2025 Osaka – Kansai Expo Official Licensed Products

2025 Osaka – Kansai Expo Official Licensed Products

Takezasado, led by master printer Kenji Takenaka, created Kyoto-style woodblock prints under commission from JR-West Daily Service Network Co., Ltd.During the Expo period, these works were sold at the Official Store (West Gate, JR-West Group) located inside the 2025 Osaka–Kansai Expo venue, as well as through the official online shop.

• Woodblock Print “OSAKA”

An original work by woodblock print artist Kenji Takenaka.The design combined the official Osaka–Kansai Expo character Myaku-Myaku with the vibrant urban scenery of Osaka illuminated by colorful neon lights.Rooted in traditional woodblock printing techniques, the piece reflected the atmosphere of a modern metropolis.
Officially Licensed Product of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai ©️Expo 2025

• Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” (Expo Limited Edition)

From the celebrated series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji by Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa—also known internationally as The Great Wave—is one of the most iconic ukiyo-e prints.For this special Expo edition, the print was rendered in colors inspired by Myaku-Myaku, the official character of the Osaka–Kansai Expo.
Officially Licensed Product of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai ©️Expo 2025

• Woodblock-Printed Book Cover “Seigaiha” (Blue Ocean Waves)

This design combined the traditional Japanese Seigaiha (blue ocean wave) pattern with the Expo’s official character Myaku-Myaku and logotype.The vivid blue, reminiscent of the traditional “Japan Blue” indigo, created a striking impression.Each piece was hand-printed with the Takezasado logo and crafted to fit the standard Japanese bunkobon (paperback) book size.
Officially Licensed Product of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai ©️Expo 2025

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  • Kenji Takenaka on view at MFA Boston.

    Kenji Takenaka on view at MFA Boston.

    As of October 2025, the Japanese Print Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (U.S.) is exhibiting a selection of Japanese woodblock prints from its collection.Among the works on...

    Kenji Takenaka on view at MFA Boston.

    As of October 2025, the Japanese Print Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (U.S.) is exhibiting a selection of Japanese woodblock prints from its collection.Among the works on...

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    Currently on view at the Honolulu Museum of Art the exhibition  Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints features works by printmakers Kenji Takenaka and April Vollmer, who bring the techniques of...

    Book signing with Kenji Takenaka and April Voll...

    Currently on view at the Honolulu Museum of Art the exhibition  Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints features works by printmakers Kenji Takenaka and April Vollmer, who bring the techniques of...

  • Lenovo EDU Community Creator Odyssey: Level Up by Lenovo × Intel Supported a mentorship in traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing

    Lenovo EDU Community Creator Odyssey: Level Up ...

    In May 2025, Kenji Takenaka contributed as a mentor to Creator Odyssey: Level Up, an educational program by the Lenovo EDU Community. As part of the project, Belgian graphic artist...

    Lenovo EDU Community Creator Odyssey: Level Up ...

    In May 2025, Kenji Takenaka contributed as a mentor to Creator Odyssey: Level Up, an educational program by the Lenovo EDU Community. As part of the project, Belgian graphic artist...

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