Through the Co-Design Challenge, Toshinai wanted people to feel, as he did with the &SPACE PROJECT, that “the space industry is not something that only a few people are involved in, but something that is surprisingly familiar, something that people can see and touch.” At the Expo, which many people from Japan and abroad visit, he wondered what kind of product made of space rocket scrap would be immediately recognizable as such and seem familiar.

He decided to provide the Expo with a space tank bench made of the fuel tank of a test rocket. The tank was made of an aluminum alloy that is both strong and light. Kushiro Seisakusho, which specializes in manufacturing large bridges, is charge of the welding and other metalworking. The base of the bench seat is made of wood from Hokkaido timber and processed at the factory in Kushiro Town of Tokuchi Furniture Industries, which manufactures wooden furniture, fittings, and store fixtures. The bench will combine the manufacturing capabilities of the eastern part of Hokkaido. Regarding the reason for choosing to manufacture a bench, Toshinai explained, “It would be meaningless if we cut the tank up so much that the original shape is no longer recognizable. After considering what’s the best for a product, we decided to make the tank into a bench.” They will intentionally leave the scratches and dirt of the scrap to cherish the memory of rocket development engraved in the tank. They completed the prototype, but will improve it in preparation for the Expo, with measures against heat when the temperature rises and safety measures to prevent small children from getting hurt if they touch it.

In the experience-based event, they are considering offering tours to fully enjoy the rich nature and culture of the eastern part of Hokkaido, along with open factory events that allow visitors to experience manufacturing at Kushiro Seisakusho, Tokuchi Furniture Industries, and other factories that were responsible for the production of the benches. Kushiro Marshland is home to more than 200 species of birds and animals, including foxes, Ezo squirrels, rare species of red-crowned cranes, Blakiston’s fish owl, and white-tailed eagles. “When you are near the observation platform in Kushiro Marshland, you may see Ezo sika deer. Through these unique experiences, we want to make people feel glad they came to the eastern part of Hokkaido,” says Toshinai as he ponders how to make people enjoy the area.

“They say the space industry is going through a transformation. It is during this time that we have been able to work with companies across Hokkaido, particularly in eastern Hokkaido, and outside of Hokkaido, to create benches made of space rocket scrap for the Expo. Space may seem distant, but it’s real, and it’s both fun and exciting. With our &SPACE PROJECT, we hope to inspire more people to become interested in space and consider pursuing careers in this field or becoming involved with space. We believe the Expo will be a major turning point,” says Toshinai with strong determination.