Creating the "Continuation" of the Expo, Together. COMMONs Launches Co-creation Publishing Project ── "#MyExpoStory" Begins
COMMONs, a general incorporated association, has launched a co-creation publishing project to produce the book "COMMONs" ver.1.0, aiming to pass on the culture and creativity born from the Osaka-Kansai Expo to the future. This project, which began on April 13, 2026, exactly one year before the Expo's opening, seeks to compile memories and stories of creators, architects, artists, and even citizen culture that official records might miss, through a crowdfunding campaign on For Good. The initiative also includes a hashtag campaign, "#MyExpoStory," inviting everyone to share their experiences and memories, with the possibility of their contributions being included in the book.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 02:10 (15h 38m after Collected)
General Incorporated Association COMMONs (Representative Director: Kota Hikichi) launched a crowdfunding campaign on For Good on April 13, 2026, exactly one year before the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, for the production of the book "COMMONs" ver.1.0. This project is a co-creation publishing initiative aimed at passing on the culture and creativity born from the Expo to the future.
This project is a participatory and co-creative publishing project that aims to produce a "book" with the support of everyone, compiling not only the memories and stories of Expo creators, architects, and artists that cannot be fully captured in official records, but also citizen culture. By sharing the production process itself with everyone, we will connect the legacy of the Expo to the next generation.
URL: https://for-good.net/project/1003278
Target amount: 10 million yen (stretch goal type)
Application period: April 13, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Representative's Comment
At the Osaka-Kansai Expo Design Exhibition on October 19, 2025, the final day, in front of a poster with the copy "Thank you. See you again."
Kota Hikichi, Representative Director of General Incorporated Association COMMONs / Representative of VISIONs Inc.
Creative Director
This project is about creating the "beyond" of the Expo, together with everyone.
The creativity and culture born from the Expo are not meant to end with its duration. On the contrary, we believe that now that it has ended, it is truly important to keep the spark alive and connect it to the future. That is why we wanted to create a place to ensure this enthusiasm is not fleeting, but rather reconnected to the future as memories and stories, and to continuously take action towards "the future beyond." As a first step, we launched this project.
The purpose of this project is to create a "book" that chronicles stories worth remembering, which official records may not fully capture, together with our supporters. We aim not just to deliver a finished product, but to share the production process itself with everyone. Furthermore, if we exceed our funding goal, we will hold an "event" around autumn, marking the first anniversary of the Expo's closing, to share that enthusiasm once again.
One year since the opening. We will once again activate the energy that was there.
To keep the promise of "Thank you, see you again." Let's continue that enthusiasm once more, with everyone.
We look forward to your support and participation. Together, let's create the "continuation of the future."
Overview
■ A project to create the "continuation" of the Expo, together
The book "COMMONs" ver.1.0 is a media project to collaboratively envision and create the "aftermath = future" of the legacy, such as "creativity" and "culture," born from the Expo, with participants. It is a book that collects "another story of the Expo" that cannot be contained in official records, and the "futures" that follow. One of its goals is to open up the production process and create a way for supporters to participate as "co-creation partners."
It is a medium for revealing the struggles, thoughts, and visions behind the scenes, as well as the culture and creativity born from the hands of citizens that cannot be fully captured in official records, thereby generating the "continuation of the Expo." It will "record" stories in the form of a book and "reunite" at an event. The story begins here.
■ Why now?
At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, countless creations were born as citizen culture, not just official projects. It was a common ground created by everyone, for everyone. However, common ground disappears if no one protects it.
General Incorporated Association COMMONs was established in January 2026, centered around creative director Kota Hikichi, who worked on the Expo's design system and "Komyaku," with the aim of connecting the culture and creativity born from the Expo as a "common ground" to the next generation. We, who have created a design legacy of citizen participation through "Komyaku" since the Expo's duration, are now launching a new project as we reach the first anniversary of its opening. We have decided to start the 184-day period from April 13, one year after the Expo's opening, until October 13, its closing, as a period to connect the next story.
That enthusiasm of 2025 is not a thing of the past. It starts again from here.
■ What is the book "COMMONs" ver.1.0?
