Announcement of the details of the interactive exhibition titled “VOYAGE TO THE FUTURE—Japanese SMEs Tackle Social Issues for a Better Tomorrow” to be held at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

1. Overview of VOYAGE TO THE FUTURE—Japanese SMEs Tackle Social Issues for a Better Tomorrow

• Future-oriented corporate exhibition
  area "A Voyage of Challenges"
• 270° immersive theater area 
  "Voyage to the Future"
• Wrap-up area "Future Port"

Future-oriented corporate exhibition area: A Voyage of Challenges

In this central area of the exhibition, visitors can see and experience the products, technologies, and services that shape the future, provided by the 84 companies participating from across Japan. Come and experience the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as they tackle social issues to realize a future society where life shines brightly!

270° immersive theater area: Voyage to the Future

Visitors can experience the future of 20XX, brought to life by forward-thinking products, technologies, and services, through immersive visuals.

Wrap-up area: Future Port

The area showcases messages received from about 1800 SMEs nationwide about taking on challenges to deliver a brighter future. These messages will allow visitors to understand SMEs’ aspirations for the future.

2. Appeal and highlights of the Future-oriented corporate exhibition area: A Voyage of Challenges

In the Voyage of Challenges exhibition area, the 84 participating companies are likened to adventurers setting sail on a voyage into uncharted waters as they take on the challenge of resolving social issues and advance into the future. Their future-oriented products, technologies, and services are categorized into five groups, which are exhibited on five value-themed islands respectively. Here, we will introduce some of the exhibits and their highlights. The actual venue has much more to offer, including hands-on experience of the products, technologies, and services that shape the future. Through the exhibition, we aim to communicate to the world how Japanese SMEs are rising to resolve various social issues in efforts to realize a future society where life shines brightly.

Details of all participating companies can be viewed on their websites.

Illustrative representation of the five islands in the Voyage of Challenges exhibition area

• Theme 1: Innovation built on tradition
• Theme 2: The art of manufacturing

• Theme 3: Cutting-edge digital technology
• Theme 4: Ideas inspired by nature

• Theme 5: Inclusive ideas—No one left behind

1. Innovation built on tradition : 15 exhibitors

Example exhibitor: Okamoto Orimono Co., Ltd
The gold leaf and brocade techniques passed down by Okamoto Textiles are the crystallization of the craftsmanship and spirit of Nishijin artisans. 
In this exhibition, we will exhibit Nishijin-ori tapestries created in collaboration between Nishijin artisans and young manga creators, as well as artistic interior works that harmonize tradition and modernity. You must experience these pieces that sparkle in the space.

2. The art of manufacturing : 22 exhibitors

Example exhibitor: Dymon Co., Ltd.
In the early hours of March 7, 2025, Japan's lunar rover YAOKI successfully completed the world's first lunar crater exploration. Visitors can experience operating YAOKI, which achieved this remarkable feat, as future “space pilots.”

3. Cutting-edge digital technology : 17 exhibitors

Example exhibitor: forestdigital, inc.
“Uralaa” is an immersive space technology that delivers a variety of content, from beautiful natural scenery to sports, entertainment, and local events, to multiple facilities such as offices, medical facilities, welfare facilities, educational institutions, tourist attractions, and local communities via the Internet. Experience this innovative technology that allows you to share the surprise and happiness born from extraordinary experiences with your loved ones.

4. Ideas inspired by nature : 17 Exhibitors

Example exhibitor: Spiber Inc.
Spiber's Brewed Protein™ Fiber is a completely new protein fiber material that began with research on spider silk. It was created after studying the excellent proteins found in nature and using plant-derived raw materials through microbial fermentation. Experience this future fiber material, which aims to contribute to sustainable human well-being in various fields such as apparel, automobiles, and food. Also on exhibit will be a costume made with Brewed ProteinTM Fiber, which Hikaru Utada wore on her live tour.

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5. Inclusive ideas—No one left behind : 13 exhibitors

Example exhibitor: Raise the Flag. Co., Ltd.
Next-generation sensory device, SYNCREO, provides a new alternative to vision by enabling users to perceive space through sound and vibration. It will realize a future where people with visual impairments can work, study, and move around with peace of mind. Through the demo on site, experience the beginning of a society where no one needs to give up.

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Division in Charge

Office for Startup and New Business Promotion, Business Support Department, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency