BAMBOO EXPO 23 Report – Japanese Fine Interior Materials

I Went to BAMBOO EXPO 23!

editor: HS

Last May, I had the pleasure of attending BAMBOO EXPO 23, an inspiring event that brings together a diverse array of products and services for commercial space design. The exhibition focuses on everything from interior and exterior materials and building supplies to lighting, acoustics, art, signage, greenery, furniture, water fixtures, and much more.
Held twice a year, BAMBOO EXPO first launched in 2011 and has since become a unique and unparalleled event in Japan’s design industry calendar, taking place every May and November.

This year’s edition, BAMBOO EXPO 23, was held on Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho Hall. Over the course of two days, 60 companies showcased their latest offerings, with many exhibitors highlighting materials and products linked to hot topics like “ethical,” “SDGs,” and “sustainable” design. The event attracted an impressive total of 2,919 visitors

One of the most captivating features of the expo was the Special Materials Exhibition Project, which ran alongside the main booths. For me, the highlight of this year’s project was its focus on Tiles, showcasing unique and innovative designs for architectural and interior applications.

In this article, I’d like to introduce three remarkable Japanese suppliers whose products stood out at the event.

SHINKOYOGYO CO., LTD. - Ceramic Plate

The images above and below may look like paintings—but they’re actually tiles! These are SHINKOYOGYO CO., LTD.’s custom-made tile series called “Ceramic Plate.”

The Ceramic Plate is a unique technology developed by SHINKOYOGYO CO., LTD. that faithfully reproduces intricate and detailed images on tiles through custom-made production.



Founded over 75 years ago, SHINKOYOGYO CO., LTD. is a technically advanced tile manufacturer based in Gifu and Aichi—Japan’s renowned Mino ware production region, with over 1,300 years of ceramic history. The company excels in the production of high-quality ceramic wall and floor tiles and also offers precision thermal and material processing services.



Beyond tiles, SHINKOYOGYO has expanded into fields like rare-metal recycling and heat-sink manufacturing, always pursuing innovation. They have even introduced AI-based quality control systems to ensure the finest tile quality. Their products are primarily distributed through trusted partners like LIXIL, serving a wide range of architectural and residential projects.

RIVIERA - AMANE

The tiles shown in the image above are part of AMANE, a distinctive collection from RIVIERA known for its original and artistic designs. With sculptural, organic forms and glazes that create depth and translucency, these tiles blur the line between functional surface and ceramic art.

AMANE is the result of a collaboration between tile manufacturers from Gifu and Aichi and master artisan Mr. Hiroshi Shiraishi. By embracing handcrafted techniques, the collection captures the warmth of natural clay and the expressive power of traditional glazes.



RIVIERA itself is a respected Japanese distributor specializing in imported ceramic and mosaic tiles and natural stone sourced from Europe. With a broad product lineup, they serve everything from commercial architecture to private residences, offering design solutions that combine artistry and practicality.

DAIWA TSUKIITA - FORESTERIOR

Among the many highlights at the main exhibition booth, one brand particularly caught my eye: FORESTERIOR—an eco-friendly collection of natural wood veneer materials that seamlessly blends sustainability and design.

FORESTERIOR is an original brand launched in 2024 by DAIWA TSUKIITA, a long-established veneer manufacturer based in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan.



At the heart of FORESTERIOR is the concept of Design × Upcycling. By repurposing large amounts of offcuts from conventional veneer production and unused materials kept in storage, the brand worked closely with numerous designers to create a fresh range of products. Through extensive prototyping, they achieved innovative designs that highlight the natural beauty of real wood in ways never seen before.



Each piece of wood, a gift from the forest, carries its own unique grain and character—no two are alike. FORESTERIOR celebrates this individuality and transforms it into stylish, functional materials that enhance interior spaces.

During my visit, I received some FORESTERIOR samples at the booth, and they’re not only beautifully crafted but also highly functional. The sample shown in the image on the right is a fire-resistant (non-combustible) type, making it particularly suitable for commercial and public spaces where stringent safety standards are required.