Editor’s Note
This article highlights Cartier’s collaborative pavilion at Expo 2025, focused on fostering dialogue and equality. The initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to leveraging its platform for meaningful global conversations.
Cartier, in collaboration with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, has opened the “Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The pavilion, under the concept “Towards a Future Where We All Live and Shine Together,” aims to create a catalyst for a world where all people can live in true equality, respect each other, walk together, and realize their potential. It invites visitors to aspire to a fair and sustainable future through the experiences and perspectives of women.
As a place for all people, regardless of gender, race, age, or ability, to think together and engage in continuous dialogue, the pavilion features the “WA” space on its second floor. “WA” encompasses multiple meanings: loop, ring, talk/story, harmony/peace, and the circle of life where all living beings on Earth coexist. Here, visionary leaders, activists, and experts will engage with the public through lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions on six key themes: “Our Great Earth,” “Business & Technology,” “Education & Policy,” “Arts & Culture,” “Philanthropy,” and “Roles & Identity,” aiming to inspire action.
Talk sessions featuring representatives from various fields are being held daily. Details are being released sequentially on the website (https://register.cartier.com/ja/wa-2025), and anyone can participate by making a reservation.
June 12, 15:00-16:15
Speakers: Mariko Mori (Artist), Daisy I-yow Wang (Art Historian, Curator)
Moderator: Benjamin Boyer (Professor, Cartier Chair in Behavioural Science, ESCP Business School)
This session, through a dynamic conversation between acclaimed artist Mariko Mori and art historian/curator Daisy I-yow Wang, will explore how taking risks in art leads to new ideas. It will investigate how creativity, aided by technology, helps us face this changing world, connect with others, and envision new futures.
June 14, 11:00-12:15
Speakers: Tetsuya Kumakawa (Artistic Director/Dancer/Choreographer), Akari Fujii (Airline Captain & Instructor)
Moderator: Eriko Nakamura
Classical ballet dancer Tetsuya Kumakawa and airline captain/instructor Akari Fujii will share their personal journeys, touching on the challenges they’ve overcome, the prejudices they’ve fought, and the passions that have guided them.
June 14, 15:00-16:15
Speakers: Hidetoshi Nakata (Former Japanese National Soccer Player, CEO of JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY, Founder of HEROs), Junpei Sasakawa (Executive Director, The Nippon Foundation), Hanae Ito (Leader of 1252 Project, Former Japanese National Swimmer)
Moderator: Saki Yagi (Freelance Announcer)
While sportsmanship represents self-control, teamwork, and high ethics, its social impact beyond competition is often overlooked. How can philanthropic organizations collaborate with athletes to increase efforts toward social change and maximize impact? This session, featuring HEROs founder Hidetoshi Nakata, Junpei Sasakawa of The Nippon Foundation, and former national swimmer Hanae Ito, will explore pathways. By linking athletes’ sportsmanship with philanthropic vision, sensitivity towards a more equitable and inclusive society can be heightened.
June 16, 11:00-12:15
Speakers: Gabriela Hearst (Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur), Samira Nasr (Editor-in-Chief, Harper’s Bazaar), Masataka Hosoo (CEO & Founder, Hosoo Co., Ltd.)
Moderator: Ana C. Rold (CEO & Publisher, The Diplomatic Courier)
Influential voices from the fashion and creative industries will delve into how a paradigm shift in materials, production, and consumption can reconfigure the global fashion economy, fostering harmony between human creativity, cultural heritage, and planetary boundaries. The session will also explore evolving definitions of beauty, the rise of “honest luxury,” and the role of storytelling, technology, and tradition in shaping fashion’s next chapter.
June 16, 14:00-15:30
Speakers: Sputniko! (Multimedia Artist, CEO of Cradle), SHELLY (Talent, MC)
Moderator: Risa Kuwabara (Newscaster, Entrepreneur)
By leveraging creativity and social media, these tools can foster valuable dialogue, reshape perceptions, and drive cultural change toward a more inclusive society. Join the dialogue moderated by Risa Kuwabara, featuring SHELLY and Sputniko!, to explore how art and media can reveal unconscious gender bias, deepen understanding of gender and sexuality, and empower younger generations to advocate for a more equitable future.
