Traditions to Wear: Molise Costumes and Japanese Garments Through Time
On July 9th, the Italy Pavilion auditorium at Expo hosted a seminar titled "Traditions to Wear: Molise Costumes and Japanese Garments Through Time" – a captivating exploration of two seemingly distant worlds brought together by their shared reverence for memory, identity, and craftsmanship.
The event began with welcome remarks from Molise Regional Councilor Angelo Primiani and renowned television personality Girolamo Panzetta. Dr. Antonio Scasserra, Director of the Museum of Vestments, captivated the audience with a visual journey through Molise's traditional history, showcasing evocative historical images, traditional costumes, and jewelry. It was a deep dive into regional culture, exploring the embroidery, threads, and symbols that speak to identity and belonging.
The seminar then shifted focus to Japan with a presentation by Aika Okochi, founder of the Renacnatta brand and representative of Dodici company. This young entrepreneur with a global perspective shared her creative philosophy centered on "wearing culture." She transforms surplus fabrics and vintage kimono into accessories like ties, contemporary clothing, and even wedding dresses that blend tradition with innovation – embodying both sustainability and the celebration of craftsmanship. Her creations, much like Molise's traditional costumes, demonstrate that fashion's future – and society's – depends on understanding our roots and honoring cultural identity.
Next, Asano Hiroki, a master craftsman of Obi (traditional Japanese belts), provided a concrete example of how elegance, artisanal precision, and cultural memory can unite in contemporary forms that speak to today's world while honoring the past. The event concluded with a spotlight on the art of bobbin lace, presented by Gerardo Abbatiello from the Isernia Lace Association. His presentation, enhanced by a live demonstration from a skilled lace maker, emphasized the importance of traditional "know-how" as a tool for storytelling and collective identity.
The gathering represented a genuine cultural embrace between Molise and Japan, connected by the delicate yet enduring thread of culture that becomes clothing, adornment, and wearable history.
Molise at Expo 2025 Osaka: 50 B2B meetings open new commercial opportunities with Japan
Wednesday, July 9th was an important and highly productive day for Molise Region companies at Italy Expo 2025 Osaka.
The second phase of B2B events dedicated to Japanese market opportunities for Molise companies took place at the Italy Pavilion of EXPO 2025 Osaka.
The day's numbers:
・Approximately 50 B2B meetings conducted ・Molise entrepreneurs in direct dialogue with Japanese investors and buyers ・Focus on Made in Molise products and offerings
The initiative, which we promoted together with Molise Region and the Institute for Foreign Trade, aims to: ・Open new commercial channels ・Strengthen Molise's presence in the Asian market ・Enhance the territory's excellence
"Our companies are making themselves known, we are doing our best to bring home results" - declared the Regional Councillor for Productive Activities, Economic Development and Business Internationalization, Andrea Di Lucente.
The participating companies:
- SYS-TECH S.R.L. (ICT) http://www.systech.it/
- GAEMA GIOIELLI DI ANGELO MINIELLO E MARINELLA TAMBURRO S.N.C. (Jewely) https://www.gaemagioielli.com/it/
- DI IORIO TARTUFI SOCIETA’ A RESPONSABILITA’ LIMITATA SEMPLIFICATA (Agrifood, truffles) https://www.diioriotartufi.it/
- TELOS SOCIETA’ A RESPONSABILITA’ LIMITATA (Publisher) https://telosedizioni.it/
- CASEIFICIO MOLISANO L. BARONE – S.N.C. DI PASQUALINA BARONE (Agrifood, dairy) https://barone.it/
- VERSO S.R.L. (Cultural, tourism, and creative industries) https://www.attraversoilmolise.org/
- GERRI PASTICCERIA DI LABBATE GERMANO (Agrifood, pastry) https://www.gerripasticceria.it/
- LABORATORIO ZARANTONELLO DI ZARANTONELLO ANDREA & C S.A.S. (Dental technician) https://www.laboratoriozarantonello.com/
- SENSOR ID SOCIETA’ A RESPONSABILITA’ LIMITATA (ICT) https://www.sensorid.it/
- TESORI DEL MATESE S.R.L. (Agrifood, truffles) https://www.tesoridelmatese.it/
- IL MANDORLO SOCIETA’ A RESPONSABILITA’ LIMITATA (Cultural, tourism, and creative industries) https://molisensi.com/
- TRIVISONNO S.R.L. (Billiards and games) https://www.trivisonno.it/
- MP FORNI S.R.L. (Ovens) https://mpforni.it/
- ANTONIO VALERIO S.R.L. (Agrifood, oil, wine) https://www.campivalerio.com/
EXPO 2025 Osaka: DR Automobiles Announces 50 Million Investment in Molise and 300 New Hires
Osaka, July 7, 2025 - At the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Italian company DR Automobiles announced a new 50 million euro investment for the production site in Macchia d'Isernia (IS). The industrial plan will see hiring for 300 positions as part of a revamping project for historic and iconic Italian brands, including the creation of new vehicles for the premium segment.
