Taiyo Group Holds First Post-Expo Entrance Ceremony: 'Reconnect People and Society in an Age of Deepening Division'

## Taiyo Group Holds First Post-Expo Entrance Ceremony: 'Reconnect People and Society in an Age of Deepening Division' Subtitle: Special Lecture by Yoichi Ochiai, Producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo Taiyo Kogyo Corporation (Tokyo Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Head Office: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Yuhki Nomura), a manufacturer of large-scale membrane structures (tent structures) and civil engineering and logistics materials; TSP TAIYO Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshisato Ikezawa), an event consulting firm; and Actio Corporation (Head Office: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; President: Fumitaka Awano), an event and facility management company, held a joint entrance ceremony for 32 new employees on April 1, 2026, at the Expo '70 Pavilion Annex Exhibition Room in the Expo Commemorative Park. The Taiyo Group held its first entrance ceremony since the Expo under the theme 'Reconnect People and Society in an Age of Deepening Division.' The 32 new employees took their first step as members of society, aware of their role in making it better. On the day of the ceremony, a special lecture was given by Yoichi Ochiai, who served as a signature pavilion producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. In his lecture, he discussed the changing nature of society where boundaries become ambiguous and the importance of co-creating new value through human interaction, in an age where the role and value of humans are being questioned due to the advancement of AI. The event also provided an opportunity for the new employees to experience the company's history and its connection to society through a statement of determination and a tour of the 'Tower of the Sun.' While modern society has increased convenience and efficiency, it is also an era where distance and conflict between people and societies can easily widen. In this context, the Taiyo Group, under its group philosophy 'Making the world softer. Making the future warmer,' aims to play a role in connecting people and societies. This entrance ceremony was intended to foster an awareness among new employees to think about their own involvement with society, to connect people and society, and to become creators of the future. At the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the Taiyo Group brought together its solutions to design and construct tent structures for various facilities, as well as manage venues and facilities, contributing to the co-creation of a future society. The 32 employees who joined in fiscal 2026 (22 at Taiyo Kogyo, 6 at TSP TAIYO, and 4 at Actio) are the 'first post-Expo generation' to join the Taiyo Group as it moves into its next phase, and much is expected of their awareness, pride, and future contributions. ## Media artist. Born in 1987, began his career as an artist around 2010. His work is based on motifs of materialization and transformation in boundary regions and a longing for mass. He is an associate professor at the University of Tsukuba and the University of Tokyo, and a theme project producer for the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka-Kansai Expo). His works include the photo book 'Aspiration for Mass' (amana, 2019) and the NFT work 'Re-Digitalization of Waves' (foundation, 2021). He has received numerous awards, including an Honorary Mention at Prix Ars Electronica in 2016, the STARTS Prize from the EU, and the SXSW Creative Experience ARROW Awards in 2019. He was named one of Apollo Magazine's 40 UNDER 40 ART and TECH, received an Excellence Award at the Asia Digital Art Award, and has had numerous works recommended by the Art Division Jury of the Japan Media Arts Festival. ### Comment from Yuhki Nomura, President and CEO, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation (Summary) The Osaka-Kansai Expo, in which the Taiyo Group was involved, was a project that proceeded amidst various debates and significant headwinds from the outset. Even in such circumstances, those on the ground continued to believe in success and take on challenges, and the accumulation of these efforts led to the final results and the growth of our employees. We live in an age of deepening division and high uncertainty, but I believe our group's role lies precisely in such difficult situations. We want to demonstrate our value as an entity that connects people and societies. I want our new employees to believe that their work contributes to a better society, without being swayed by the opinions of others, and to take on challenges proactively. I expect them to grow by not shying away from difficulties and by gaining experience, and to become the future leaders of the Taiyo Group. ### Comment from Yoshisato Ikezawa, President and CEO, TSP TAIYO Co., Ltd. (Summary) TSP TAIYO has provided value by connecting people and societies through 'places' where people gather and share experiences. In an era of increasing digitalization, the value of real places like event spaces is growing even more. We have the role of creating such 'connections' and moving society forward, little by little. I expect our new employees to be conscious of what kind of connections their work creates and what value it brings to society. ### Comment from Fumitaka Awano, President and CEO, Actio Corporation (Summary) Actio plays a part in social infrastructure by providing 'places' where people can engage safely and securely through the operation of facilities and events. The scale of our business now exceeds 17.5 billion yen, with 226 facilities under management, and we have steadily expanded our business. Our role is to support the foundation that creates connections between people and the community, and we underpin that value through reliable management. I expect our new employees to be aware that their work supports the connection with society and to grow while building trust. ## Greetings from New Employees (Summary) ### Mr. Yasuaki Furuhashi, New Employee Representative, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation I feel a great sense of responsibility and expectation in joining the company at this milestone moment after the Expo, and I am humbled by the thought. I want to continue thinking about how I can engage with society and deliver value, and proactively work to create value that connects people and society. ### Ms. Risa Sagara, New Employee Representative, TSP TAIYO I will strive to learn greedily, challenge myself without fear, and become a contributing member of the team as quickly as possible. I am aware of my responsibility as a member of the Taiyo Group and will continue to devote myself daily to deliver value to society through my own growth. ### Mr. Yuta Konishi, New Employee Representative, Actio I will always aim to be an individual who is not afraid of challenges and can positively influence those around me through my actions. I will sincerely engage with the business of creating 'joy' and 'excitement' and want to continue learning and growing every day to move forward, even if it's just one small step at a time. ### About the Taiyo Group The Taiyo Group is a corporate group consisting of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation, TSP TAIYO Co., Ltd., and Actio Corporation. Founded in 1922 as Nomura Tent Shokai, the group has been delivering unique products that leverage the characteristics of 'membrane' materials to the world, based on the desire to 'be of some service to society and bring excitement to as many people as possible.' The current group structure was formed through business development after being involved in the construction and operation of large-scale pavilions at the 1970 Osaka Expo. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022, the group now enhances the synergy among its three companies, pursues the possibilities of membranes, spaces, and experiences, and aims to 'Make the world softer. Make the future warmer.' In the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the group was involved in the design, construction, and facility management of approximately 30 facilities. ### About Taiyo Kogyo Corporation Taiyo Kogyo is a 'leading company in membrane structures' that aims to support the safety and security of society and contribute to the realization of a prosperous life for people. Taking advantage of the characteristics of light and strong materials, the company's business ranges from various architectural projects, symbolized by the membrane roof of the Tokyo Dome, to products in the civil engineering, logistics, and even environmental fields. In recent years, the company has also been gaining attention for its emergency response to frequent disasters in various regions and for its medical tents for COVID-19 countermeasures.