic creation representing the fusion of life. Its powerful presence immediately captures your attention and draws you into the experience.
Further inside, you’ll discover “The Window of the Universe,” where you can witness the Earth as seen today—a vivid, real-time visual that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our planet.
A key highlight is the immersive XR theater “499seconds My Gattai” in the Deep Vision zone. This dynamic experience takes visitors on a journey of transformation—from cells to animals to the cosmos—perfectly expressing the message, “Life is fusion and transformation!”
Another must-see is “ANIMA!”, described as the world’s first super-immersive space, where light and vibration convey the raw energy of life. The installation continues to captivate audiences with its intensity and emotion.

A special interview between Animation Director Shoji Kawamori and Tajima Group Representative Director Hidetoshi Kojima is available in our web magazine “TAJIMAG”. They discuss the ideas behind the pavilion, their shared approach to creative expression, and the deeper meaning behind the experience.

Custom Embroidery Service by “Kutsushitaya” (Tabio) at EXPO2025 Osaka-Kansai

From June 10–23, 2025, the popular Japanese sock brand “Kutsushitaya”, operated by Tabio Co., Ltd., set up a limited-time booth at EXPO2025 Osaka-Kansai. The booth featured a sustainable workshop using leftover sock loops and a custom embroidery service powered by Tajima’s compact embroidery machine, “SAI”. Visitors could embroider text directly onto socks purchased at the booth, creating a personalized pair on the spot. The experience drew large crowds each day and gained popularity as both a unique memory and a thoughtful gift from the EXPO.

“Kutsushitaya” continues to offer this customization service at selected stores across Japan and through its official online store, using Tajima embroidery machines.
In our web magazine “TAJIMAG”, you can find an in-depth interview with Tabio President Katsuhiro Ochi, along with case studies from Tabio Nara and the Kichijoji store, exploring how embroidery enhances brand value and unlocks new potential in personalization.

Personalized Embroidered Scarves at the Portugal Pavilion

From June 7–9, 2025, the Portugal Pavilion offered a special service where visitors could receive a scarf with their name embroidered on it. Using Tajima’s “SAI”, names were stitched on-site, and many guests stopped to watch, fascinated by the machine’s precise movements.

These personalized scarves became unique keepsakes and drew strong interest as a special memory from the EXPO. Blending Portugal’s tradition with Japanese embroidery technology, this initiative created a memorable experience that reflected the pavilion’s message of tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

Encounters with Traditional Embroidery and Textiles from Around the World

Traditional Embroidery and Textiles Exhibited at National Pavilions

Across the EXPO venue, many national pavilions showcased traditional embroidery and textiles, each reflecting the unique aesthetics and cultural values of their respective regions. Visitors were captivated by the craftsmanship and stories embedded in every stitch and weave.

Embroidery-Inspired Goods at the Official EXPO Store

The official EXPO2025 store also featured a selection of embroidery-themed items, including handkerchiefs embroidered with MYAKU-MYAKU, the official mascot, and caps with the EXPO2025 logo. These exclusive goods gained popularity as unique and memorable souvenirs from the EXPO.

EXPO2025 Osaka-Kansai brought together cultures from around the world and cutting-edge technologies. Through this experience, embroidery once again proved its ability to convey tradition, connect people, and spark creativity.
We hope you’ll have the chance to visit the EXPO in person and experience the warmth and imagination that embroidery brings to the world.