On May 23–24, 2025, we had the incredible honor of representing Poland and the West Pomerania region at Expo 2025 in Osaka by hosting our original zero-waste handicraft workshops. But it wasn’t just about making accessories – it was about cultural exchange, creativity, and joyful connection.

Two Zones, One Message: Creativity + Sustainability

Our booth was located right outside the Polish Pavilion and quickly became a popular spot. To keep things clear and well-organized, we divided the space into two workshop zones:

• Keychain Zone – a more advanced activity aimed at teens, adults, and families. Participants created unique keychains using upcycled materials, including bottle caps printed with the logo of West Pomerania.
  
  
• Patch Zone – a quicker, more accessible format, especially loved by kids (though adults joined in too). Each patch took about five minutes to make, allowing for high participant turnover.
  
  

Over the course of two days, we welcomed more than 300 participants – mostly residents of Japan. Many joined us while waiting in the long queue to enter the Polish Pavilion (which at times took up to 40 minutes!). Our workshops gave them the chance to spend that time creatively – and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Communication Beyond Words

Although we only know a few basic Japanese phrases and many attendees weren’t fluent in English, communication flowed easily. We relied on what we do best: smiles, gestures, visual aids, Japanese-language signs, translation apps, and clear examples using our prototypes.

We created signs with the duration of each activity and walked along the queue inviting visitors to join. And it worked beautifully. Everyone understood what to do, followed the steps, and became fully immersed in the creative process – with plenty of laughter along the way.

West Pomerania – Our Region, Our Pride

One of the main themes of our workshops was promoting the West Pomerania region – the place we’re proud to call home and the one that has supported our brand from the very beginning. The West Pomerania logo was one of the most frequently chosen patch designs, and bottle caps featuring the logo were included in every keychain.

We also created handmade photo props – including the crowd favorite: a sign that read “I love Pomorze Zachodnie” (“I love West Pomerania”), which many participants happily posed with.

To top it all off, every person who completed a workshop received a small white-and-red ribbon pin – the colors of the Polish flag. We pinned them onto jackets, shirts, or bags as a souvenir and a sign that they had visited our booth and discovered our country.

A Moment to Remember

One of the most meaningful highlights was our speech on the first evening. We had the honor of speaking in front of the Polish Pavilion, in the presence of the Vice Marshal of West Pomerania. We spoke about our journey, our designs, why we were in Japan, and what our region means to us. The audience was large, curious, and attentive. It was an emotional moment – and one we’ll never forget.

Japanese Guests + Polish Creativity = ❤️

The vast majority of participants were Japanese – and many were surprised to see Poland represented in such a modern and imaginative way. We often heard that the workshops were a perfect match for Japanese culture, where craftsmanship, precision, and eco-consciousness are deeply appreciated.

Some visitors shared touching stories about their travels to Poland, saying how much they loved their time there and hoped to return. We always responded with a warm invitation – especially to our beloved West Pomerania, full of forests, lakes, the Baltic Sea, and a welcoming spirit.

Thank You

This entire experience would not have been possible without the generous support of West Pomerania, who made it possible for us to be part of Expo 2025 and bring our ideas – and our region – all the way to Japan.

We’re deeply grateful for the trust placed in us. And we’re already dreaming about where this creative journey will take us next.

See you soon – in Japan, in Poland, or best of all… in West Pomerania. 💚

Team Wasted Couture