Link to the official video of the Italian Design Day event:
Ms. Gilda Bojardi and Mr. Toshiyuki Kita, recipients of Compasso d’Oro (Lifetime Achievement Award) in 2020 and 2011, spoke to over 120 guests including designers, architects, academics, business representatives, and economic and financial professionals at the event organized by the Consulate General of Italy in Osaka.
The long history of design development in both Japan and Italy illustrates the unique relationship between these seemingly different culture spheres, which share strict aesthetic codes of craftsmanship and industrial know-how. Ms. Bojardi who is an editor-in-chief of Italian interior design magazine “INTERNI” and the founder of the FUORISALONE in Milan, focused on the important international exhibitions organized by INTERNI, particularly those featuring projects by Japanese architects and designers. On the other hand, internationally well-known designer Mr. Toshiyuki Kita reflected on the special international ties with Italy that go beyond mere cultural ties, and introduced some of the most important works in the history of Japanese, Italian, and world design over the past 50 years.
Marco Prencipe, Consul General of Italy in Osaka, emphasized the important role that design and creativity play in the relationship between Italy and Japan, and expressed his hope that “Italy’s participation in the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025 will be a great opportunity to further strengthen the already excellent relations between our two countries in the field of design.”. Consul General Prencipe also recalled that “since 1981, when Milan and Osaka became sister cities, the richness and diversity of our cultures, the splendor and depth of our historical heritage, and dynamism of our industries have been actively interacting.”.
The theme of the Italian Design Day was “ Quality that Illuminates: The Energy of Design for People and the Environment,” and in the event introduced the 61st Milano Salone, one of the world’s most important events for the furniture and design industry, will be held from April 18th to 23rd, 2023. Euroluce, an event on lighting and lighting technology, will also be held in Milan at the same time.
