"ONDO - FROM WASTE TO WONDER-" Project Launched

Mie Chuo Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. and Shigen Junkan Systems Co., Ltd., subsidiaries of Daiei Kankyo Co., Ltd., are launching the "ONDO - FROM WASTE TO WONDER" project in collaboration with Atelier Ondo. This project challenges the creation of new value from recycled materials. An exhibition to unveil the brand will be held from April 17 (Fri) to April 26 (Sun), 2026, at the Iga Akai Family Residence (former samurai residence), where sustainable art pieces made from recycled plastic will be presented.

ONDO from waste to wonder

1. Background and Concept

We are challenging ourselves to shed light on sustainable materials that have previously gone unnoticed and to create new value. This initiative began with the idea that the power of art, when combined with recycled materials derived from container packaging plastics manufactured by Mie Chuo Kaihatsu, could become a catalyst for promoting recycling.

Normally, these recycled materials would circulate as low-grade products, but we explored the possibility of art transforming them to adorn spaces and even become works of art themselves. We are undertaking an initiative to elevate product characteristics that would typically be considered negative factors into the "individuality" of the material, transforming them into beauty. By giving "stories" and "expressions" to often overlooked recycled materials, we have brought out their new appeal.

This time, we will hold an unveiling exhibition in collaboration with cultural facilities in Iga, aiming to become a bridge for the region through art x culture x recycling. Experience the aesthetics of regeneration, where we re-evaluate the value of beauty by re-examining the value of recycled materials.

2. Exhibition Overview

〇 Exhibition Name: ONDO - FROM WASTE TO WONDER From Waste to Beauty

〇 Period: April 17 (Fri) - April 26 (Sun), 2026

〇 Opening Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day)

〇 Venue: Iga Akai Family Residence (2491-1 Ueno Shinobu-cho, Iga City, Mie Prefecture)

〇 Admission Fee: Free

〇 Exhibition Content: Tea ceremony utensils and interior items made from recycled plastic / Exhibition of the production process

Organizer: Iga Cultural City Association

Cooperation: Mie Chuo Kaihatsu / Shigen Junkan Systems iCEP PLASTICS

3. Events during the Exhibition

① Plastic Recycling Experience Workshop

Experience the process of recycling waste plastic and take home a recycled product.

Dates: April 18 (Sat), April 19 (Sun), April 25 (Sat) *morning only, April 26 (Sun)

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 (morning), 13:00 - 15:00 (afternoon)

Participation Fee: Free (reservations preferred)

Application URL: https://peatix.com/event/4913897

② Panel Discussion "Sustainable People and Community Building"

A panel discussion will be held with leaders from various fields in the region. Let's think together about what is necessary for the region to continue to exist and evolve.

Date: April 25 (Sat) 13:30 - 14:15

Speakers: Mayor of Iga City, school officials, regional representatives, Hiroshi Tanimoto (potter),

Yasuhiko Maeyama (Director and Plant Manager, Mie Chuo Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.)

Coordinator: Makiko Tamura (freelance announcer)

Participation Fee: Free (first 50 people)

③ Tea Ceremony Adorned with Sustainable Art

Experience a tea ceremony (Chinese tea ceremony / Matcha tea ceremony) where Japanese tradition is adorned with sustainable art.

Dates: Chinese Tea Ceremony: April 18 (Sat), April 19 (Sun) 10:00/11:00/13:00/14:00/15:00

Matcha Tea Ceremony (Tea Room): April 19 (Sun) 10:45/11:45/13:15/14:15

Matcha Tea Ceremony (Ritsurei-seki - standing style): Accepted at any time

Participation Fee: Chinese Tea Ceremony 2,000 yen, Matcha Tea Ceremony (Tea Room) 10,000 yen (with light meal), Matcha Tea Ceremony (Ritsurei-seki) 1,000 yen

Application URL: http://peatix.com/event/4896227

(Exhibition Announcement Material)

dinsgr.co.jp/news/news_no702/images/ondo_flyer.pdf

4. Team Members

This initiative began with a dialogue between an artist working near Mie Chuo Kaihatsu in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, and the director of the waste treatment and recycling facility in Mie, sparked by the artist's perspective.

▽ Potter Hiroshi Tanimoto

Born in Iga City, Mie Prefecture in 1958, as the son of Mitsuo Tanimoto. Exposed to Iga ware from an early age. Studied pottery in Iga and Kyoto. Began exhibiting works in solo and group exhibitions in 1984. Moved to France in 1984. Studied drawing and oil painting in Paris. Became an assistant to sculptor J.G. Artigas. Established an atelier in the suburbs of Paris and began pottery production. Independent since 1988. Opened Tanimoto Hiroshi Pottery Studio in Iga. Since then, has been active internationally, including pottery production and solo exhibitions in Barcelona, and solo exhibitions and workshops in New York and Paris.

▽ Potter Akemi Tanimoto

After studying in the UK, lived in Paris and Barcelona. After working as a studio assistant for photographer Teruo Sekiguchi, she studied fashion. Later, she visited the Artigas Foundation's pottery workshop in Spain, which led her to the path of pottery. Currently, she has an atelier in Iga and continues to create with her unique expressions, including the "Bubble of Thoughts" series. In recent years, she has also been involved in photographic expression and planning/producing art events.

▽ Yasuhiko Maeyama, Director, Mie Chuo Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.

Joined Daiei Kankyo Co., Ltd. in 2000. Appointed Director and Plant Manager of Mie Chuo Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. in 2021. In 2024, served as a director of the Mie Prefectural Industrial Waste Association and vice chairman of the Mie Prefectural Resin Development Cooperative. From April 2025, he will serve as an executive officer of Daiei Kankyo Co., Ltd., dedicating himself to group management and the development of local industries.

5. The Meaning Behind the ONDO – FROM WASTE TO WONDER Logo

O: Origin - Not waste, but "material"

N: Nature - A healthy future for the Earth brought by circulation

D: Design + Art - Fusion of recycled materials and art

O: Ongoing - Inheritance of new culture

The logo design expresses the texture of recycled materials while also depicting how their value gradually increases through the recycling process. We aim to create and inherit a sustainable culture that utilizes recycled materials, together with the local community.