#Japan #Osaka #Japan Expo #Space Tank Bench #DOKASEN

&SPACE PROJECT at the Osaka-Kansai Expo

On September 22, 2025, the vibrant venue of the Osaka-Kansai Expo's Future Life Village hosted the final session of the Co-Design Challenge Pitch, marking a significant conclusion to a series of innovative presentations by various organizations. Among them, &SPACE PROJECT, represented by DOKASEN's Founder and CEO, Akihiro Nakai, took the stage to present their unique contributions to the Expo's theme of reimagining the future of living in Japan.

Understanding the Co-Design Challenge Program

Initiated in 2022, the Co-Design Challenge program aims to foster collaboration among diverse players to create new concepts and products that respond to the evolving needs of society. Each Pitch session allows selected participants to share their approaches to problem-solving, infusing their products with vision and significance. This format has proven successful, culminating in this fifth and final pitch.

&SPACE PROJECT made a notable mark by showcasing their "Space Tank Bench," constructed from a prototype fuel tank utilized in space exploration. This innovative seating piece is currently displayed in the Future Life Village, close to the Expo's West Gate, inviting visitors to appreciate both its design and its underlying message about sustainability in space development.

The Presentation at Pitch #5

During the event, Nakai articulated the meaning behind the &SPACE PROJECT's endeavors, highlighting the significance of upcycling space development waste into functional products. His insights shed light on the current state of the aerospace industry in Japan and the initiatives being taken to elevate the nation's status in the global market.

The session was moderated by Seiji Saito, the director of the Expo co-creation program—who has been leading the CDC initiative for about seven years—and Shunji Yajima, a permanent director at the Japan Design Promotion Association. Other participants included prominent companies such as Kokuyo Co., Ltd. and Tomoyasu Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

The Vision of &SPACE PROJECT

&SPACE PROJECT is a collaborative collective of designers and creators located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido. Committed to sustainability, they repurpose waste derived from the space industry into new products that resonate with everyday life. This mission aligns closely with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s goals outlined in the revised Space Basic Plan (June 2023), which envisions a significant expansion of the space market in Japan, positioning it as a cornerstone industry for the future.

Despite Japan's promising prospects, the reality remains that the number of launches is relatively low compared to other countries, indicating a need for increased awareness and involvement in the space sector.

Located strategically in Hokkaido’s eastern region, the town of Taiki is home to the first private commercial spaceport in Asia, known as the Hokkaido Spaceport, which is actively developing the space industry. With the support of Taiki, &SPACE PROJECT continues its mission to upcycle space development waste, aiming to engage more people and promote recognition of this crucial sector.

The opportunity to present the Space Tank Bench at the Osaka-Kansai Expo's Co-Design Challenge is an honor for our team, representing a significant milestone in our journey toward making space more accessible and integrated into everyday life.

Looking Forward

As we move forward, &SPACE PROJECT remains dedicated to broadening the horizons of the space industry and making it a familiar presence in people's lives. We envision a future where diverse collaborations further our mission of ensuring that everyone can reach for the stars. The Osaka-Kansai Expo serves as a catalyst for our growth, inspiring innovative partnerships across industries.

In summary, the participation in the Co-Design Challenge Pitch #5 not only highlights our achievements but reinforces our commitment to transforming space waste into practical and inspiring products, effectively encouraging public interest and engagement in Japan's emerging space industry.