Panasonic

Panasonic’s State-of-the-Art Technology Installation, “KŪKAN” – The Invention of Space – Brings to Life the “Wonder Japan Experience” in “Milano Salone 2016” in Italy, April 12 – 17

NEWS RELEASE

Panasonic Takes Part in “Milano Salone 2016” with its Installation, “KŪKAN” – The Invention of Space –

Mar 25, 2016

Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (“Panasonic”) will be taking part in the Milano Salone 2016, which will be held in Milan, Italy from April 12 to 17. This year, Panasonic is introducing an installation designed with the theme – “KŪKAN” The Invention of Space. The installation features one hundred forty 55-inch screens arranged into 7 pillars that will showcase Japan’s unique view of the world and the beauty of its nature, while also combining the traditional culture of Japan with state-of-the-art technology to bring to life a new experience, the “Wonder Japan Experience” that fuels imagination.

Satoshi Takeyasu, Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation in charge of Corporate Communications, stated “By taking part in Milano Salone 2016, Panasonic hopes to bring to light the undiscovered potential and allure of various spaces that Panasonic can create with its technologies in imaging, audio, lighting, etc. honed through its home appliance business, and thereby endeavor to deliver wonder and excitement to people all around the world.”

Exhibition Overview

Exhibition theme “KŪKAN” – The Invention of Space
Period April 12 (Tue) – 17 (Sun), 2016 / 10:00 – 21:00 [Local Time]
Venue Milan, Italy; RIMESSA DEI FIORI
Address: via S. Carpoforo 9 – via Fiori Chiari 17/a, Milan, Italy
Panasonic’s special page English | Japanese | Italian

Description of the Installation

Name of the video content: “7 Dimensions”
– Introducing Japanese culture from the perspective of space and inventing new, imaginative spaces that reflect Japan’s unique view of the world.

The 7 towering pillars form a spatial installation where images meet sound to create a one-of-a-kind experience only realizable in this unique space. The journey through this space also fuels the imaginations of its visitors. These 7 pillars take on a completely different expression depending on the angle from which they are viewed and brings to life an unknown, unexplored environment. They express Japan’s unique view of the world and the beauty of its nature, and its unique sense of aesthetics, comparisons, and boundaries fundamental in Japan’s culture and art that has been honed since time immemorial. By doing so, the pillars create a “space” that is a source of infinite inspiration, that enables visitors to become disconnected or feel connected to others.

Creator’s Comments

“People can be more free. If homes change, people can live anywhere they want from the polar region, remote islands to mountaintops. This becomes possible with the invention of space brought to life by technological innovation. ‘7 Dimensions’ creates an unknown, unexplored space. It will surprise you and fuel your imagination as you retrace the steps of Japanese culture.”
Total design & general production : SD Associates, Inc. represented by Mr. Shuichi Furumi

“These pillars represent the boundaries between heaven and earth, here and there, ourselves and others. People begin to recognize the space in which they exist when they discover these boundaries, and get inspired to create new spaces after watching a sequence of these boundaries. This idea was the departure point for this installation.”
Visual imagery produced by: Montage Inc., Mr. Masao Ochiai

* Installation : A method of contemporary art expression, which includes the space created as part of the artwork.

About the Milano Salone

Milano Salone is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. It is a very large event that also features a leading furniture show held every year in Milan, Italy. The Milano Salone is held in the main venue “FIERA” and “FUORI SALONE,” which refers to a number of venues within the city of Milan. Panasonic’s installation will be in the “FUORI SALONE“.

Milano Salone has great influence on the design industry as a launch pad for the latest global design trends. In recent years, it has evolved beyond its role as a design exhibition and is drawing attention as a platform of expression for many brands.
* Approximately 310,000 visitors and 160 participating countries (as of 2015)