The industrial project was presented by Antonella Tortola, CEO of DR Automobiles, during the "INVESTING IN MOLISE" event organized by the Molise Region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy and DR Automobiles, held at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Present was Atsushi Ota, Director of Chori Machinery Co., Ltd., a Japanese company that illustrated the history of the relationship established with DR Automobiles in the Molise territory and representative of the virtuous synergies between Italy and Japan.
After institutional greetings from Mario Vattani, General Commissioner for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, and the President of the Molise Regional Council, Quintino Pallante, the event was opened by Andrea di Lucente as Vice President and Regional Minister for Economic Development, Production Activities and Business Internationalization of the Molise Region, who illustrated the Region's role in attracting foreign investments to the territory and the regional location offering. Riccardo Scarpulla, Director of the Investment Attraction and Unblocking Mission Unit of the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, then illustrated the regulatory reforms, initiatives, and services promoted by the Ministry, aimed at enhancing and promoting foreign investments in Italy, while highlighting the significant presence of Japanese companies already established in the country.
"We are here at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka to present, in synergy with the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, with Invitalia, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and with ICE Agency for the promotion abroad and internationalization of companies, the extraordinary opportunities offered by our territory. With instruments such as the Regional Development Contract, the underdeveloped areas fund (FSC), the Internal Areas Fund and the resources of the PNRR and the ERDF ESF Programming 2021-2027, we are building a real architecture of initiatives that are not limited to distributing funds, but that guide and accompany long-term business projects. The launch of an important operation with the EIB, European Investment Bank, will also make it easier to issue loans to companies that want to come and invest in Molise," declared Andrea di Lucente, Vice President and Regional Minister for Economic Development, Production Activities and Business Internationalization of the Molise Region.
"We are pleased that the Italy Pavilion serves as the backdrop for this important announcement, which testifies to the quality and attractiveness of our territories in the eyes of Japanese investors," declared Mario Vattani, General Commissioner for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka. "Molise today represents a concrete example of revival and innovation, in line with growth diplomacy and with the priorities identified in the Italy-Japan Action Plan 2024-2027, inspired by the strategic partnership between Italy and Japan."
"Participating in the 'INVESTING IN MOLISE' event, organized by the Molise Region and MIMIT at the Italy Pavilion of Expo 2025 in Osaka, was an immense honor and privilege for us at DR Automobiles. Telling the story of the extraordinary partnership that we have built in Italy since the early 2000s was a truly special moment. We want to continue being a growth engine and an example of sustainability for the country. Our investment in Italy and in Molise is based on the firm conviction that there are all the necessary conditions to continue growing. We want to be part of this change," echoed Antonella Tortola, CEO of DR Automobiles.
At the base of the project is the complete assembly of cars in Molise using an important percentage of components from the Italian automotive supply chain.
