Japan Pavilion debuts at Decor + Design 2026

Japan will make its debut at Decor + Design 2026 in Melbourne, showcasing a curated collection of traditional crafts and contemporary wood products that reflect the country's deep-rooted wood culture. Visitors see both centuries-old craftsmanship and innovative wood design products that demonstrate how traditional techniques continue to inspire modern design.

A highlight of the exhibition will be live demonstrations by Kazutaka Tsuyuki, a certified master artisan of hakone yosegi-zaiku, one of Japan’s most distinctive traditional woodworking crafts. Hakone yosegi-zaiku is renowned for creating intricate geometric patterns using the natural colours of more than 50 different wood species. The craft is recognised as a nationally designated traditional craft of Japan.

Hakone yosegi-zaiku is a highly revered Japanese craft, with only six artisans nationwide holding the prestigious title of "Master of Traditional Crafts". Visitors will have the rare opportunity to watch one of these few certified masters, Kazutaka Tsuyuki, demonstrate this remarkable woodwork live at the Japan Pavilion.

Nationally recognised traditional crafts presented also include odate magewappa bentwood ware from Akita and traditional Japanese lacquerware and kokeshi wooden dolls. These products are created through woodcarving, lacquering, and steam-bending techniques, that have enriched daily life in Japan for centuries.

The pavilion will also showcase recipients of Japan’s prestigious Wood Design Award, which recognises products and initiatives that create new value through the use of wood and timber.

Japan is one of the world's most heavily forested nations and has successfully maintained its forest resources for more than 50 years through a sustainable cycle of planting, nurturing, harvesting, and utilising timber. The exhibition will introduce Australia's design community to Japan's unique approach to sustainable forestry and responsible timber utilisation, offering insights into how environmental stewardship and craftsmanship can coexist.

This exhibition is presented as part of a Japanese Forestry Agency initiative to promote Japanese timber products internationally and is managed and supported by Gurunavi, Inc.

Decor + Design is an interior design and furnishings trade exhibition which runs from 15-17 July, 2026 from 10am–5pm at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).