Kitpas Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Art Project in Paris! Launching 'Kitpas Window Art in PARIS' with Sumi-e Artist Satoshi Sato

Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President & CEO: Takahisa Oyama) is a manufacturing company known for its 'Dustless Chalk,' which holds approximately 70% of the domestic market share, and for its inclusive workforce where employees with intellectual disabilities—first hired in 1960—now make up about 70% of its staff. Since 2005, the company has manufactured and sold 'Kitpas,' a safe and secure drawing material primarily made from rice wax, promoting a culture of free drawing—'Rakugaki'—both in Japan and abroad. Now, as part of Kitpas' further global expansion into experiential art, the company has decided to participate in 'Maison & Objet,' the world's premier international interior design fair, held in Paris, France, in September 2026, and to launch the 'Kitpas Window Art in PARIS' project within the city. Artist Satoshi Sato, known for his dynamic window art at the company's Kawasaki factory and other locations that continue to captivate local communities, will join this initiative. Ahead of the trip to France, starting July 2026, the company will unveil a powerful key visual featuring a 'rooster'—a symbol of France—drawn dynamically by Sato using Kitpas, combined with a logo design expressing the journey from Japan to Paris. Simultaneously, it will begin recruiting local partner stores and facilities in Paris willing to co-create window art installations and workshops. This project's key visual features 'Rooster' drawn dynamically by Satoshi Sato using Kitpas, with a logo design symbolizing the journey from Japan to Paris layered in the background, inspired by French gold coins. [1. Background of the Project: Transforming Window Glass into Canvas—Borderless 'Experiential Value'] Kitpas is a revolutionary art material that enables vivid drawing on smooth surfaces such as windows and mirrors, and can be easily wiped away with water—introducing an entirely new concept of art. In 2021, the main ingredient was upgraded to plant-based rice wax (rice wax), demonstrating a commitment to sustainable manufacturing that is gentle on both people and the environment. Its safety and high quality have earned acclaim, including the Grand Prix at the 'Japan Stationery Awards 2024' for 'kitpas by ARTIST ecru,' a collaboration with welfare facility studios, as well as the international 'iF Design Award,' receiving high recognition both domestically and internationally. In recent years, demand for 'experiential art content' using glass as a canvas has rapidly increased in commercial facilities, hotels, and educational settings, both in Japan and abroad. Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo has previously implemented 'Kitpas Window Art' in various spaces across Japan—including hotels, public facilities, and commercial complexes—connecting communities and visitors. This year, marking the 20th anniversary of Kitpas, the company is expanding its stage to Paris, the heart of art, to convey the 'borderless joy of drawing' that transcends disabilities, languages, and national borders to the world. A horse painted on the lobby window of Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel, created dynamically to celebrate the Year of the Horse in 2026, highlighting Japan. As multiple colors are layered on the transparent glass, the artwork gains depth and perspective. ＝＝＝＝＝ Artist: Satoshi Sato Born in Tokyo in 1985. Graduated from the Painting Course, Department of Fine Arts, College of Art, Nihon University. Inspired by the wrinkles and muscles of animals seen at zoos, he began creating sumi-e (ink wash) paintings. Using the powerful strokes, delicate gradations, and rich expressions of ink, he captures the dynamism of animals. After discovering Kitpas in 2023, he has actively engaged in creating window art. He also conducts art activities on remote islands and resides in Kagoshima Prefecture. [Major Achievements & Exhibitions] Murals on the 4th floor of Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Live painting at the Arima Kinen race event / Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel / Illustrations for 'Strixhaven: Secret of the Mages,' Japanese mystical archive cards 'Brutal Cacophony' and 'Deduction' for Magic: The Gathering ＝＝＝＝＝ "Both sumi-e and Kitpas window art are ways for me to express my Japanese identity. I also want to showcase the range of expression possible with different art materials. I'm delighted if my works inspire everyone, from children to adults. I'm also looking forward to the reactions in Paris and exchanging ideas with local artists." [2. Project Details: Art That Resonates Japanese and French Cultures and Call for Local Partners] This project will extend beyond the venue of the international trade fair 'Maison & Objet' to become an 'experiential promotion' engaging the entire city of Paris. ① Resonance with Artist Satoshi Sato The windows of Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo's Kawasaki factory are transformed seasonally into art, becoming local photo spots. A surprise window art project was conducted at the graduation ceremony of Okinoerabu Junior High School, a remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture (March 2026). The powerful yet delicate brushwork of Sato's sumi-e, evoking the traditional spirit of Japan, will merge with the free and vibrant colors of Kitpas. We are confident that Sato's dynamic and overwhelming expressive power, which has transformed spaces like the Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel and our Kawasaki factory into local photo spots, will deeply move the people of Paris. This time, in addition to live drawing events on-site, we will also explore venues to exhibit Sato's sumi-e artworks themselves, promoting their appeal from multiple angles. ② Call for Paris-Based Window Art Hubs and Workshop Venues Aligned with the September trip to France, we will widely recruit partners in Paris—outside the Maison & Objet venue—who can host window art creation, workshops, and art exhibitions. We plan to approach facilities deeply rooted in the local community, aiming to demonstrate a co-creation model that transforms dormant window glass into premium art spaces. For inquiries, please contact the Overseas Business Department at Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo (m-haraguchi@rikagaku.co.jp). Project Name: Kitpas Window Art in PARIS Announcement and Recruitment Start: July 2026 onward On-site Implementation Period: September 2026 (during and around the Maison & Objet exhibition period) Target Applicants: Shops, cafes, galleries, and cultural facilities in Paris, France (venues willing to collaborate on window art creation, public workshops, and exhibitions of Satoshi Sato's sumi-e artworks) Kitpas has received high acclaim overseas. It has won the Kids Design Award for its safety and artistic value, and hosted workshops at the Paris Cultural Center in 2023. [3. Company Overview] Company Name: Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. Founded: 1937 (Showa 12) Representative: President & CEO Takahisa Oyama Headquarters: 2-15-10 Kugenuki, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Business: Manufacturing and sales of stationery and educational supplies (Dustless Chalk made from calcium carbonate, holding about 70% domestic market share) Features & Awards: Since 1960 (Showa 35), the company has continuously employed individuals with intellectual disabilities, who now comprise approximately 70% of its workforce. It has been featured in numerous books and media, such as 'The Company We Want to Protect Most in Japan,' aiming to realize a 'Society Where Everyone Works and Is Happy.' The drawing material 'Kitpas,' which can be drawn on glass and wiped off with water, was upgraded in 2021 to use rice wax as its main