The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
Forests, Energy, and Us
JGA/ FEPC
Discussion
- Sustainable Energy for the Future
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese |
-
Theme Weeks CONNECT
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.09.22[Mon]
12:00 ～ 17:30
-
- Venue
- Theme Weeks Connect (Outside Venue)
- FIRST HALF：Expo2025 Osaka,Kansai,Japan,site(１Cho-me，Yumesimanaka,Konohana-ku,Osaka-shi,Osaka 554-0044 Japan) SECOND HALF：MUIC KANSAI(３－６－３，Fushimimati,Chuou-ku,Osaka-shi,Osaka 541-0044 Japan)
Programme details
In the first half, participants will engage in fieldwork across three locations within the Expo. The latter half invites thoughtful dialogue with experts to explore the future of energy. Through the three lenses of “Forests ,” “Energy,” and “Us ,” we will explore the sustainability of the global environment from multiple perspectives.
Reports
【Reflection】
“Forest, Energy, and Us” brought together 15 university and graduate students from diverse fields such as urban engineering, agricultural science, design, and art.
In the first half of the program, participants conducted fieldwork at the Expo site. At the Gas Pavilion’s “OBAKE WONDERLAND,” they learned about the future energy source e-methane and explored the importance of actively “transforming” (or “metamorphosing”) their own awareness and behavior. At the Electric Power Pavilion’s “Eggs of Possibility,” they used unique egg-shaped devices to learn about the potential of future energy technologies such as nuclear fusion, wireless power transmission, and vibration power generation.
In the “Forest of Silence,” Mr. Hiroki Kutsuna, CEO of E-DESIGN and the site’s landscape designer, spoke about the significance of placing greenery at the center of the Expo venue. He also shared insights into the creation of green zones inspired by scattered islands and the concept behind designing the venue’s soundscape.
In the second half, the group moved to MUIC KANSAI for a talk session with professors and pavilion directors. Associate Professor Yuya Fukano from Chiba University’s Graduate School of Horticulture commented, “Renewable energy facilities and natural environments are often seen as being in conflict, but we should engage in calm discussions and seek a trade-on relationship where both can coexist.” Mr. Kutsuna added, “Without struggle, neither nature nor energy will change,” emphasizing the importance of embracing transformation.
Students shared reflections such as:
• “I wanted to create connections between people and nature, but I realized that energy might be the key to linking the two.”
• “It was inspiring to talk with students from fields I’d never interacted with before. Energy and nature often seem to be at odds, but perhaps design can help us find solutions.”
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
After the talk session, the professors kindly stayed on for an additional hour-long free discussion. The conversation centered around students’ experiences at the two Expo pavilions, where they explored “future energy,” and the relationship between urban spaces and greenery revealed through the creation of the “Forest of Silence.”
Since students typically focus on their own specialized fields, they rarely have opportunities to study cities and spatial design from alternative perspectives. Many expressed that the Expo gave them a chance to think from multiple angles, leading to new discoveries and insights. In particular, several students found meaning in reexamining their academic disciplines through the lens of energy.
This session served as a valuable starting point for strengthening collaboration between energy companies, businesses, and universities through MUIC KANSAI. We hope to continue building a dynamic and stimulating network that fosters mutual inspiration.
For energy organizations such as the Japan Gas Association and the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan, the Expo provided a meaningful opportunity to engage in future-oriented discussions with students and professors. We look forward to maintaining strong relationships and ongoing dialogue with Chiba University’s Graduate School of Horticulture and E-DESIGN, and to sharing the outcomes of these discussions with a wider audience.
Cast
Speakers
Hiroki Kutsuna
Chief Executive Officer, E-DESIGN Inc.
We aim to create attractive public spaces and realize a new form of publicness by employing an integrated approach that simultaneously plans and implements landscape and
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Kaoru Teraura
Director of the Art and Communicaition Division
In 1994, joined the Osaka Prefectural Government as a curator. Has been involved in planning and drafting cultural policies and cultural promotion strategies, organizing contemporary art exhibitions and events, and launching ”enoco”.
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Yuya Fukano
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University
Specializing in ecology, conducts extensive research on the relationship between human activities, biological evolution, and biodiversity. Recipient of the Miyachi Award from the Ecological Society of Japan (2022) and the Japan Prize for Agricultural Advancement (2024).
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More Information
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
Forests, Energy, and Us
-
2025.09.22[Mon]
12:00～17:30
(Venue Open 12:00)
- Theme Weeks Connect (Outside Venue)
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
