Skip to main content

Documentary Video on the Expo Sauna “TAIYO TSUBOMI” Released

One Year Since the Closing of the Osaka-Kansai Expo: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How the First-Ever Sauna in Expo History Was Realized Through a Collaboration with the Taiyo Group!

2026.10.07

Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Headquarters: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Yuki Nomura;hereinafter “Taiyo Kogyo”)—which specializes in large-scale membrane structures (tent structures), civil engineering, and logistics materials; TSP Taiyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kago Ikezawa; hereinafter “TSP Taiyo”), an event consulting firm; and Actio Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Fumitaka Awano;hereinafter “Actio”) have produced a documentary titled “Documentary of TAIYO TSUBOMI” about the “TAIYO TSUBOMI” sauna at the Osaka-Kansai World Expo. The three companies of the Taiyo Group collaborated on this project, handling everything from planning and design to operations.

This video will be released on October 7, 2026, ahead of the first anniversary of the closing of the Osaka-Kansai World Expo. Through interviews with those involved, the video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, development, and operation of “TAIYO TSUBOMI,” the first-ever sauna in World Expo history, and explores the vision behind the project.

*Regarding “a first in World Expo history”: Based on the company’s own research conducted in October 2026 (an investigation of publicly available online information regarding the exhibition and installation of sauna facilities at past international expositions [BIE-recognized World Expos])

The First Sauna in Expo History to Let You Experience “Earth Synesthesia”

The Expo Sauna “TAIYO TSUBOMI” was conceived as an event facility where visitors can experience the “Earth Synesthesia” concept—the theme of the events organized by the Osaka-Kansai Expo.It is an “experimental sauna” where participants follow a guide through 11 rituals, experiencing soundscapes, lighting, scents, and the sauna’s thermal environment that evolve in sync with the narrative. The space was shaped by a unique structure that uses no wood whatsoever, instead employing air-inflated membranes as an insulating layer.The membrane, which transmits natural light, creates a bright and open space.

It features a soft, membrane-specific design in which petal-like air-filled cushions come together to form a single “bud.”

*Regarding “a first in World Expo history”: Based on the company’s own research conducted in October 2026 (an investigation of publicly available online information regarding the exhibition and installation of sauna facilities at past international expositions [BIE-recognized World Expos])

Combining different areas of expertise to create a single experience

For “TAIYO TSUBOMI,” Taiyo Kogyo served as the client and handled the design, manufacturing, and construction of the membrane structure; TSP Taiyo oversaw the overall construction; and Actio was responsible for operations during the Expo.In addition to the specialized expertise of the three Taiyo Group companies, professionals from various fields participated in the project, including Mai Komuro of KOMPAS, who handled the design; Daisuke Akiyama of TTNE—known as the “Sauna Master”—who produced the sauna experience; as well as experts in sound, lighting, landscaping, rituals, and guided tours.By pooling their respective expertise and insights, and through repeated deliberations focused not only on structure and facilities but also on “what kind of experience to deliver to visitors,” they created an unprecedented sauna experience that seamlessly integrates architecture, nature, sound, light, and heat.

The Challenge of the World’s Expo: The Next 100 Years

The history of the Taiyo Group began with the founding of Nomura Tent Shokai in 1922. Starting with the manufacture of products based on tent technology and the construction of small-scale tent structures, the company expanded its business scope significantly and grew through various challenges—including membrane structure technology—at the 1970 Osaka World Exposition.Fifty-five years later, the Osaka-Kansai World Exposition—held once again in Osaka—was not merely an opportunity for the Taiyo Group to showcase the technology and experience it had cultivated over the years; rather, it became a venue for giving back and taking on new challenges to create innovative technologies and value that would pave the way for the future.

The “Documentary of TAIYO TSUBOMI,” now available to the public, documents the behind-the-scenes trial and error—where the technologies and know-how of the three Group companies were brought together from planning through construction and operation—as well as the passion each person involved poured into this challenge.

Moving forward, the Taiyo Group will continue to combine the expertise of each company with forward-thinking ideas, aiming to “soften the world and warm the future.”

Documentary Video Overview

Title “Documentary of TAIYO TSUBOMI”
Publication Date Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Production REC Inc.
URL https://youtu.be/9kfmKEPfglI

Expo Sauna "TAIYO TSUBOMI" Overview

Event Name Osaka-Kansai Expo: Organizer-Sponsored Event—Expo Sauna “Taiyo Tsubomi”
(English Name: EXPO SAUNA “TAIYO TSUBOMI”)
URL https://www.taiyo-tsubomi.jp
Location Future Life Zone, Expo Site
Organized by Japan Association for the 2025 International Exposition, Inc.
Supported by Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
DESIGN KOMPAS
Produced by Daisuke Akiyama / TTNE Co., Ltd.
Designed by. KOMPAS, TSP Taiyo Corporation, Taiyo Kogyo Co.
Construction TSP Taiyo Corporation, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
Management Actio Corporation

[Reference]

About Taiyo Group

The Taiyo Group is a corporate group consisting of three companies: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., TSP Taiyo Co., Ltd., and Actio Co., Ltd. Founded in 1922 as Nomura Tent Shokai, the company has been introducing unique products that leverage the characteristics of “membrane” materials, driven by the desire to “contribute to society in any way we can and bring inspiration to as many people as possible.”The group was involved in the construction and operation of large-scale pavilions at the 1970 Osaka World Exposition, and its current structure took shape as the business expanded thereafter. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022, the group is now working to enhance synergies among its three companies while exploring the possibilities of membranes, spaces, and experiences, with the goal of “Making the world a gentler place.A Warm Future.”

In addition, for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, our group as a whole was involved in the design, construction, and operation of approximately 30 facilities.

About Taiyo Kogyo Corporation

Taiyo Kogyo is a “leading company of membrane structures” that aims to support the safety and security of society and contribute to the realization of affluent lifestyles for people. Taking advantage of the characteristics of light and strong materials, Taiyo Kogyo is expanding its products into various construction businesses, as symbolized by the membrane roof of the Tokyo Dome, as well as civil engineering, logistics, and even the environmental field. In recent years, in particular, the company has been attracting public attention for its emergency response to the many disasters that have occurred in various regions, as well as for its medical tents used to combat the new coronas.
https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/

About TSP Taiyo Corporation

TSP Taiyo Co., Ltd., which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025, is an event consulting firm that creates new and inspiring experiences through innovative ideas and spatial design that reflect changing times and consumer needs.From international events such as the Osaka-Kansai World Expo to corporate and regional projects, the company provides end-to-end services ranging from business planning, conceptual design, and creative production to architectural design, construction, operations, and hospitality services. By combining unique expertise cultivated through extensive experience with the latest insights, the company designs experiences that enhance corporate and social value.We contribute to regional revitalization and the realization of a sustainable society. Moving forward, we will continue to anticipate changes in society and the market, move people’s hearts, and create new, memorable experiences and moments of inspiration.
https://www.tsp-taiyo.co.jp/

About Actio Corporation

Actio Co., Ltd. provides support for the operation of a wide variety of facilities and events—including leisure, cultural, and community venues—where people gather. We handle staff recruitment, the planning and implementation of training programs, the creation of manuals, and day-to-day management, helping to ensure that visitors experience the organizer’s spirit through all five senses.Through the operation of events and public facilities, we contribute to society by fostering “people and communities.”
https://www.actio.co.jp/

Back to News

  • TOP>
  • News>
  • Documentary Video on the Expo Sauna “TAIYO TSUBOMI” Released