The Japan Pavilion attendants’ uniforms are inspired by kimonos

The Ministry of Economy unveiled on October 17 the uniforms for its volunteer attendants who will guide visitors to the Japan Pavilion at Osaka Kansai Expo 2025.

The exhibition is scheduled to open in April next year.

The unveiled uniforms are based on the concept of “wearing Japanese aesthetics” and feature a gender-neutral design based on the kimono, the ministry said.

The uniforms were designed by designer Yuya Nakata.

Nakata has created a complete line of accessories that includes scarves, vests and hats.

Each attendant can freely coordinate these items and carry them in a “furoshiki” cloth arranged in a bag, the ministry said.

He disclosed that the uniforms are made from fibers and other materials from used plastic bottles. The uniforms will be collected and recycled after the exhibition.

The ministry said 2,695 people applied for the Japan Pavilion attendant position and around 270 were selected.

A 70-year-old woman, who is the oldest among those chosen, said: “I would like to help connect Japan and the world.”