#Japan #Tokyo #Luxembourg #Osaka Expo #Sofia University

Symbol of Friendship: Chairs from Luxembourg Pavilion

On December 23, 2025, Sophia University received a special gift from Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) – three unique chairs crafted from wood reclaimed from the Luxembourg Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This initiative not only highlights the university's enduring relationship with Luxembourg but also serves as a tangible connection to the values promoted by the pavilion related to a circular economy.

Background of the Donation

Sophia University and Luxembourg have fostered a close relationship over many years. In 2012, the university established its first overseas office in Luxembourg, and in 2017, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg was awarded an honorary doctorate from the university. Additionally, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the Archbishop of Luxembourg, served as vice-president of the university. The partnership continues to flourish, with annual exchanges of faculty and students with the University of Luxembourg and internships provided for Sophia students at the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office in Tokyo.

The Luxembourg Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, themed "Doki Doki – Exciting Luxembourg," showcased the nation's vision of sustainability and a circular society, garnering much acclaim. DNP, responsible for the pavilion's internal exhibition construction, implemented a resource reuse plan after the expo. They collected wood from tables, chairs, and other interior elements used in the pavilion, which was then reprocessed and transformed into three new chairs using 3D printing technology. This thoughtful recycling effort culminated in the chairs being donated to Sophia University.

Design Inspiration for the Chairs

The design of the donated chairs symbolizes the connection between both nations, embodying a bridge to link Japan and Luxembourg. The curved lower parts of the chairs reflect the shapes of the "Adolphe Bridge" in Luxembourg and the "Yotsuya Mitsuke Bridge," located adjacent to Sophia University's Yotsuya campus. Central to the design, the eagle emblem, representing the university, is prominently displayed, grounding the chairs in rich symbolism and heritage.

This donation not only provides a functional piece of furniture for the university but serves as a constant reminder of the thriving relationship between Sophia University and Luxembourg, inspiring students and visitors alike to reflect on the significance of sustainability and international collaboration. The chairs, crafted from resources that were once part of a vibrant pavilion, now stand as a bridge between cultures, embodying both unity and purpose.

Sophia University continues its commitment to fostering international ties, and the addition of these chairs further solidifies its mission to promote cultural understanding and environmental sustainability among students. The legacy of the Luxembourg Pavilion will surely resonate within the walls of Sophia University for years to come, manifesting a bright future built on cooperation and shared values.