“Culturescapes: A Hundred Sensibilities” — Creating a Creative City OSAKA through Art and Design

Osaka Art & Design launched in 2023 as a roaming area event under the concept of “A Hundred Sensibilities,” inviting people to encounter art and design while exploring the streets of Osaka.

Osaka’s character—humorous, communicative, and warmly human—symbolizes the city. When that sensibility is paired with art and design that combine world‑class refinement with approachability, a new movement emerges that people from diverse backgrounds can enjoy. Osaka Art & Design was born to create that distinctive Osaka‑style resonance.

With Osaka’s energy and an abundance of ideas, the initiative aims to make Osaka a world‑class creative city.

Project Inauguration

With the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai drawing attention from Japan and around the world, Osaka’s businesses seized the opportunity to come together and launch Osaka Art & Design in 2023 — an event to showcase Osaka‑origin creative culture through art and design. The project expanded further in 2024.

With the influx of domestic and international visitors in 2025 due to the Expo, organizers aim to accelerate the realization of a “Creative City OSAKA” by fostering connections among organizers, creators, galleries, interior shops, and visitors during this pivotal moment.

Project Activities

Designed as a roaming event that lets people enjoy high‑quality public art while exploring the city and also experience the pleasure of seeing and purchasing works at venues, galleries, and shops, Osaka Art & Design was held at 55 locations across the city in 2024, with 583 creators and brands participating. The event drew an estimated 439,032 visitors over 28 days and generated significant excitement.

A charity project, “HIZO Market,” was also held to support communities affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The market exhibited and sold rarely shown “treasured” works, donating proceeds (after covering costs) as relief funds.

Future Prospects for the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Beyond Osaka Art & Design itself, the initiative will strengthen ties with concurrently held art fairs, offer art tours of streets and buildings, and collaborate with museums to spread the appeal of art throughout Osaka City and further enhance visitor satisfaction. As a gathering place where people can meet, converse, and connect, the festival will also include food‑related programs designed to appeal to domestic and international visitors; various programs are currently in planning.

This festival aims to continue for ten years, creating a venue that brings together diverse personalities and talents in Osaka. Residents, visitors, and workers will co‑create across the city to realize “Designing Future Societies in which Life Shines” through art and design.