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At Dios, we are dedicated to selecting and coordinating every piece of furniture for our rental properties with the utmost care and attention to detail. For us, quality is non-negotiable. Each element in our designs is chosen to add not only functionality but also warmth and character to our living spaces. Our admiration for mingei—traditional Japanese folk crafts—plays a significant role in shaping our approach. These handcrafted pieces, created by artisans using time-honored techniques, bring a uniquely human touch that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate.

Our passion for quality craftsmanship leads us on journeys across Japan in search of these one-of-a-kind items. We carefully select pieces that will enrich the lives of our international guests by allowing them to experience the beauty and culture of Japan in their everyday surroundings.

Recently, our team traveled to the small villages of Fukui Prefecture in search of Echizen Washi, traditional Japanese paper with a legacy that spans over 1,500 years. This ancient papermaking tradition is preserved in a small village, a place where the art of crafting this unique paper has been passed down through generations. After an extensive search in Osaka, we realized that no paper could match the elegance and quality of Echizen Washi. As we visited each workshop, we discovered that no two artisans were alike; each created paper with a distinct character, whether focused on aesthetic artistry or innovative design.

In our exploration, we were introduced to the remarkable work of Mr. Ichibei Iwano, a Living National Treasure. Upon investigating Mr. Iwano’s meticulous process, we were astonished to learn that 80% of the papermaking involves carefully removing impurities. This time-intensive step could be skipped, yet Mr. Iwano devotes himself to it, ensuring each sheet of paper is flawless. This dedication struck a deep chord with us, as it encapsulates the Japanese spirit of monozukuri—the art of creating with uncompromising attention to detail.

In fact, this philosophy resonates with how we approach interior design at Dios. Like Mr. Iwano, we believe in striving for perfection, refusing to cut corners or settle for “good enough.” Each step in our design process is guided by a commitment to quality, as we aim to create spaces that feel complete and harmonious in every detail. This shared value of “no-compromise craftsmanship” is what connects our team to the artistry of Echizen Washi and to the spirit of Mr. Iwano’s work.

We were even more inspired to learn that Mr. Iwano’s paper was chosen by the Louvre Museum in France for the restoration of its priceless artworks—a decision made after comparing papers from all over the world. This prestigious selection underscores the exceptional quality and global admiration for his work.

At Dios, we strive to infuse this spirit of excellence into each home we design. By bringing the best of Japanese craftsmanship to our properties, we hope our guests can experience a taste of Japan’s rich heritage and cultural beauty. We believe that a commitment to quality and attention to detail is what makes us truly ichiryū—first-class. Through our work, we aim to offer spaces that feel like home while celebrating the timeless artistry of Japan.

人間国宝・岩野市兵衛 福井県越前市の越前和紙｜活版印刷でつくる耳付き和紙名刺 逸 -ICHI-

#DiosApartments #JapaneseCraftsmanship #EchizenWashi #NoCompromiseQuality #JapaneseFolkCrafts #TraditionalJapaneseArt #HandmadeWithCare #LivingWithJapaneseCulture #LuxuryInteriors #ExperienceJapan #UncompromisingQuality #JapaneseDesign #MingeiArt #LivingNationalTreasure #CulturalElegance #JapaneseHeritage #PerfectedDesign #OneOfAKindCraft #HeartOfJapan

As our loved ones age, we are often faced with the delicate balance of offering care and comfort during challenging times. Recently, my elderly mother stopped eating entirely, causing much concern within my family. My brother quickly took her to the hospital, where the doctor explained that she was experiencing the natural decline of old age, often referred to as “frailty.”

We learned that in this stage, many elderly people gradually stop eating and drinking, as their bodies quietly prepare for the end of life. While it’s a difficult reality to face, we realized that the best we could do was to offer her comfort during this time.

However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more I could do. Determined to help, I decided to buy a blender and make fresh drinks for her each night, even after long workdays. I wanted to give her something that felt more natural and wholesome than canned nutritional supplements.