The book "COMMONs" ver.1.0 is a media project to collaboratively envision and create the "aftermath = future" of the legacy, such as "creativity" and "culture," born from the Expo, with participants.
The inaugural issue, ver.1.0, will feature "POST EXPO" as its theme and is planned to include "26 stories," comprising 25 projects that shaped the Expo, plus the individual stories of citizens. If official record books document "results," "COMMONs" will chronicle the "process" of what was born and what will continue. It is a medium for revealing the behind-the-scenes stories, culture, and creativity born from the hands of citizens that cannot be fully captured in official records, thereby generating the continuation of the Expo.
The book is not a goal, but merely the "beginning" of a grand story and a core prototype of our vision. Starting with this one volume, we will continue activities to create the future beyond the Expo and build a sustainable ecosystem. We want to create a book that, 10 or 20 years from now, or perhaps even further into the future, when children and grandchildren pick it up from their bookshelves, will revive that enthusiasm.
■ 25 projects and "Everyone's +1" = 26 stories
"COMMONs" ver.1.0 will primarily feature content centered on interviews and visuals related to "Expo pavilions, architecture, and other creative works." With the addition of one final piece to the 25 content plans, a total of "26" parts are planned.
This 26th and final content piece embodies the characteristic of this book.
The "+1" that is added at the end.
That is "#MyExpoStory."
The records left there are another aspect of the Expo that cannot be fully contained in official record books.
Memories and stories posted with "#MyExpoStory" will be selected and included as content created by citizens.
■ #MyExpoStory ~Creating the continuation of the future, together~
COMMONs will simultaneously launch the hashtag project "#MyExpoStory," in which everyone, regardless of whether they are a supporter or not, can participate. For 184 days, from the first anniversary of the Expo's opening to the first anniversary of its closing, anyone can become a part of this project by posting their experiences and memories on social media or COMMONs' online community (Discord).
Direct involvement in the Expo is not required for posting. Memories and impressions as a visitor are equally welcome. There is no big or small in each individual's story, and submitted voices may be adopted as book content.
Memories fade with time. Next year, we might not be able to recall them. But now, it might still be possible. Before memories fade, why not leave them for the world?
Those memories and stories should become valuable knowledge for the next generation of creators when the Expo is held again decades later. What was wonderful, what were the challenges, what should be done next? If the enthusiasm of that time remains in words, it will become a force to create a better Expo. To avoid repeating the same challenges. To pass on that knowledge to the next generation.
① Publishing Project
This project aims to inherit the story of the Expo as an "asset that moves the future." With the hands of talented creators and everyone, 26 stories—25 projects plus "your Expo"—will be etched into a single volume. It will transcend mere records (archives) and become a guidepost illuminating future society. We will create a book that is not a record collection, but a vessel for passing on the creative process, knowledge, struggles, and hopes born from the Expo to the next generation.
② Opening the process and "participating"
The process of producing the book (formulating editorial policies, discussions at editorial meetings, drafts, etc.) will be made public, and the trial and error along the path to completion will be shared. COMMONs also envisions regular open study groups, "Open Labs," that combine online and offline elements to explore new future societies. In this forum, visionaries from various fields will engage in public dialogue. Interviews for this book may also be conducted within these "Open Labs," giving supporters the opportunity to experience the moment content is born firsthand.
③ Holding an "event" to celebrate the project's finale
This project launched on April 13, exactly one year after the Expo's opening. Around autumn, an event will be held to mark the project's finale. This event is not just a celebration. It is a place for "restarting" to reconnect the creativity and relationships born from the Expo to the next future. The stories recorded in the book will come alive again in a real setting, leading to new projects and encounters. Let's create a place together where the "continuation" of the Expo can unfold and connect to what comes next.
