Experience the Circular Economy at IWATA Workshop During Osaka Expo

Experience the Future of Circular Economy at IWATA Workshop!

Mark your calendars for September 24th, as IWATA takes part in the exciting workshop titled "Rethink Design Expo" at the Osaka Kansai Expo. This engaging event, hosted at EXPO Messe 'WASSE', South Hall, aims to educate participants of all ages on the significance of the Circular Economy through hands-on experiences.

This initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s Circular Economy Research Center and the Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The workshop seeks to spotlight sustainability by encouraging participants to consider the lifecycle of products, especially furniture and bedding.

IWATA emphasizes the importance of a sustainable society through innovative bed design that stems from research on chimpanzee nesting behavior. At the workshop, attendees will explore the relationship between sleep and the environment with an interactive experience titled "Human Evolution Bed."

Event Overview

- Title: Rethink Design Expo
- Date: September 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: 14:00 to 18:00
- Organizers: Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry
- Location: Osaka, Kansai Expo venue, EXPO Messe 'WASSE', South Hall
- Entrance Fee: No reservation required, but an entry ticket for the Osaka Kansai Expo is needed. For ticket purchase, please refer to the Osaka Kansai Expo ticket site.

For more details on the event and to reserve your spot, visit the official page here: Rethink Design Expo

What is the Circular Economy Research Institute?

The Circular Economy Research Institute provides a fun and educational approach to learning about this imperative concept through collaboration with the popular 'Survival' comic series. This aspect will run from September 23 to 29, 2025. Participants will learn about sustainability, resource management, and the innovative ways to think about products.

IWATA’s Commitment to Circular Economy

IWATA is determined to break the conventional consumer cycle of "Produce → Use → Dispose" by advocating for a circular approach encompassing durability and recyclability. The company aims to reduce waste, especially for bedding products, which are commonly discarded. Recognizing that designing long-lasting, easily maintained products is key, IWATA promotes sustainable practices extensively.

Their project, RENMEN, emphasizes effective resource use, local production, recycling, upcycling, and utilizing renewable energy while reviewing production processes to minimize waste.

More about RENMEN can be viewed here: RENMEN Project

About IWATA

Company Name: IWATA Co., Ltd.
Location: 701-2, Oosaka Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8102, Japan
Contact: 075-211-8321
IWATA focuses on creating bedding solutions that embrace Japan’s four seasons, catering to the diverse environmental changes in different regions. The designs are rooted in a concept of “Simple & Ecological,” ensuring high-quality bedding that positively impacts both people and the environment.

With a commitment to using natural materials, durable designs, maintenance, recycling, upcycling, and local timber—IWATA’s production efforts align with sustainable practices to lessen environmental impacts for future generations.