At Expo 2025 in Osaka, one of Japan’s most time-honored crafts is taking center stage in a futuristic setting. Hakuichi Co., Ltd., a gold leaf maker from Kanazawa, is contributing to the event’s signature pavilion with a shimmering gold-covered art piece known as the “Life Ball.”
Designed by animation director Shoji Kawamori, the 3.5-meter installation is more than just visually striking—it’s also a symbol of sustainability. Built from recycled stainless steel and metals collected by Minami Metals, another Kanazawa-based company, the sculpture has been decorated using recycled gold and silver leaf produced by Hakuichi’s expert craftsmen.
Kanazawa is Japan’s gold leaf capital, with a history of gilding that dates back over 400 years. Hakuichi continues this legacy with a modern twist, focusing on eco-friendly production and innovative design. Applying gold leaf to a large, curved surface like the Life Ball required advanced techniques and teamwork. Even Kawamori himself tried his hand at the delicate process, adding a final touch to a golden salamander figure on the sculpture.
The Life Ball fits perfectly with the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” combining tradition, artistry, and environmental awareness into one unforgettable piece. There are even plans to reuse the installation as a monument after the Expo ends in October 2025.
For visitors to Japan, it’s a unique chance to see how traditional crafts like gold leaf continue to evolve. And if you’re headed to Kanazawa before or after the Expo, you can see Hakuichi’s work up close at their stores around the city. Be sure to try the gold leaf ice cream!
