From May 20 (Tue) to 25 (Sun), 2025, Craft x Tech participated in the exhibition “Bridging Past and Future”, held at Gallery EAST (next to the EXPO National Day Hall) inside the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 site. This exhibition was part of the Netherlands Pavilion’s cultural program “Activating Common Ground”, curated by Nieuwe Instituut (Rotterdam) and Studio the Future (Amsterdam), and directed by Aric Chen.
The exhibition showcased a diverse range of creative collaborations between Japanese and Dutch artists, designers, and craftspeople, exploring how learning from one another and working across cultures can generate new forms of creativity.Craft x Tech presented the collaborative work “Yōkan” by Kawatsura Shikki × Sabine Marcelis.
This piece combined traditional Japanese lacquer techniques with contemporary design, drawing significant attention from visitors throughout the event.
On May 21st, during the Dutch National Day, we had the great honor of welcoming His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado to our exhibition, guided by Aric Chen.
[Exhibition Overview]
Title: Bridging Past and Future
Dates: May 20 (Tue) – 25 (Sun), 2025 / 9:00–21:00
Venue: Gallery EAST, Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 (next to EXPO National Day Hall)
Participating Creators:
Hasami × DELTA
Hozan Zangana Studio × Urushi Atelier Netherlands
Sugikou × Koen Tossijn
Mitsuru Yokoyama × Mae Engelgeer
Mariko Okazaki × Marius Schwarz
Fujiyoshida × Studio Raw Color
Kawatsura Shikki × Sabine Marcelis
Teppei Sugaya × Boro × Merklappen
Matsura Historical Museum
Sander Wassink × Japanese manufacturers and materials
Studio Acte × Morodomi Furniture
Creative Residency Arita/Saga
Mono Japan
Ojika Artist in Island
Fukuroda Hospital × The Fifth Season