■ Main Return Courses
[Reader] Digital Edition Book ¥5,000 / Standard Edition (Paper) ¥10,000
[Collector] Special Edition (with serial number) + Early Content Access ¥30,000
[Observer] View behind the scenes of the production process ¥50,000
[Contributor] Participation in the editorial office and commenting rights ¥100,000
[Partner] Participation in monthly editorial meetings + Invitation to COMMONs Table ¥300,000
[Corporate Courses] Corporate Partnership ¥100,000 to ¥1,000,000
■ Stretch Goals ── The more support gathered, the more next steps will open up
The more support gathered, the more next steps will open up. The initial target amount is 10 million yen. If 20 million yen is achieved, a special edition book will be produced, and at 30 million yen, a label will be launched. If 40 million yen is achieved, a large-scale related "event" will be held around autumn, marking the first anniversary of the Expo's closing. The final goal is 50 million yen. If achieved, a "research institute" will be established to nurture the creativity and culture born from the Expo and create the future beyond.
■ Schedule (Planned)
April 13, 2026: Crowdfunding starts (~July 12)
May-June 2026: Interviews begin
July-August 2026: Interim report / Proofreading released
Around Autumn 2026: Event held (if goal achieved)
December 24, 2026: Book published
See details
Kota Hikichi
Creative Director / Representative Director of General Incorporated Association COMMONs / Representative of VISIONs Inc.
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1982. Based in Tokyo/Fukuoka. Established VISIONs Inc. in 2025. Has developed numerous notable projects both domestically and internationally, including the Osaka-Kansai Expo's design system, popularly known as "Komyaku," the open design project "EXPO WORLDs" involving design, art, and sound at the Expo Yumeshima venue, and the widely discussed character design renewal of the new Yanbo & Marbo. His activities span from creative work for national projects like the Osaka-Kansai Expo and Kohaku Uta Gassen, to creative work for global brands such as NIKE and YANMAR, and design strategies for startups. In 2026, he established General Incorporated Association COMMONs as a "common ground for future creation" for the Expo and "beyond."
■ About General Incorporated Association COMMONs
Company Name: General Incorporated Association COMMONs
Location: Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Established: January 2026
Representative Director: Kota Hikichi
General Incorporated Association COMMONs is an open platform that aims to inherit the legacy of the Expo and implement post-Expo societal changes. It was established in January 2026, centered around creative director Kota Hikichi, who worked on the Expo's design system and "Komyaku," with the aim of connecting the culture and creativity born from the Expo as a "common ground" to the next generation. As an "intermediate organization" that is neither top-down nor bottom-up, it continuously tests multiple futures in society by seamlessly connecting research (Lab), activities (Project), implementation (Studio), education (College), and investment (Capital). It is a place where diverse people from industry, academia, government, and the private sector—including designers, creators, architects, researchers, lawyers, government officials, and citizens—sit at the same table, update their questions, and collaboratively create "the future beyond."
This project is a participatory and co-creative publishing project that aims to produce a "book" with the support of everyone, compiling not only the memories and stories of Expo creators, architects, and artists that cannot be fully captured in official records, but also citizen culture. By sharing the production process itself with everyone, we will connect the legacy of the Expo to the next generation.
URL: https://for-good.net/project/1003278
Target amount: 10 million yen (stretch goal type)
Application period: April 13, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Representative's Comment
At the Osaka-Kansai Expo Design Exhibition on October 19, 2025, the final day, in front of a poster with the copy "Thank you. See you again."
Kota Hikichi, Representative Director of General Incorporated Association COMMONs / Representative of VISIONs Inc.
Creative Director
This project is about creating the "beyond" of the Expo, together with everyone.
The creativity and culture born from the Expo are not meant to end with its duration. On the contrary, we believe that now that it has ended, it is truly important to keep the spark alive and connect it to the future. That is why we wanted to create a place to ensure this enthusiasm is not fleeting, but rather reconnected to the future as memories and stories, and to continuously take action towards "the future beyond." As a first step, we launched this project.
The purpose of this project is to create a "book" that chronicles stories worth remembering, which official records may not fully capture, together with our supporters. We aim not just to deliver a finished product, but to share the production process itself with everyone. Furthermore, if we exceed our funding goal, we will hold an "event" around autumn, marking the first anniversary of the Expo's closing, to share that enthusiasm once again.
One year since the opening. We will once again activate the energy that was there.
To keep the promise of "Thank you, see you again." Let's continue that enthusiasm once more, with everyone.