Each night, I prepared a simple yet nourishing blend of one banana, green vegetable powder, honey, and milk. The honey added a sweetness that made the drink much more enjoyable. When I gently encouraged her to try it, she surprised us all by finishing the entire glass and exclaiming, “Delicious!” It was a small victory, but one that filled my heart with hope.

Through this experience, I noticed something profound: the sugars in the honey and fruit seemed to give her an instant boost of energy and vitality. It made me reflect on the role that sugar—something so common in our modern diets—has played in human history.

For thousands of years, humans struggled against hunger. Before the advent of agriculture, our ancestors likely spent a great deal of effort trying to keep their blood sugar levels from dropping. In times like those, a source of sugar would have acted almost like medicine, offering the body a quick and essential surge of energy, much like it did for my mother.

However, in today’s world, sugar is both abundant and inexpensive. The very thing that once served as a life-saving “medicine” has now become a potential health hazard for many. The easy availability of sugary foods has led to overconsumption, which in turn has contributed to a host of modern health issues.

This experience has led me to an important realization: while sugars—whether from honey, fruits, or even table sugar—can offer immediate and beneficial effects, especially for those in need of energy, they must be consumed in moderation. In a society where sugar is so readily available, finding the right balance is key.

In conclusion, sugar, like many things in life, can be both a help and a harm. It has the power to nourish and comfort, but also to cause harm if not approached mindfully. Understanding the dual nature of sugar’s effects is crucial, especially in today’s world where its role has shifted from a rare necessity to an everyday indulgence.

As caregivers and individuals, we can learn to use sugar wisely, offering it when it’s truly needed while also remembering the importance of moderation in maintaining health. In this way, we honor both the past and the present, and perhaps offer a sweeter, healthier future for those we care for—and for ourselves.

Starting from September 1st, we have once again begun the tasks of moving in furniture, assembling it, and cleaning. This time, the project is large-scale due to the high number of units we are handling. I am deeply grateful to all those who are tirelessly supporting our Dios business—our employees, the cleaning staff, the assembly specialists, the furniture suppliers, the home center staff, and the electricians.

At our company, we make it a priority to have all the furniture, appliances, and fixtures installed by the day before our customers move in. However, this involves an immense amount of paperwork and physical labor.

In the early days, I used to handle all these tasks by myself. I would go to the furniture stores, make purchases, go through the checkout, load everything into the car, transport it using a cart, and then stay up all night assembling the furniture alone. Because of those experiences, I truly understand the hardships of those working on-site.

Now, many people are contributing their labor to the success of Dios, and I am sincerely grateful for all the support we receive. At this moment, I feel truly happy. I believe the greatest happiness for a person is when they feel supported by others. Isn’t that the essence of business, a truly wonderful endeavor? I believe Dios is currently experiencing its happiest time.

Moving forward, we will continue to strive to provide the best service to our customers, with the support and cooperation of all involved. With heartfelt gratitude, I thank you all.

#Gratitude #FurnitureMoving #StaffAppreciation #DiosBusiness #CleaningWork #AssemblySpecialists #HomeCenter #Electricians #CustomerFirst #MomentsOfHappiness #Teamwork #BeautyOfBusiness #SupportAndAppreciation #WorkSatisfaction #OnsiteLabor

There have been concerns raised about the delays in constructing the international pavilions for the 2025 Osaka Expo. With construction starting in August 2024, these pavilions have only eight months to be completed. Some countries have yet to begin construction, and others have not even secured a construction company.

At the Expo, Type A pavilions with unique designs are referred to as the “Flower of Expo,” emphasizing the crucial role they play. The architecture, materials, structure, and space of these international pavilions vividly express each country’s culture, ideology, technology, and industry. It is no exaggeration to say that experiencing these pavilion spaces is the essence of the Expo. Therefore, delays in their construction are a matter of great concern.

