Osaka's Creativity and Current State

Osaka was once a city of unparalleled creativity. From the futures market system for rice trading developed in Dojima, to Kamigata culture such as Bunraku, and the unique bridge culture fostered by merchants, it was a vibrant town.

However, the post-war era of mass production and consumption eroded Osaka's creativity, leading to a mainstream image of "Osaka" largely defined by "monjayaki" (savory pancakes) and "comedy." Consequently, the focus has shifted to developing "content (software)" rather than creating "spaces (hardware)." Meanwhile, designers based in Osaka find little significance in presenting their work within the city, despite it being their base of operations. Osaka currently lacks a platform for competing on a global stage, unlike Milan, Stockholm, or Tokyo. Designers striving for international recognition are compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere, in environments already established for such endeavors.

Creating Events and Cultivating Audiences

To design a context in Osaka where world-class design can emerge—this is the vision behind "DESIGNEAST," a project initiated by young designers active in Osaka with a global outlook. Centered on individual designers, the project aims to design the very environment in which they work. The belief is that this will foster new markets and culture with a global perspective. To achieve this, the project began with the creation of "events" and the cultivation of an audience. To produce world-class output, understanding the world is paramount—and DESIGNEAST designs the platform for this engagement.




Beyond talk sessions, exhibitions, and workshops, the event also features a designed food court with bars and eateries. Participants include not only designers but also sociologists and architects, engaging in interdisciplinary sessions.

Furthermore, the introduction of "Price-it-yourself (PIY)" tickets (※) allows attendees to contribute to the sustained existence of DESIGNEAST as a project. Born from requests for a support mechanism after DESIGNEAST01 concluded two years ago, these tickets allow purchasers to set their own price.

Is Osaka reclaiming its former identity, or is it undergoing a completely new transformation? Regardless, this initiative is undoubtedly a significant movement aimed at breaking through the current situation.


〈Guests〉


TALKMakoto Orisaki / Hiroko Shiratori (OKAYstudio) / Tomas Alonso (OKAYstudio) / Shigeki Hattori (graf) / Michel leung (HK Honey) / Ryuji Fujimura + Yasuhito Yamazaki / Kumiko Inui / Taira Nishizawa / Jun Inokuma / Kensuke Suzuki / Eisuke Tachikawa (NOSIGNER) / Thomas Thwaites / Yuya Tsukahara (contact Gonzo)

SPEAKERS CORNERSohei Arao (SIDE CORE) / Sosei Matsukura (CNTR) / Mizuki Imamura + Isao Shinohara (miCo.) / Ryohei Yoshiyuki (Ryohei Yoshiyuki to Shigoto) / Madoka Hattori (ilove.cat) / Takanori Kagawa + Junko Kishigami (SPACESPACE) / San / Yuki Harada (Qonversations Director/Editor) / Maki Onishi (o＋h) / Hiroshi Ashida / Kayoko Sakashita (Chuo Architects) / TYMOTE / PROPS / Yo Shimada (Tato Architects) / nomazon / Daijiro Ohara (Graphic Designer) / FabFoo Kansai / Arts and Law / Koji Kakiuchi (Yaoko Sekkei-bu) / Kaori Kanamori (Drifters International) + Hiroshi Narumi (Sociologist, Associate Professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design) / Hiroya Tanaka (Associate Professor at Keio University / Founder of FabLab Japan) / Toru Yata + Takuma Tsuji + Kenji Hashimoto (403 architecture [dajiba]) / Tasuku Mizuno (Creative Commons Japan Staff) / Can Fashion Be Updated? Conference


WORKSHOPOKAYstudio

EXHIBITIONRyuji Nakamura (Architect) Curated by Eizo Okada (S&O DESIGN)

WORKSHOP/EXHIBITIONTHEATRE PRODUCTS

FILM“Design & Thinking”

FOOD/MARCHEFANTASTIC TABLE / Shinrin Shokudo / Mother Moon Café

LIVE PERFORMANCEFANTASTIC TABLE

SHOPRyuryudo / PE / Ryohei Yoshiyuki to Shigoto / Kamisoe / DESIGNEAST selection

BARMaki Onishi (o＋h)




DESIGNEAST03
Dates | September 15th (Sat) - 17th (Mon)
Time | 11:00 - 22:30
Venue | Former Namura Shipyard / Creative Center Osaka
4-1-55 Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Admission | 1-Day Pass / General ¥2,000, Student ¥1,000
Price-it-yourself (PIY Ticket) 3-Day Pass | From ¥10,000 (includes 3 drinks) *
Organizer | DESIGNEAST Executive Committee
Tel. 090-5392-6373
http://designeast.jp

*About PIY Tickets
Born from requests for a support mechanism after DESIGNEAST01 concluded two years ago, this is a special 3-day common admission ticket where purchasers can set their own price (from ¥10,000). It is an experimental system designed to allow cooperation and ensure the sustainable continuation of DESIGNEAST, which operates independently.