#Japan #Osaka #circular economy #Osaka Expo #NewMake

NewMake to Present Innovative Circular Economy Concepts at Osaka Expo 2025

The Circular Economy Institute, hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, will feature the creative community NewMake at the Osaka-Kansai Expo from September 23 to 29, 2025, at the WASSE venue on Yumeshima. This program collaborates with Asahi Shimbun Publishing's "Science Manga Survival" series, aiming to teach both children and adults about the circular economy in an enjoyable way.

Program Highlights from NewMake

"Using" Research Lab (September 23 - 29)

Revival Collection: A display showcasing works created by ten NewMake creators who have upcycled and remade used items. The creators include YuumiARIA, WAKANO, hico works, ichiryumade, Sayaka Imai, ryoko, Mayu Yoshimura, COMPLUX, Megumi Ohkawa, and Akiko Funabashi from SIGH.

Repair Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of darning and machine stitching techniques, showing how clothes can be transformed into new designs. NewMake emphasizes that repair is not just about fixing, but also about contributing to a sustainable future while valuing personal uniqueness through fashion choices.

Photo Opportunities: Full-size panels of items from various NewMake creators will be displayed, including WAKANO (women's), ichiryumade (men's), Sayaka Imai (plush toys), COMPLUX (bags), and AMA arisasano (kids). Visitors can take photos with these panels.

Stage/Workshop Program (September 27)

1. Circular Kids Creative Lab & Fashion Show (12:00 - 13:45, Reservation Required): Participants are encouraged to bring unwanted clothes from home for children to design using fabric and ribbons. Support staff will assist with sewing, and the finished clothing will be showcased in a fashion show (open for public viewing).

2. Circular Runway (13:50 - 14:05, No Reservation Needed): Another chance for children to create clothing from unwanted garments, culminating in a public fashion show.

3. Circular Patch & Play (14:10 - 14:30, No Reservation Needed): An interactive workshop where participants can obtain original patches of the Expo's official character, Myakumyaku. Visitors can bring unwanted items or place patches on clothes they are wearing, experiencing the initial steps toward sustainable actions.

Social Significance and Future Developments

NewMake addresses the challenges of mass production and disposal by providing accessible repair and upcycling experiences as models of circular society practices.

The initiative fosters intergenerational collaboration—through workshops for families and adult fashion shows, promoting a culture of valuing materials across generations.

Future plans include integrating these concepts into educational curricula, introducing them to local communities, and collaborating with corporate CSR initiatives—establishing a versatile program model that can be adapted across various sectors.

NewMake aspires to normalize repair and upcycling as everyday options rather than exceptional endeavors. The Osaka-Kansai Expo offers an ideal opportunity for diverse visitors to experience these possibilities firsthand. We aim to continue expanding this model through partnerships in education, community, and corporate sectors.

Event Overview

Name: Collaborative Event with the "Science Manga Survival" Series: Learn About Circular Economy in a Fun Way
Dates: September 23 (Tuesday) to September 29 (Monday), 2025, from 10 AM to 8 PM (Closing at 7 PM only on September 29)
Venue: Osaka, Yumeshima, inside the Osaka-Kansai Expo WASSE South Hall
Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Cooperation: Asahi Shimbun Publishing ("Science Manga Survival" series)
Official Site: METI Circular Economy Action at Expo 2025

About NewMake

NewMake is a creative community focused on generating new values. Based in Omotesando and Harajuku, we operate the NewMake Lab, engaging in upcycling and repair experiences using surplus stock and non-standard products from both domestic and international brands. With the motto "Repair, Renew, Continue," we aim to realize a circular society through fashion.
Website: STORY&Co.
Instagram: NewMake official, NewMake Lab

Company Overview

Company Name: STORY&Co., Ltd.
CEO: Takaishi Hosokawa
Location: 1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Japan Life Marunouchi Garden Tower 3F
Established: 2016
Business Activities:

• - Operation of the creative community "NewMake"
• - Planning and operation of the experience-sharing site "AND STORY"
• - Branding, content production, and design consulting
• - Promotion of sustainable projects

Company Website: STORY&Co.

For Inquiries

STORY&Co., Ltd. / NewMake Office
Email: [email protected]