#Japan #Tokyo, Osaka #WOOD LIVING SOLUTIONS #AIMMP #SECOND LIFE

WOOD LIVING SOLUTIONS – Japan Mission 2025

From September 23 to October 1, 2025, the Portuguese Wood and Furniture Industry Association (AIMMP) conducted the 'WOOD LIVING SOLUTIONS Japan Mission 2025' in Tokyo and Osaka. This business mission aims to enhance collaboration with the Japanese market and promote sustainable design through the participation of 16 renowned Portuguese woodworking and interior brands.

One of the highlights was the 'SECOND LIFE' exhibition held at the Portuguese Pavilion during EXPO 2025 Osaka from September 26 to 29, which attracted significant attention from both industry professionals and the general public.

Press Preview and Reception on September 26

The exhibition commenced with a press preview and reception, attended by around 20 journalists and interior industry representatives at the Portuguese Pavilion. António Silva, Director of the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP), presented insights into Portugal's design diplomacy and its strategic vision for a sustainable industry. Following his introduction, the exhibition curator, Salete Peixinho, provided a guided tour explaining the exhibition's concepts and curation background.

Salete Peixinho highlighted the importance of participating in the EXPO 2025 under the 'Associative Design' project, stating that it is a strategic opportunity to enhance the international value of Portuguese design centered around sustainability and innovation.

Dinner Party in Tokyo

In Tokyo, a welcome dinner party was organized for business relations, featuring prominent attendees such as Gilbert Jerónimo, the Ambassador of Portugal to Japan, and Miguel Marsia, AICEP's Tokyo Director. Architects associated with the design of the Portuguese Pavilion, including Rita Topa from Kengo Kuma Studio and Alexandre Vicente from Nikken Sekkei, also participated in discussions focused on culture and architecture.

B2B Business Sessions

On September 26, B2B business sessions were arranged where participating Portuguese brands directly met major Japanese interior buyers, including Actus Aoyama, IDC Otsuka, and +CASA (Daimaru), to seek business opportunities.

The 16 participating brands displayed a high degree of compatibility with the Japanese market, particularly in residential, hospitality, and public space applications, indicating promising future developments. Many of these brands had never entered the Japanese market before, further increasing their visibility and interest.

Participating brands included:

• - Interior Design Sector: Compact Mob, Fake – Art & Design, Le Brands Group, Mainguilty, Mamoa, Maria Bike, Nogueira Fernandes, Sofli, Suffa, Temahome, Wewood, X8 Solutions Group.
• - Semi-finished Products Sector: A. Freitas Barbosa, Lumber, Madeipoças, Martos, Toronobre.

Conclusion

Vítor Possas, President of AIMMP, remarked, "This mission has been an essential first step in building sustainable partnerships in Japan and promoting the value of 'Made in Portugal.' Showcasing Portuguese sustainable design on the international stage of EXPO 2025 fills us with pride."

Event Overview

• - Event Name: WOOD LIVING SOLUTIONS – Japan Mission 2025
• - Duration: September 23 – October 1, 2025
• - Locations: Tokyo (Actus, IDC Otsuka, Embassy of Portugal), Osaka (Portuguese Pavilion at EXPO 2025)
• - Exhibition Title: 'SECOND LIFE – Design that Holds Memories, Meaning for the Future'
• - Number of Participating Companies: 16 (interior, furniture, woodworking)
• - Organizer: Portuguese Wood and Furniture Industry Association (AIMMP)
• - Website: AIMMP Event Information