Power of Design Emanating from Semba

Semba has a long history of developing as a quarter of the textile industry. Housed in the Semba Center Building, where many wholesalers still operate today, is the Osaka Design Center (ODC). Since it was established as Japan’s first public design center in 1960, the ODC has served as the central hub of industrial design in Osaka through a continued commitment to a wide range of design-focused initiatives, including providing a matching service for people and companies, as well as a business support consultation service. The ODC is hosting OSAKA DESIGN CENTER GALLERY 2025, an exhibition that throws a spotlight on designers, creators, and manufacturers mainly among the ODC members.

Creators of Unique Design Works Coming Together

Talent from various fields come together at this exhibition. Unique three- and two-dimensional design works will fill the venue with a colorful atmosphere.
Hisashi Kaku, a wooden furniture artisan, presents a beautiful chair that features a minimal design created through a combination of two distinctively different materials: wood and steel. Kyowa X Industries, a wire net manufacturer, has transformed diamond-shaped wire nets for industrial use into a delicate artwork. Tatsuya Ikoma, a designer and copywriter, has created a uniform for a fictitious sports team. The work is packed with humor and a playful spirit, which are traits shared widely among the people of Osaka. Yayoi Kuroda, a product designer, presents Nocilis, an educational toy that fosters children’s sensibilities. Touch it to experience its appeal.
Takeshi Kagawa, a graphic designer, presents a work that represents the multiplication of visual fields, inspiring the viewers to consider whether the world that they believe they are seeing is truly real. Ayumi Sugiyama, a painter, presents a fresh-looking painting of plants, which she has created by leveraging her sensibilities fostered through the practice of traditional Japanese flower arrangement. Kumiko Wakabayashi, a photographer, represents an illusionistic world by combining suminagashi (black ink marbling), a traditional Japanese technique, and Van Dyck brown printing.
The exhibition space was designed by Akira Yamaguchi, a designer and architect. The space is divided loosely with see-through organdy fabrics, creating a tense atmosphere suitable for visitors to face the works seriously.

Enriching the City of Osaka through Design

Expressing her expectation for the exhibition, Miho Utsumi, Managing Director of the ODC, says: “I hope that this exhibition will help raise public awareness of our activities.”
She continues: “The ODC is a hub for a wide variety of talent, including world-leading designers, up-and-coming creators, and manufacturers that are implementing innovative initiatives. I hope that people visit the exhibition to feel the sensibilities of the creative talent. I also hope that this will help revitalize Osaka, a city of unique history and culture, through the power of design. I would be happy if we could contribute to making the city more exciting and enriching it further.”
A wide variety of participants will spark their talents at OSAKA DESIGN CENTER GALLERY 2025. Visit the exhibition in person to experience first-hand the power of design and the energy of the creators.