*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.


When we consider the essence of lifestyle as “self-expression and mutual understanding” and “the design of everyday surroundings,” its scope stretches from fashion to smartphone apps. In an era of rapidly advancing digital technologies and shifting environments, what are the things that change—and what are the things that remain unchanged? We will engage in discussions with a diverse group of creators, including a fashion designer who leads the world with original ideas, an entrepreneur who upcycles traditional Japanese kimonos, a creative producer who spans research and development, and a designer specializing in smartphone app UX. Together, we will explore how we can design the future of “lifestyle.”

【Reflection】
In this programme, ‘The Power of Design to Create New Traditions: Shaping the Future of Lifestyle,’ discussions were held with creators from various fields on how to design future lifestyles amid rapidly changing social environments and technological innovations, and how traditional culture will be reconstructed in the process.

Speakers included fashion designers, kimono upcycling entrepreneurs, UX designers, and creative producers, who shared their perspectives on ‘what changes’ and ‘what remains unchanged,’ as well as the ‘fusion of tradition and innovation.’ Even seemingly disparate fields such as fashion and application design were found to share common questions at their core, such as ‘self-expression and understanding others’ and ‘creating systems to enrich daily life.’

Particularly impressive were the practices that connected traditional values and crafts with contemporary issues and lifestyles. For example, the reinterpretation of kimonos and the ‘reweaving’ technique through upcycling, as well as projects that respect regional culture and history while proposing new uses, were introduced. These practices were highly evaluated as realistic approaches toward creating future-oriented traditional culture, rather than mere nostalgia.

Overall, this programme served as an important forum for dialogue, presenting the rediscovery of culture rooted in everyday life and the possibilities of creative reinterpretation. It is hoped that this will serve as a starting point for the further development of new forms of cultural co-creation through lifestyle.


【Post EXPO Initiatives】
What became clear through this programme was that the key to designing future lifestyles is not simply pursuing trends, but rather how to engage with elements such as history, culture, and region. Based on this insight, the organisers and speakers have developed plans to pursue various initiatives after the Expo.

First, it was confirmed that collaborative projects connecting regional culture and contemporary design will be continuously developed. Examples include product development through the upcycling of kimonos and traditional crafts, workshops in collaboration with local creators, and ‘reinterpretation of tradition’ through cultural exchange with overseas creators. These are not mere events, but rather initiatives that rediscover the value of regional resources and lead to proposals for sustainable lifestyles.

Second, the development of young creators and the formation of networks are also important goals. The speakers emphasised that individual expression is directly linked to the reconstruction of culture and society. To develop this idea, the creation of a co-creation platform for the next generation of creators and design education initiatives in collaboration with schools and universities are also being considered.

Thirdly, attempts to expand cultural activities through integration with technology are also being considered. By utilising digital technology and UX design expertise, we will explore ways to participate in culture beyond physical constraints through the archiving of regional culture, online dissemination, and the design of new user experiences.

These initiatives are not intended to be temporary, but rather aim to establish mechanisms for continuously co-creating culture. We believe that a cycle of practice rooted in dialogue is the foundation for building future lifestyles, and we plan to continue our activities while expanding collaboration across various fields.

*Part or all of this report was generated by AI.