EXPO PLL Talks
EXPO PLL Talks
<Archive video released>
Kenji Kobashi takes the stage at EXPO PLL Talks
"Art & Impact: Thinking about the Post-Expo World with Innovators" vol.15
This year marks the 15th time the event has been held, and we welcomed as our guest Mr. Kenji Kobashi (CEO/Creative Director of The Human Miracle Co., Ltd.), who is the event planning producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Together with Mr. Kobashi, who has an unusual career history having switched from acting to becoming an event producer, we explored the transition of his career and the "life-changing power" of events.
You can watch the event on the official YouTube channel.
<Excerpts from the talk at the event>
From actor to event producer: A journey that changed my life
Kobashi said he took a break from acting to travel the world at the age of 27. He reflected on that experience as a turning point that led to his current career.
"The pressure was so overwhelming that I felt like I was being crushed. I was in a state of turmoil. I felt like I was living a lie to myself for years, and I got scared. So I took a break from acting and went on a journey."
Hearing this, Suzuki Daisuke seemed surprised and replied, "When you think of acting, you have a glamorous image, but it wasn't all smooth sailing." Kobashi nodded deeply and continued.
"That's exactly right. It may look glamorous to the public, but I was always struggling with it. I felt like I had reached my limits, and I struggled, not knowing how to move forward."
"Life-changing encounters" born from the Expo
Regarding the potential for events to change people's lives, Kobashi said:
"Sometimes an encounter or realization can change your life 180 degrees. I believe the 2025 World Expo could be such a place. The experiences you gain at the 2025 Expo may become guidelines for your future life. Perhaps one day you will look back and say, 'The things I encountered back then are what connect me to who I am today.'"
Responding to these words, Daisuke Suzuki also shared his own thoughts.
"I would be delighted if each and every person feels something new through the Expo and art festival, and takes home an opportunity to connect it to the future. I look forward to seeing how the dialogue and connections that art generates will influence society in the future."
Event Overview
Date and time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. Head Office Brillia Lounge
Guest: Kenji Kobashi (Event Planning Producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, CEO and Creative Director of The Human Miracle Co., Ltd.)
Moderator: Daisuke Suzuki (CEO of Artlogue Inc., General Producer of Study: Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival)
Organized by: 2025 Japan World Exposition Association, Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival Executive Committee (Artlogue Inc.)
profile
KOHASHI Kenji
Osaka Kansai Expo Event Planning Producer
CEO and Creative Director of The Human Miracle Inc.
Born in Tokyo in 1979. He made his debut as an actor in 1988 and appeared in many popular dramas. In 2007, he took a break from show business to travel the world. After returning to Japan, he served as the creative director of "ULTRA JAPAN" and general producer of "STAR ISLAND," achieving great success both at home and abroad.
"CONTACT," a spectacular night sky show using drones, won the top prize at the Japan Event Awards (JACE Event Awards), receiving the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.
In 2021, he will serve as show director for the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and will be the event planning producer for the 2025 World Expo (Osaka/Kansai Expo). In addition, for the 2025 countdown event, he will plan and direct a show using 2,025 drones, the largest scale in Japan, presenting new possibilities for the Japanese entertainment scene. (As of January 2025) He is also involved in regional revitalization and urban development, and continues to provide new value to the times.
Suzuki Daisuke
CEO of Artlogue Inc., General Producer of Study: Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival.
Born on Culture Day, November 3, 1977. After participating in a research project at the Global COE of the Osaka City University Urban Research Plaza, he started his own company. He won the Good Design Award in 2014, was a finalist in the 2015 Kyoto University GTEP Program (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), and won the OIH Award for global innovation at the 2016 Miraino Pitch (business contest: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Kinki Regional Bureau of Telecommunications).
On July 7, 2017, he founded Artlogue Inc. with the vision of "Arts for Human and Planet" and became its CEO.
"Study: Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival" will be held in January and February 2022, with the aim of establishing the world's largest "Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival" to coincide with the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
An art innovator who aims to create a better society through the use of art.
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