Gurunavi, Inc. is set to debut its inaugural Japanese pavilion, titled “JAPAN WOOD x CRAFTSMANSHIP,” at the Decor + Design 2026 exhibition in Melbourne. Scheduled for July 15-17, the event will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. This initiative is part of a subsidized project by Japan's Forestry Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, to promote Japanese wood products.
The pavilion will feature a diverse collection of over 40 wood products that blend traditional Japanese techniques with modern design. Highlights include traditional lacquerware and Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku, a 1,000-year-old wood mosaic technique renowned for its intricate geometric designs. The exhibition aims to marry ancient craftsmanship with contemporary living aesthetics.
In a significant first for both the exhibition and the company, the pavilion will host live demonstrations by Kazutaka Tsuyuki, one of only six certified Masters of Traditional Crafts in Japan, specializing in Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku. Tsuyuki will engage attendees with live demonstrations of wood-mosaic crafting techniques and the secrets behind the famed “Secret Box” puzzle.
Japan's approach to sustainable forest management will also be underscored at the event. With 70% of Japan's land area covered by forests, and a significant portion classified as planted forests, the country exemplifies circular forest resource use. These practices ensure that harvested trees are replaced with seedlings, contributing to the country's high ratio of forested land, second globally. The showcased wood products are eco-friendly, capturing carbon dioxide during growth, requiring minimal emissions for production, and continuing to store carbon throughout their lifespan.
The Decor + Design exhibition is Australia's leading interior design event, attracting industry professionals and media alike. This first-time participation by a Japanese pavilion is designed to provide a unique opportunity for attendees to explore world-class Japanese craftsmanship in a dynamic, interactive setting.
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