Exhibition "Colours and Forms of Australia" to be Held, Showcasing Contemporary Australian Interior Design Systematically Introduced in Japan for the First Time

JAU (Japan Australia United) will hold the exhibition "Colours and Forms of Australia" from July 9 (Thu) to July 21 (Tue), 2026, at THINK OF THINGS in Sendagaya, Tokyo.

This exhibition is a curated event that explores contemporary Australian interior design, which has had few opportunities for systematic introduction in Japan, centered around the themes of "colour" and "form." It will feature and sell furniture, lighting, and interior accessories from approximately 15 brands and creators currently active in Australia, including Studio Henry Wilson, which also handles product and store design for the Australian skincare brand "Aesop."

The curation is led by Sonny Mai, representative of JAU, who is from Sydney and now based in Japan. Leveraging the perspectives cultivated in both Japan and Australia, the exhibition conveys the charm of Australian design, nurtured by nature, lifestyle, and culture.

Australian design embodies colours reminiscent of vast nature, craftsmanship that leverages the characteristics of materials, and free, experimental ideas. The background to this lies in its rich natural environment, multicultural society, and a commitment to sustainable manufacturing. This exhibition aims to provide an encounter with Australian design culture and new discoveries and inspiration by touching upon not only the works but also the underlying culture and values.

Furthermore, this exhibition has been officially recognized by the Australian Embassy in Japan as an official project for the "50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia." In this milestone year marking the 50th anniversary, we will re-examine cultural exchange between Japan and Australia and create new opportunities for dialogue through design.

Related programs, including talk sessions for the general public and students, will also be held during the exhibition period to allow for a deeper appreciation of the exhibits.

Why Australian Design?

In recent years, Australian design has been gaining global attention, and interest in Japan is also on the rise.

The vast natural environment, a society where diverse cultures and values intersect, and a fertile ground for flexibly accepting new ideas and experimental approaches. The designs born from this environment embody a deep understanding of materials and a commitment to valuing the relationship with daily life.

However, compared to Nordic, Italian, and Dutch design, there are still few opportunities for contemporary Australian design to be introduced in a comprehensive manner in Japan.

This exhibition will not only introduce individual products and brands but also shed light on the common values and design philosophies that unite them, presenting the multifaceted appeal of Australian design, which is still largely unknown in Japan.

Exhibition Highlights

The venue will feature and sell works that symbolize the contemporary Australian design scene, including lighting, furniture, and interior accessories. By exhibiting works across brands with "colour" and "form" as the focal points, the exhibition is structured to allow visitors to experience the common values and aesthetic sensibilities of Australian design, which might be less apparent when viewed through individual brands alone.

Through colours and materials reminiscent of Australian nature, and functional yet striking forms born from experimental ideas, we will introduce the unique charm of contemporary Australian design.

<Main Participating Brands>

Surface Sconce

Studio Henry Wilson

Based in Sydney, Studio Henry Wilson is a design studio that handles lighting, homewares, and interior hardware. They pursue timeless, universal designs that leverage the beauty of materials and prioritize manufacturing that is intended for long-term use. They also undertake projects with domestic and international brands, including the Australian skincare brand "Aesop," and are active in a wide range of fields. Their designs consider the potential for materials to be reused after their initial purpose is fulfilled, making sustainability a key characteristic of the brand.

Official Website: https://www.studiohenrywilson.jp/

Palm Springs Planters

Lightly

Based in Melbourne, Lightly is a lifestyle design brand that handles planters, lighting, and homewares. They prioritize functionality and pursue manufacturing that allows for long-term enjoyment. Their products are named after the colours of Australian nature, such as "Sunset," "Sand," and "Sorrel," evoking rich landscapes. Their designs are characterized by gentle colours inspired by nature and a light touch that complements daily life.

Official Website: https://www.lightly.com.au/

Keyrings by Daniel Emma

Glowboats by Daniel O'toole

Incense Holder by R L Foote Design & Incense by MAHO Sensory

Window Chair by Fearon

Special Talk Sessions to be Held

As related programs to enhance the enjoyment of the exhibition, two talk sessions will be held during the exhibition period: one for the general public and one exclusively for students.

"Recently, I'm Interested in Australia" – Thinking about Lifestyle and Design from Tokyo and Sydney July 10, 2026 (Fri) 18:30–19:30

Tetsuro Yasunaga, Creative Director and Producer at KOKUYO Co., Ltd. Management Planning Headquarters, Creative Center / YOHAK DESIGN STUDIO, and Sonny Mai, Representative of JAU, will be speakers. They will discuss the background that fosters creativity, such as nature, multiculturalism, and experimental culture, from the perspective of Australian design and lifestyle.

Details & Registration: Peatix https://jautotltalksession20260710.peatix.com/

Student-Exclusive Talk Session

"Creating a Career from What You Love" – Sonny Mai, Representative of JAU, Talks About Careers Expanding from Curiosity July 10, 2026 (Fri) 17:30–18:00

A small-group talk session for students interested in design, art, and creative fields. Sonny Mai, Representative of JAU, will share insights from her experience working as an engineer in an Australian company while establishing JAU in Japan, discussing ways to balance creative activities with work and the possibilities of careers starting from curiosity.

Details & Registration: Peatix https://jautotspecialstudenttalks20260710.peatix.com/

Organizer and Venue Information

Organizer: JAU (Japan Australia United)

JAU (Japan Australia United) is a cultural and design platform connecting Japan and Australia, operated by longforme LLC. It operates Japan's first lifestyle select shop specializing in Australian design, with a directly managed store in Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, in addition to an online store.

Valuing the thoughts and stories of creators behind their designs, JAU delivers Australian culture and creativity to Japan through exhibitions, events, and retail.

About Operating Company: longforme LLC

longforme LLC, with the concept "We bring stories and objects to Japan," supports cultural exchange and market development in the fields of design, crafts, and lifestyle between Japan and overseas. Through exhibition planning, PR, distribution support, and brand development, they strive to create new value that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

Venue: THINK OF THINGS

THINK OF THINGS is a shop & cafe produced by KOKUYO's in-house design collective "YOHAK DESIGN STUDIO." With the concept "BEYOND STANDARDS," it proposes new values and lifestyles through products, exhibitions, and events as a "place for thinking about things, discovery, and experience."

Event Overview

Exhibition Title: "Colours and Forms of Australia"

Dates: July 9 (Thu) – July 21 (Tue), 2026 *Closed Wednesdays

Venue: THINK OF THINGS, 3-62-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Admission Fee: Free

Organizer/Operator: JAU (Japan Australia United) / longforme LLC

Event Special Page: https://www.jau.co.jp/colours-and-forms-of-australia-popup-event Recognition: "Related Event for the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia" (Australian Embassy in Japan)

[Contact Information for Inquiries]

JAU (Japan Australia United) / longforme LLC

Public Relations Contact: Okuhara E-mail: hi@longforme.com Official Website: https://www.jau.co.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jau_design/