[25.09.09 120 Maneki-neko Cats Gather at the Osaka-Kansai Expo!! Business x Technology & Art – 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Maneki-neko Project] Osaka’s cultural support is revived in modern times! Art Experience Connecting Happiness and the Future [Naniwa Akindo Juku Doyukai]
Naniwa Akindo Juku Association Press Release: September 3, 2025 [25.09.09 120 Maneki-neko cats gather at the Osaka-Kansai Expo!! Business x Technology/Art 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Maneki-neko Project] Osaka’s cultural support is revived in modern times! An art experience that connects happiness and the future 120 beckoning cats representing small and medium-sized businesses welcomed visitors to the “Reborn Stage” at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Approximately half of them were created through cultural support for artists and para-artists. Experience the co-creation of new value beyond boundaries (no reservations required, free admission)
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Association have jointly launched the “Maneki-neko Project,” a project to exhibit at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. This project will be held on September 9th, known as “Choyo no Sekku,” a day considered since ancient times to be “the most auspicious day in the world.” The project aims to create “the place where fortune gathers the most in the world.” The 120 beckoning cats lined up at the Expo site are original designs created by small and medium-sized businesses of different industries and scales, each incorporating their own skills, characteristics, thoughts, and individuality. While all are created in the same 30cm format, the expressions, color usage, materials, and worldviews are diverse.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/168095/6/168095-6-45d2522f052a50373c0bb6fc37f45735-683×1210.png https://youtube.com/shorts/lsBMXUVGq1o?si=GWTLPcep94u7Z0g2 The second Manekineko Project introduction video is complete! Here’s a sneak peek at everyone’s Manekineko! The Manekineko Project will bring together a diverse range of unique designs, including works created by
participating companies in-house and collaborative works with artists and para-artists, creating a diverse space. This time, we’d like to introduce our collaborations with artists. “Not Design, But Art.” This Maneki-neko Project also serves as a cultural support for artists. The theme was “Not Design, But Art.” It wasn’t just about creating a corporate logo or designing promotional materials. We aimed to create value that can only be achieved by each artist interpreting the thoughts and pride that companies hold dear and expressing them in their own “artwork.” One of the challenges facing modern businesses is the tendency to reduce creativity to a mere advertising or promotional tool. As a result, artists’ opportunities and creative potential are limited, and society as a whole is losing its cultural depth. So, in this project, we attempted a new relationship in which companies entrusted artists with “art” rather than commissioning “design.” We revived the spirit of cultural support once held by Osaka merchants in the modern era, and through collaboration between companies and artists, we will create new value for the future. Matching companies and artists This time, Akio Takimoto of PLANT/ART Lab OMM joined the project as creative director. In addition to matching companies with artists, he is also in charge of the art direction for the entire project, including the project logo and the digital signage currently being displayed at Nakatsu Station on the Midosuji Line.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/168095/6/168095-6-ad60182d48d354e4dc99cb9e8b1d730a-816×871.jpg Akio Takimoto, Art Director, Filmmaker, Creator As an artist, he primarily presents his work in a variety of formats, focusing on the theme of “information translation.” He primarily creates
photograph-based works, incorporating painting and stamping
techniques. He has directed numerous works, including music videos and art documentaries. He also actively directs and produces exhibitions and corporate art projects, promoting the Kansai cultural scene. Arisode Masaki x Artori Inc.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/168095/6/168095-6-82b083b889ed16949153b15fe307f28d-567×807.jpg ■Artist Profile Masaki Arisode, Manga Artist After working as a graphic designer at an advertising agency, he went independent in 2019. While working as a freelance designer and illustrator, he was assigned an editor at Kansai Comic Market, which prompted him to aim to become a serial writer at the end of the same year. In November 2022, he began serializing “DOCTOR PRICE (illustrator)” in Futabasha’s Manga Action magazine. Five volumes have been released, and the drama will begin airing in July 2025. emma x Fukujudo Hidenobu Co., Ltd.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/168095/6/168095-6-462441a5260f1ef94100ba56799c6e2c-942×706.jpg ■Artist profile Emma Artist An artist originally from Fukuoka Prefecture and based in Osaka. Specializing in pop and dynamic expression, he has worked on a wide range of artwork, including wall art for the Osaka Expo, main visuals for events, books, and
advertisements. He is also developing a series of art pieces themed around “emotional moments.” Rocket Jack x Jack Confectionery Image
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/168095/6/168095-6-eb61491b017c264064d0e2af4b045cfb-628×628.jpg ■Artist profile Rocket Jack Creator Creator born in Osaka in 1975 Since his 20s, he has worked in graphic design, event planning, and direction, and founded RJ Graphics in 2008. Since 2021, he has been creating soft vinyl figures of original characters under the name RJ Toys, releasing them at events both in Japan and overseas. This is a special opportunity to see the new value that can be created through collaboration between companies and artists. Please come and experience it for yourself at the venue. In addition to the
Maneki-neko exhibit, we are also planning the following events on the stage. We have prepared an opportunity for visitors to experience good fortune and a brighter future. ●Prayer at Sumiyoshi Taisha We will be inviting Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, famous for its “Hatsutatsu-san,” which is known for bringing good fortune in business and good luck, to perform a special Shinto ritual. This prayer, held on such an auspicious day and at such a special place as the Expo, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. ● Plans for realizing Osaka’s future society by two secret guests Key figures shaping the future of Osaka will be making a secret appearance. They will discuss their vision for realizing a “future society” that transcends the boundaries of transportation, energy, and government and redesigns the city itself. Who will be appearing will be a surprise until the day. ●Osaka Metro President Kawai and President Rezil Tanji’s Business Vision for the Future How will cities and society change over the next 10 years? Based on the shared theme of “Discover, Connect, and Expand the Future,” the leaders of both companies will discuss the visions and business opportunities they envision.
https://akindo-juku.gr.jp/info/070909.html ■Click here for the first PR Times release ■Date and time Tuesday, September 9, 2025 9:00-20:30 ■Venue 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Osaka Healthcare Pavilion Event Square “Reborn Stage” ■Time schedule Time Speaker Program 9:00~ All day – Lucky cat display (open space) 16:30～17:10 Sumiyoshi Taisha Prayer 17:30～18:00 Secret guest A Lecture 18:00～18:30 Osaka Metro President Kawai Lecture 18:30～19:00 Resil Co., Ltd. President Tanji Lecture 19:00～19:30 Secret guest B Lecture 19:30～19:40 All concerned Finale ■Contact for inquiries regarding this project Naniwa Akindo Juku Association Maneki-neko Project General Manager Independence Co., Ltd. Yo Miyazaki TEL: 06-4706-6070 E-mail: yoh.miyazaki@indp.co.jp