The increase in workforce at the Macchia d'Isernia headquarters, estimated at about 300 new direct positions, aims to have a strong socio-economic impact for the entire central-southern Italy area through the involvement of the automotive supply chain that has historically been strongly rooted in the territory.
Opening of the ICCJ Kansai Desk
We are delighted to announce the opening of the ICCJ Kansai Desk.
As you might know, over the past few years ICCJ has been working to expand its membership base and activities in other areas of Japan. As a matter of fact, in the last three years we have organized several meetings and events in Aichi and Kansai, and the Nagoya and Osaka Gala Dinner and Concerts have become fixed annual appointments.
Also, given the fact that our organization will be thoroughly and actively involved in Expo 2025 we have finally decided to open a Desk in Kansai. We hope that this will represent an extra opportunity also for you to further enhance business relationships with the Kansai region.
For your reference, kindly find the Desk details as follows:
ICCJ Kansai Desk: 3-6-18 Sakasedai, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0024, Japan.
Tel: 090-8376-3131
ICCJ Kansai Network Expansion for Expo 2025 Osaka
ICCJ is official partner of Italy Expo 2025 Osaka.
We are currently expanding our network in the Kansai region and seeking connections with brands, companies, associations, universities, and individuals based in Osaka and surrounding areas.
If you're interested in participating in events and activities related to the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, please complete the form below with you information.
AIS Sommelier Course at ICCJFrom: 31/01/2026 12:00 AMto: 13/04/2026 12:00 AMVenue: ICCJ
Become a Certified Sommelier of the Italian Sommelier Association!
You can now take the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS: Associazione Italiana Sommelier) certification course in Tokyo!
Official instructors from the Italian AIS headquarters will come to ICCJ to conduct a 7-day intensive course with Japanese interpretation, thoroughly teaching wine fundamentals.
★ Intensive 7-day/30-hour course with comprehensive instruction
★ Perfect for wine enthusiasts aspiring to become professional sommeliers
★ Become an expert in Italian regional wines and grape varieties!
★ Obtain official AIS sommelier certification upon passing the final exam!*
★ Learn comfortably in English!
★ Available in both idle time course for restaurant staff and evening course for working professionals!
**Please note that courses may not be held if minimum enrollment numbers are not met.
Registration and all details from the link below:
ICCJ is looking for part-time staff
ICCJ is looking for part-time staff for the Tokyo office and staff for the Kyoto/Osaka office on the occasion of EXPO Osaka 2025. The ideal candidate speaks at least two of the following languages: Italian, English, and Japanese. The candidate must have a valid Japanese visa and currently reside in Japan.
ICCJ is also looking for Italian-Japanese interpreters for on-call services during EXPO Osaka 2025. Excellent knowledge of Italian and Japanese languages and proven experience as an interpreter in commercial and/or institutional contexts are required.
If interested, please send your CV to assistance@iccj.or.jp
ICCJ Gala Dinner & Concert 2024From: 06/12/2024 6:30 PMto: 06/12/2024 11:30 PMVenue: Happo-en
ICCJ is pleased to announce that the annual end-of-year Gala Dinner will be held on Friday, December 6th at Hotel Happo-en Tokyo.
This year we celebrate the culture of Puglia, the iconic heel of Italy!
To do this, we bring directly from Puglia one of the most prominent chefs and one of the most celebrated musical artists!
Register now and join us for an authentic celebration of Puglia's rich cultural heritage.