Japanese television reports often attribute the decision by some countries to abandon their Type A pavilion construction to “domestic issues,” such as financial problems, natural disasters, or political conflicts. However, while the construction of Japan’s pavilions is progressing smoothly, all international pavilions are facing delays simultaneously. This raises doubts about the explanations provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

I would like to investigate this issue further.

A few months ago, I was invited to the design unveiling party for the India Pavilion. The event was well-attended by the media, with many reporters capturing the presentation. A renowned Indian architect delivered an outstanding presentation using a projector, showcasing a pavilion design inspired by the Himalayas—something I had never seen before. During the party, I had the opportunity to speak directly with the pavilion director. She confidently and kindly explained the construction schedule to me, and I sensed no concern about meeting the deadlines from her demeanor. Yet, just a few months later, India officially announced the abandonment of their Type A pavilion construction.

The reason cited for the construction delays was the difficulty in finding a Japanese construction company. Additionally, some international pavilions that managed to find a Japanese construction company have held groundbreaking ceremonies but have seen little progress in construction.

Meanwhile, Japanese construction companies (general contractors) are globally renowned for their adherence to deadlines.

If these delays are indeed due to “domestic issues” within each country, why is it difficult to find a Japanese construction company? Furthermore, how do “domestic issues” result in construction delays when Japanese companies are known for timely completion? There seems to be a clear contradiction in this logic.

I aim to uncover the truth behind these issues and propose potential solutions for international pavilions. It is crucial that we address these challenges and find a way forward to ensure the successful participation of all countries in the Expo.

#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo #InternationalPavilions #ConstructionDelays #CulturalShowcase #ExpoSolutions #GlobalExposition #IndiaPavilion #PavilionDesign #ConstructionIssues #JapanExpo #WorldExpo #BuildingChallenges #Expo2025Solutions #InternationalCollaboration

The Japanese government issued a “Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning” on August 8th. This massive earthquake is expected to occur every 100 to 150 years in western Japan. It is not a matter of if but when, and it is something we cannot avoid.

However, by preparing for disaster, we can greatly reduce potential damage.

In Japan, there is a saying: “備えあれば憂いなし” (“Prepare for the worst, and you will have nothing to worry about”). By taking preventive measures, we can significantly minimize the impact of disasters.

One important step is securing your furniture. During the Northern Osaka Earthquake, both of our company’s televisions toppled over and were damaged. TVs are particularly prone to falling, so special care should be taken. Large furniture can be stabilized using tension rods between the top of the furniture and the ceiling. Additionally, it’s crucial to identify and familiarize yourself with evacuation sites in advance.

Gasoline-powered generators, such as those sold by Honda, are also useful. I found them very convenient during disaster drills at evacuation sites. During disasters, having access to information is critical. While radios used to be the main source, today, smartphones, the internet, and social media are vital for staying informed. Thus, chargers, generators, and mobile cables are essential.

The government’s announcement of the “Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning” will likely increase disaster awareness across Japan, leading to more information and availability of disaster preparedness goods.

In Kobe, there are facilities where you can experience the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 and learn about earthquake preparedness. Take this opportunity to thoroughly prepare for disaster prevention and ensure your safety.

#NankaiTroughMegaquake #EarthquakePreparedness #DisasterPrevention #SafetyMeasures #EmergencyReadiness #FurnitureSafety #GeneratorPower #SmartphoneSafety #DisasterInformation #HanshinAwajiEarthquake #KobeEarthquakeExperience #StayPrepared #SafetyFirst #BePrepared #InformationIsKey

As we edge closer to the much-anticipated Expo 2025 in Osaka, concerns about the timely completion of the national pavilions, known as the “Flower of Expo,” are mounting. These worries extend beyond mere construction delays to include cost overruns, delayed accident reports, slow resolution of issues, and inadequate safety measures. Reflecting on these multifaceted issues, it seems that the challenges are less about the participating countries and more about the organizational issues on the Japanese side, which appears to be the main culprit.

