Design X Stories - Season 4 / Year 2025

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Tokyo's Roppongi is currently showing a "pooploop" exhibition. Our presenters chat with exhibition directors Satoh Taku and Takemura Shinichi about cycles of waste and excrement around the planet, and explore the potential of environmental design.

Lying by the Sea of Japan, Toyama Prefecture is home to wood carving, glasswork and Takaoka bronze casting that has over 400 years of history behind it. Such crafts are alive and well here as exceptional artisans use design to create items to suit modern lifestyles. From a workshop that's made Buddhist orin bells for generations to an up-and-coming glass artist. Meanwhile in Inami, famed for its wood carving, we visit accommodations that showcase the beauty of this craft.

The idea of sharing with others is a common-sense approach that also strengthens our relationships and enriches our mental health. It's also an idea that's currently in the spotlight. From an architect who draws on personal principle to create a diverse array of shared spaces, to another who turns dead space into shared spaces that encourage new connections. We also explore a unique project at a fabrication lab that specializes in self-help devices. Dive into a world of designs that look toward – and shape – our shared future.

Ishikawa Prefecture is home to a diverse array of arts and crafts, and has a thriving traditional culture. The Kaga region is home to Kutani ware, one of Japan's top porcelain styles. We visit one of the top-rated studios, and visit a 400-year-old sweet shop in Kanazawa. Nanao lies in the heart of the Noto peninsula and an architect there is leveraging a UNESCO intangible heritage festival to promote recovery efforts. Join us on a design hunt in Ishikawa Prefecture as it works to recover from disaster.

In a complex, unpredictable world, we can learn a great deal about ways to live from how children play. From a playground where kids take the lead in playing with unused items from local workshops, to equipment that offers children in medical care rare opportunities to play, and even old and new games which guide us to learn about what matters in life through simulations or vicarious experiences. Dive into the world of designs that showcase learning through play.

Today's theme: Designing Neighborhoods. Architects and artists work with landowners and local government to shape appealing neighborhoods with strong character. Explore this next-generation approach.

Today's theme: Design Hunting in Hiroshima. Explore the ravages of war and a call for peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Join a hunt for new designs born from traditional, regional crafts.

Today's theme: Wrapping. In Japan the art of wrapping and tying is a culture displaying beauty and thoughtfulness. It elevates the content and shows care. Join us for a rediscovery of wrapping design.

Today's theme: Design Hunting in Osaka. A thriving trade and economic hub with a unique culture. Join us on a hunt for regional designs that prioritize human connection in the welcoming city of Osaka.

Today's theme: Reviving Lost Traditions. Many traditional arts have been lost to time. We meet creators who have reevaluated their value, and are passionate about reviving these lost traditions.

Today's theme: Shifting Perspectives. A growing trend offers new perspectives to spark new discoveries and realizations. Discover a host of designs that remind us that shifting perspectives matters.

One of the most striking aspects of EXPO 2025, OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN is the cutting-edge architectural thinking on display. Several of Japan's most innovative architects and designers have created distinctive and compelling pieces based on the expo's central theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives. In this program we focus on both the visual elements and the deeper message behind some of these works.