The Uniquely Japanese Idea of “​​Recycling-Oriented Manufacturing” Through Doraemon

Japan’s “Recycling-Oriented Manufacturing” with Doraemon

On December 23rd, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the second exhibition as part of the ongoing preparations for EXPO Osaka, Kansai, Japan 2025. This next phase will be showcased at the government pavilion, set to open on April 13th.

The Japan Pavilion’s planned exhibitions will highlight the concept of “recycling-oriented manufacturing,” a distinctive Japanese approach to creating products designed for long-term use through repeated repairs and maintenance. The exhibition aims to engage visitors by incorporating well-known Japanese characters.

The first exhibition, titled “From Water to Materials,” explores the vast potential of algae and features the beloved character Hello Kitty. The recently announced second exhibition will focus on Doraemon—one of Japan’s most iconic characters.

Picture of Doraemon
©Fujiko-Pro

The second exhibition will move the theme from “Materials” to “Products,” and will highlight Japanese craftsmanship, known as monozukuri. Now open to the public, the exhibit uses popular Japanese characters to help visitors better understand sustainable manufacturing and how it can be preserved for future generations.

The overarching theme for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, “Designing a Future Society Where Life Shines Brightly,” is brought to life through the concept of “Between Life to Life,” which emphasizes sustainability through a cyclical process. This idea is demonstrated in the Japan Pavilion through three interconnected areas: the Plant Area (from waste to water), the Farm Area (from water to materials) and the Factory Area (from materials to objects).

The three stages of the exhibition 
The three stages of the exhibition 

In the Factory Area, the focus is on the importance of recycling resources and materials. Visitors will discover a uniquely Japanese manufacturing philosophy known as “cyclical monozukuri,” presented from nine different perspectives. This approach highlights the contrast between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, showcasing a variety of products and innovations.

Algae-combined bioplastic stools will be 3D printed at the expo.
Algae-combined bioplastic stools will be 3D printed at the expo. 

“Cyclical monozukuri,” meaning “making things softly,” will be exemplified through Doraemon in the Factory Area. One key demonstration will involve transforming algae sourced from the Farm Area—combined with bioplastics developed by MATSURI—into stools using 3D printing technology and robotic arms. These stools will be installed in various locations throughout the Japan Pavilion, offering a tangible representation of sustainable design in action.

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