Yao City Showcases Innovative Rubber Technology at Osaka Expo

Exploring the Innovative Rubber Exhibit at Osaka-Kansai Expo

The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which concluded on October 13, 2025, saw an incredible attendance at the Yao City exhibit entitled "Touch Everything Expo". The event, part of the Health Pavilion’s "Reborn Challenge" zone, welcomed approximately 52,000 visitors from September 16 to September 22, 2025, making it a resounding success. This unique exhibit showcased Yao City’s commitment to innovation and engagement in the manufacturing sector.

An Engaging Experience

Kinjo Rubber Co., Ltd. from Yao, a leader in rubber parts manufacturing for home appliances, participated as one of 13 companies displaying their products. The theme of the booth was "Expanding Rubber's Possibilities," featuring new products like the diamond-cut rubber showcased through their impressive "Rubber Diamond" and the fusion of washi paper and rubber known as "Washi Reborn". Visitors were captivated by the aesthetics and tactile qualities of the materials, leading to lively discussions about potential applications for accessories made from these innovative materials.

The ability to physically interact with the displays allowed attendees of all generations to appreciate the ongoing evolution of manufacturing, providing a firsthand experience of the materials' allure and potential value. The exhibit served not only to inform but also to inspire creativity among visitors via direct engagement.

Yao City's Manufacturing Excellence

Yao City is known as a prominent hub of manufacturing in Japan, housing around 3,000 small to medium-sized enterprises. The city continues to be a vital contributor to the country's industrial landscape. The "Touch Everything Expo" included participation from 13 different companies, including notable names such as Artec Co., Abel Co., and Max Co. It highlighted how these entities collectively showcase their expertise while also promoting a spirit of collaboration throughout Yao City.

The synergy between companies at this exhibit was largely a product of the "Team Yao" initiative, which has been fostered through the open factory event "FactorISM", launched in 2020. This initiative reinforces the community approach in showcasing local manufacturing talent.

Yao Factory Event

FactorISM 2025: Engagement and Learning

From October 23 to 26, 2025, Yao will host its sixth annual open factory event, FactorISM. This event, with the slogan "Kouba wa Machi no Entertainment" (The Factory is Town Entertainment), invites the public to explore the vibrant world of manufacturing. Throughout the event, factory tours, workshops, and hands-on activities will be available, allowing people of all ages to engage with the processes that drive their communities.

Kinjo Rubber is excited to host exclusive workshops featuring its non-breakable silicone glasses, along with live demonstrations of the manufacturing process. Participants can enjoy a unique chance to get closely involved in crafting experiences, such as dyeing rubber glasses and creating rubber keychains.

For more information about the FactorISM event and workshops offered by Kinjo Rubber, please visit here.

Company Overview

Company Name: Kinjo Rubber Co., Ltd.
CEO: Taizo Ohta
Founded: May 1936
Business Scope: Manufacturing and sales of industrial rubber parts, soft ground improvement construction, and development of new products under the "KINJO JAPAN" brand. Their diverse offerings cater to industries such as automotive, sports goods, and medical devices.

With nearly 90 years of history, Kinjo Rubber has maintained a significant market share in Japan for rubber components. Additionally, they played a crucial role in ground improvement projects for the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue. Their progressive innovation leads to ventures into welfare-related products like accessibility mats and expanding their brand internationally, showcasing their global ambitions.

For more details, you can visit their website at Kinjo Rubber.