DETAILS
Date: Friday, December 6th 2024
Time: 18:30 - 23:30
Where: Hotel Happo-en
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8631
Admission:
ICCJ Member
- VIP Table (10 seats) : 340,000 JPY (+VAT 10%)
- VIP Single seats : 35,000 JPY (+VAT 10%)
- Other Tables (10 seats) : 270,000 JPY (+VAT 10%)
- Single seats : 28,000 JPY (+VAT 10%)
ICCJ NON Member
- Non Members VIP Tables (10 seats) : 490,000 JPY (+VAT 10%) - including ICCJ Ordinary Membership 2025
- VIP Singles seats : 115,000 JPY (+VAT 10%) - including ICCJ Individual Membership 2025
- Other Tables (10 seats) : 420,000 JPY (+VAT 10%) - including ICCJ Ordinary Membership 2025
- Single seats : 108,000 JPY (+VAT 10%) - including ICCJ Individual Membership 2025
- Single seats : 43,000 JPY (+VAT 10%) - does not include ICCJ Individual Membership 2025
Registration/Cancellation deadline: November 6th 2024, 16:00
Triveneto roadmap: rally stamp campaignFrom: 01/06/2024 12:00 AMto: 30/09/2024 11:59 PMVenue: Designated restaurants in Tokyo
Triveneto Rally stamp: Let's eat and drink around Triveneto!
Event Period: Until September 30, 2024 (Monday)
The Delle Venezie Rally stamp, held in the Tokyo area, presents an experiential and gustatory roadmap of Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, through a stamp collection competition.
Stamp cards will be distributed to final consumers directly at restaurants taking part in the campaign. Participants will receive a customized stamp in each restaurant and, upon collecting stamps from all the six Veneto restaurants, participants will receive original gift.
What is Triveneto:
The Veneto region in northeastern Italy, including Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, and Trentino autonomous province. Triveneto is famous for producing Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC, a refreshing and fruity wine. To promote this delicious wine, we're organizing a stamp rally together with restaurants offering regional cuisine from this area!
Campaign Flow:
- During the event period, if you order at least 1 glass of Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie at participating restaurants, you will earn one stamp! (Available for both lunch or dinner)
- Complete stamps from all six restaurants to receive an original gift!
Visit each participating restaurant one by one, try Triveneto regional cuisine and Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC while collecting original stamps!
Details and the list of participating restaurants can be found HERE
This campaign is a wine promotion activity conducted jointly by the Consorzio Delle Venezie DOC and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Notes
To receive a stamp, please order at least one glass of Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie.
- Regardless of ordering a bottle or a glass, only one stamp can be received per restaurant. Even if you order twice at the same restaurant, you won't receive a second stamp.
- Be sure to inform the restaurant staff that you wish to participate in this campaign before placing your order.
- Only those who collect stamps from all six restaurants are eligible for the gift (only one stamp can be received per restaurant)
- The campaign ends on September 30, 2024 (Monday). Please note that stamp cards will not be accepted after this period.
- Gifts can be claimed until October 31, 2024 (Thursday). Please send a photo of your stamped card to the following email address for verification. After confirmation, we will send the gift by mail.
- Gift Application Email Address: support@iccj.or.jp
- In case of theft, loss, or damage to stamped cards, they will not be reissued with the same number of stamps as when lost.
Online B2B meeting with RAVAZZOLOFrom: 01/03/2024 12:00 AMto: 31/05/2024 12:00 AMVenue: Online
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan holds B2B meetings with representatives of the Italian suit brand RAVAZZOLO and is looking for importers, buyers and distributors.
About RAVAZZOLO:
The company has its origins in the first tailoring company accredited by the Pontifical Council of Vicenza. Since then, nine generations have been active in the tailoring industry.
As of March 2024, the RAVAZZOLO trademark is registered in the Registry of National Historical Trademarks established by the MISE by Decree Law of 30.04.2019.
This recognizes RAVAZZOLO (Registry No. 358, 04-02-20202) as a trademark of national interest that the State wishes to preserve as a national heritage, as a registered trademark for more than 50 years.
For details of RAVAZZOLO, please refer below.
Japanese version of the company's presentation: Click here
Most recent collection: Click here
<Meeting Outline>
Period: March - May 2024
Time zone: JST 16:00-18:00* due to time difference with Italy
Meeting format: Online
Contact:
Eleonora (e.flisi@iccj.or.jp), Maho(m.miyata@iccj.or.jp)