We look forward to your support and participation. Together, let's create the "continuation of the future."
Overview
■ A project to create the "continuation" of the Expo, together
The book "COMMONs" ver.1.0 is a media project to collaboratively envision and create the "aftermath = future" of the legacy, such as "creativity" and "culture," born from the Expo, with participants. It is a book that collects "another story of the Expo" that cannot be contained in official records, and the "futures" that follow. One of its goals is to open up the production process and create a way for supporters to participate as "co-creation partners."
It is a medium for revealing the struggles, thoughts, and visions behind the scenes, as well as the culture and creativity born from the hands of citizens that cannot be fully captured in official records, thereby generating the "continuation of the Expo." It will "record" stories in the form of a book and "reunite" at an event. The story begins here.
■ Why now?
At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, countless creations were born as citizen culture, not just official projects. It was a common ground created by everyone, for everyone. However, common ground disappears if no one protects it.
General Incorporated Association COMMONs was established in January 2026, centered around creative director Kota Hikichi, who worked on the Expo's design system and "Komyaku," with the aim of connecting the culture and creativity born from the Expo as a "common ground" to the next generation. We, who have created a design legacy of citizen participation through "Komyaku" since the Expo's duration, are now launching a new project as we reach the first anniversary of its opening. We have decided to start the 184-day period from April 13, one year after the Expo's opening, until October 13, its closing, as a period to connect the next story.
That enthusiasm of 2025 is not a thing of the past. It starts again from here.
■ What is the book "COMMONs" ver.1.0?
The book "COMMONs" ver.1.0 is a media project to collaboratively envision and create the "aftermath = future" of the legacy, such as "creativity" and "culture," born from the Expo, with participants.
The inaugural issue, ver.1.0, will feature "POST EXPO" as its theme and is planned to include "26 stories," comprising 25 projects that shaped the Expo, plus the individual stories of citizens. If official record books document "results," "COMMONs" will chronicle the "process" of what was born and what will continue. It is a medium for revealing the behind-the-scenes stories, culture, and creativity born from the hands of citizens that cannot be fully captured in official records, thereby generating the continuation of the Expo.
The book is not a goal, but merely the "beginning" of a grand story and a core prototype of our vision. Starting with this one volume, we will continue activities to create the future beyond the Expo and build a sustainable ecosystem. We want to create a book that, 10 or 20 years from now, or perhaps even further into the future, when children and grandchildren pick it up from their bookshelves, will revive that enthusiasm.
■ 25 projects and "Everyone's +1" = 26 stories
"COMMONs" ver.1.0 will primarily feature content centered on interviews and visuals related to "Expo pavilions, architecture, and other creative works." With the addition of one final piece to the 25 content plans, a total of "26" parts are planned.
This 26th and final content piece embodies the characteristic of this book.
The "+1" that is added at the end.
That is "#MyExpoStory."
The records left there are another aspect of the Expo that cannot be fully contained in official record books.
Memories and stories posted with "#MyExpoStory" will be selected and included as content created by citizens.
■ #MyExpoStory ~Creating the continuation of the future, together~
COMMONs will simultaneously launch the hashtag project "#MyExpoStory," in which everyone, regardless of whether they are a supporter or not, can participate. For 184 days, from the first anniversary of the Expo's opening to the first anniversary of its closing, anyone can become a part of this project by posting their experiences and memories on social media or COMMONs' online community (Discord).
Direct involvement in the Expo is not required for posting. Memories and impressions as a visitor are equally welcome. There is no big or small in each individual's story, and submitted voices may be adopted as book content.
Memories fade with time. Next year, we might not be able to recall them. But now, it might still be possible. Before memories fade, why not leave them for the world?
Those memories and stories should become valuable knowledge for the next generation of creators when the Expo is held again decades later. What was wonderful, what were the challenges, what should be done next? If the enthusiasm of that time remains in words, it will become a force to create a better Expo. To avoid repeating the same challenges. To pass on that knowledge to the next generation.