The initial motivation to host Expo 2025 at Yumeshima in Osaka included plans to integrate a casino—a project not feasible in residential areas such as Suita City. Since a casino is a private business, public funds could not cover the substantial infrastructure costs needed for utilities, highways, and subways. Thus, the Expo served as a strategic platform to develop the necessary infrastructure using tax revenues.

I believe that if a business strategy is sound, there should be no issue with its implementation.

Today, the world faces numerous serious issues. Territorial conflicts continue to result in loss of lives in many countries. This summer, we are experiencing unusually high temperatures, underscoring the severe concerns about global warming. By 2050, we might witness the complete disappearance of the Earth’s rainforests. Excessive development has led to environmental degradation and the emergence of new diseases. Moreover, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. Humanity is at a crossroads, unsure of what actions to take, what to protect, and which direction to move towards.

The 2025 Expo should be a global event that addresses these significant challenges. It needs to champion the health, happiness, and cultural solidarity of humankind. If the Expo can truly be an event that evokes universal empathy, only then will we truly understand its significance.

Although our company is a small entity, we are committed to contributing as much as we can to realize the peaceful and humanitarian goals of the Expo.

(Photograph) Inside the campus of Harvard University

The 1970 Osaka Expo (67 million visitors)

#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo2025 #GlobalChallenges #SustainableDevelopment #CulturalSolidarity #HumanityAtCrossroads #EnvironmentalConcerns #GlobalWarmingAwareness #PeacefulInitiatives #InnovativeStrategies #YumeshimaExpo #CasinoDevelopment #HarvardCampus #WorldUnity #ExpoPreparations

Tomorrow, August 3rd, marks the spectacular evening of the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, beginning at 7:30 PM. I have the pleasure of accompanying some international guests to the riverside to enjoy this luminous spectacle. I warmly invite everyone to join us and ensure not to miss this breathtaking display.

The art of fireworks, interestingly, was first invented in Japan. It dates back to the Edo period—a time when air conditioning was nonexistent. On hot summer nights, people dressed in airy yukatas and used fans to create a breeze, finding mental respite in the coolness that this brought.

The Edo era was known for its isolationist policies, resulting in 250 years of peace without wars. Contrary to popular belief that Japan was a male-dominated society, the Edo period was quite the opposite; it was a time when women held significant strength. Typically, women detested war, and during this period, when men were less preoccupied with battles, women’s influence was notably strong within households.

For instance, a divorce was as simple as a woman placing a “mikudarihan” (three-and-a-half-line letter) on the table: stating merely, “I am, from you, parting.” Such a letter would leave the husband profoundly shocked.

Additionally, the average number of children per family during the Edo period was about two to three, in contrast to the war-ridden Sengoku period, where families typically had up to seven children. The fewer number of children during the Edo era represented an ideal balance for women, avoiding the extremes of having too many or too few responsibilities.

Moreover, the women’s preference for beauty is evident from the elaborate kimonos and designs that emerged during the Edo period. The initiation of fireworks during this time was also driven by women’s admiration for the stunning vistas they painted in the night sky—making the tradition of fireworks essentially a celebration of women’s cultural influence.

As recent summers have become particularly hot, making it challenging to concentrate on work, the fireworks night offers a delightful escape. Forget the stresses of daily life for a moment and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan’s Edo period. Please join us to experience this traditional spectacle and enjoy a night filled with history, beauty, and communal joy.

It has been reported that the construction of the Type A international pavilions for the World Expo is experiencing delays. As Japanese citizens and hosts, we are deeply concerned that this may cause us to inadvertently appear disrespectful to our esteemed guests from abroad.

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane Prefecture. This museum, established by real estate entrepreneur Mr. Adachi, features a magnificent Japanese garden. For twenty consecutive years, this garden has been ranked first by a prominent American magazine dedicated to Japanese gardens. The dedication and meticulous care of countless skilled gardeners are evident in the tranquil beauty of this landscape.

