First for Decor + Design: Gurunavi to Present "JAPAN WOOD x CRAFTSMANSHIP" -- Certified Japanese Traditional Craftsman to Make Melbourne Debut
Gurunavi, Inc.
TOKYO, July 8, 2026 /Kyodo JBN/ --
- Pavilion to Showcase Over 40 Sustainable Wood Products Reimagining 1,000-Year-Old Heritage for Modern Living, with Exclusive Live Demonstrations by One of Only Six Wood-mosaic Masters in Japan -
Gurunavi, Inc. announced that the inaugural Japanese pavilion, titled "JAPAN WOOD x CRAFTSMANSHIP*," will debut at Decor + Design 2026, Australia’s premier interior design exhibition, to be held from Wednesday, July 15 to Friday, July 17 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. In a historic first for the exhibition, a nationally certified Japanese Master of Traditional Crafts will be present at the pavilion, performing live demonstrations of advanced woodworking techniques daily throughout the three-day event.
*This exhibition is operated and supported by Gurunavi, Inc. as part of a subsidized project by the Forestry Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan, aimed at promoting Japanese wood products.
Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109130/202606291684/_prw_PI5fl_eKG0Kus2.png
Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109130/202606291684/_prw_PI1fl_hz4nPg8O.jpg
Embodying "FRESH!": Bridging Ancient Heritage and Contemporary Design
At the pavilion, visitors can explore a curated collection of more than 40 exceptional pieces, ranging from design-forward wood products that seamlessly blend time-honored Japanese techniques with modern lifestyles to traditional lacquerware and Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku (wood mosaic), each with a 1,000-year heritage, the latter celebrated for its intricate geometric patterns created exclusively from the natural colors of wood. The exhibition presents a fresh aesthetic for wood products, reimagining ancient heritage to beautifully complement and elevate contemporary living spaces.
Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109130/202606291684/_prw_PI6fl_6faL78t3.png
Tackling Climate Change: Japan’s Circular Use of Forest Resources
Approximately 70% of Japan’s land area is covered by forests, with about 40% of these areas classified as planted forests. While planted forests account for only about 8% of the world's total forest area, Japan boasts one of the highest ratios globally. This achievement is the direct result of Japan’s long-standing dedication to the circular use of forest resources through the sustainable cycle of planting new seedlings after logging.
Wood products are remarkably eco-friendly materials; they absorb carbon dioxide during their growth phase, emit low carbon dioxide during manufacturing and continue to store carbon internally throughout their lifespan as finished goods. Like this, these high-value wood products contribute significantly to achieving net-zero emissions and advancing corporate ESG goals.
Image3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109130/202606291684/_prw_PI7fl_Fm81brE2.png
Decor + Design 2026 First: Live Demonstrations by One of Only Six Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku Masters in Japan
The title of "Japanese Master of Traditional Crafts," certified by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, is a prestigious designation reserved exclusively for a select group of elite artisans. In the highly specialized field of Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku, only six individuals nationwide hold this distinguished honor. Kazutaka Tsuyuki, one of these rare masters, will travel to Melbourne to demonstrate his extraordinary craftsmanship live at the exhibition.
At the pavilion, Tsuyuki will reveal the delicate process of shaving intricate geometric wooden patterns and the fascinating mechanics behind the traditional "Secret Box" (Himitsu-Bako) -- a puzzle box that remains locked until a precise sequence of movements is performed. This interactive showcase offers an invaluable opportunity for ANZ media and industry professionals to experience world-class craftsmanship firsthand.
Exhibition Overview
-Event Name: Decor + Design 2026
-Dates & Times: Wednesday, July 15 - Friday, July 17, 2026/10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Closes at 4:00 pm on the final day)
-Venue: Melbourne Exhibition Centre
-Stand Location: JAPAN WOOD x CRAFTSMANSHIP (Stand No. E9)
Images of Stand Location JAPAN WOOD x CRAFTSMANSHIP:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109130/202606291684/_prw_PI3fl_kBUWvzdY.png
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109130/202606291684/_prw_PI2fl_x8qd4F1e.png
Decor + Design 2026: https://decordesignshow.com.au/about-decor-design/
Source: Gurunavi, Inc.