① Publishing Project
This project aims to inherit the story of the Expo as an "asset that moves the future." With the hands of talented creators and everyone, 26 stories—25 projects plus "your Expo"—will be etched into a single volume. It will transcend mere records (archives) and become a guidepost illuminating future society. We will create a book that is not a record collection, but a vessel for passing on the creative process, knowledge, struggles, and hopes born from the Expo to the next generation.
② Opening the process and "participating"
The process of producing the book (formulating editorial policies, discussions at editorial meetings, drafts, etc.) will be made public, and the trial and error along the path to completion will be shared. COMMONs also envisions regular open study groups, "Open Labs," that combine online and offline elements to explore new future societies. In this forum, visionaries from various fields will engage in public dialogue. Interviews for this book may also be conducted within these "Open Labs," giving supporters the opportunity to experience the moment content is born firsthand.
③ Holding an "event" to celebrate the project's finale
This project launched on April 13, exactly one year after the Expo's opening. Around autumn, an event will be held to mark the project's finale. This event is not just a celebration. It is a place for "restarting" to reconnect the creativity and relationships born from the Expo to the next future. The stories recorded in the book will come alive again in a real setting, leading to new projects and encounters. Let's create a place together where the "continuation" of the Expo can unfold and connect to what comes next.
■ Main Return Courses
[Reader] Digital Edition Book ¥5,000 / Standard Edition (Paper) ¥10,000
[Collector] Special Edition (with serial number) + Early Content Access ¥30,000
[Observer] View behind the scenes of the production process ¥50,000
[Contributor] Participation in the editorial office and commenting rights ¥100,000
[Partner] Participation in monthly editorial meetings + Invitation to COMMONs Table ¥300,000
[Corporate Courses] Corporate Partnership ¥100,000 to ¥1,000,000
■ Stretch Goals ── The more support gathered, the more next steps will open up
The more support gathered, the more next steps will open up. The initial target amount is 10 million yen. If 20 million yen is achieved, a special edition book will be produced, and at 30 million yen, a label will be launched. If 40 million yen is achieved, a large-scale related "event" will be held around autumn, marking the first anniversary of the Expo's closing. The final goal is 50 million yen. If achieved, a "research institute" will be established to nurture the creativity and culture born from the Expo and create the future beyond.
■ Schedule (Planned)
April 13, 2026: Crowdfunding starts (~July 12)
May-June 2026: Interviews begin
July-August 2026: Interim report / Proofreading released
Around Autumn 2026: Event held (if goal achieved)
December 24, 2026: Book published
See details
Kota Hikichi
Creative Director / Representative Director of General Incorporated Association COMMONs / Representative of VISIONs Inc.
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1982. Based in Tokyo/Fukuoka. Established VISIONs Inc. in 2025. Has developed numerous notable projects both domestically and internationally, including the Osaka-Kansai Expo's design system, popularly known as "Komyaku," the open design project "EXPO WORLDs" involving design, art, and sound at the Expo Yumeshima venue, and the widely discussed character design renewal of the new Yanbo & Marbo. His activities span from creative work for national projects like the Osaka-Kansai Expo and Kohaku Uta Gassen, to creative work for global brands such as NIKE and YANMAR, and design strategies for startups. In 2026, he established General Incorporated Association COMMONs as a "common ground for future creation" for the Expo and "beyond."
■ About General Incorporated Association COMMONs
Company Name: General Incorporated Association COMMONs
Location: Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Established: January 2026
Representative Director: Kota Hikichi
General Incorporated Association COMMONs is an open platform that aims to inherit the legacy of the Expo and implement post-Expo societal changes. It was established in January 2026, centered around creative director Kota Hikichi, who worked on the Expo's design system and "Komyaku," with the aim of connecting the culture and creativity born from the Expo as a "common ground" to the next generation. As an "intermediate organization" that is neither top-down nor bottom-up, it continuously tests multiple futures in society by seamlessly connecting research (Lab), activities (Project), implementation (Studio), education (College), and investment (Capital). It is a place where diverse people from industry, academia, government, and the private sector—including designers, creators, architects, researchers, lawyers, government officials, and citizens—sit at the same table, update their questions, and collaboratively create "the future beyond."