As we strolled through the beautifully maintained gardens, we reflected on the essence of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Historically, Japanese hosts would offer tea to their guests while showcasing a meticulously manicured garden, embodying the spirit of hospitality through time and effort devoted to creating a serene environment. This was how the Japanese showed their hospitality to their guests.

As a small company, the scope of what we can offer our guests is limited primarily to housing. However, we at Dios Co., Ltd. believe that what we can provide, though modest, is meaningful.

We firmly believe that experiences in Japan are not just about work. Rather, it is the experiences outside of work that contribute to rich and meaningful international exchange. These moments of cultural immersion and relaxation will leave a lasting impression, far beyond professional achievements.

At Dios Co., Ltd., we are committed to welcoming you with warmth and ensuring that your stay in Japan is fulfilling. Although our contributions may be modest, we strive to make a positive impact on your experience in our beautiful country.

Thank you for choosing Dios Co., Ltd. We look forward to welcoming you with open hearts and making your stay in Japan a memorable one.

This year marks my ‘unlucky year’ in Japanese tradition. Since the beginning of the year, my father fell ill with a heart condition and underwent a pacemaker surgery last week. I believe that my ‘unlucky year’ had its effect on the weakest in my family, my father.

February 3rd is known as ‘Setsubun’ in Japan, a day when people pray for a year free of misfortune.

The ‘Abiko Kannon’ temple in Osaka is famed for its rituals to ward off bad luck. On Setsubun, the temple is bustling with life. Many visit to participate in grand ceremonies, where large fires are set for prayers. It was an empowering experience to see so many priests praying for our well-being.

Founded in 546 AD, this temple boasts a 1425-year history. Although small, the vibrancy of the grand prayer fires, lively giant carps, beautiful pine trees, historic trees symbolizing life, and the dedication of numerous priests were truly impressive.

This temple, not widely known among foreign tourists, offers a unique experience, especially if you’re visiting Osaka in February.

I was able to pray earnestly for my father’s health. It brought great comfort and peace to my heart.

#Embracing Tradition and Prayers at Osaka’s Historic Abiko Kannon TempleAbikoKannon #Setsubun #JapaneseTradition #SpiritualExperience #TempleVisit #OsakaTravel #JapaneseCulture #HistoricalSites #PrayerForHealth #PacemakerSurgery #FamilyHealth #SpiritualRelief #HealingPrayers #UnluckyYear #CulturalExperience #DiscoverJapan #TravelJapan #CulturalTourism #ExperiencingTradition #HeartfeltPrayer #VisitingOsaka #UniqueExperiences #CulturalHeritage #HistoricTemples

Today, I want to share this beautiful picture from the plum grove of Osaka Castle. Every year, the plums here begin to bloom in late January, heralding the approach of spring.

While in Europe, a rose in full bloom is considered beautiful, in Japan, beauty is かoften found in the melancholy of falling cherry blossoms. However, personally, I find the very first blossoms of the plum trees at Osaka Castle the most beautiful.

As someone who works in pruning garden trees, I believe the condition of a garden reflects the character of its owner. The plum trees of Osaka Castle were planted by students from the prestigious Kitano High School, embodying their high caliber.

In Japan, we have a tradition of “Hanakotoba,” meaning flower language, where white plum blossoms signify the purity of a woman.

The white plums blooming earnestly in the quiet cold of winter are my favorite flowers in Japan.

#OsakaCastle #PlumGrove #JapaneseBeauty #Hanakotoba #GardenBeauty #WinterFlowers #JapaneseCulture #OsakaCharm #KitanoHighSchool #NatureBeauty #TraditionMeetsModern #SakuraBeauty #TreePruning #GardenEnthusiast #WinterGreeting #SymbolOfPurity #WhitePlum #JapaneseWinter #NatureMagic #ColdBeauty #PlumSeason #TraditionalAesthetics #WinterCharmsOfOsaka #NaturalBeautyOfJapan