-Academia and businesses join forces for future at Expo-

  OSAKA, Oct. 1, 2025/ANSA=Kyodo JBN/ --

The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is hosting the week dedicated to Piedmont, which opened with an event focusing on the textile sector and a long history of exchanges with Japan.

    A fil rouge connects memory and future, from the silks of the 19th century to contemporary challenges of sustainability and the circular economy highlighted through a dialogue between institutions, universities and businesses.

    The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor of Piedmont Elena Chiorino who recalled in her opening address the roots of the ancient friendship between the two countries and when, in the past, Japan helped Italian silk dealers obtain silkworms.

    "A few years later, instead, it was Japan's turn to ask Italy and Piedmont to understand our weaving and spinning techniques", she explained, highlighting the "longstanding and historic friendship" that has "always renewed itself and which we want to remember today here at the Italy Pavilion, speaking about Piedmont's culture and excellence in the textile sector".

    The event included the presentation of the exhibit 'Silk: a gold yarn that united Piedmont to Japan', curated by Giulia Ciammaichella from Link Japan s.r.l., who stressed how "silk is a cultural, economic and sustainable bridge between out countries".

    Professors and entrepreneurs joined the debate: from Giulio Bertelli (The University of Osaka) to Motoaki Ishiii (Osaka University of Arts), and, via video link, Luca Sburlati (Confindustria Moda), Dario Casalini (Slow Fiber) and Giovanni Marchi (Magnolab).

    Piedmont at Expo 2025 Osaka has offered an insight into the potential of the textile sector not just as a symbol of Made in Italy but as a strategic sector for innovation.
    From research on new-generation fibres to recycling projects, the objective is to promote excellence as well as the safeguard of the environment and economic development.

    "Recycling textile fibres represents a challenge which has still not received much attention but is key to reduce pollution and give value to a sector which represents our tradition and, at the same time, the ability to look ahead .

    "Innovation doesn't only concern fashion but also aerospace and automotive where Piedmont continues to be a protagonist", explained Chiorino.

    With this event, Piedmont has chosen to open its week at Expo 2025 Osaka by intertwining history, culture and a vision of the future, confirming the role of textile as a connecting thread between Italy and Japan and as a key resource for tomorrow's global challenges.

Source: General Commissioner’s Office of Italy for Expo 2025 Osaka