In the countries known collectively as Scandinavia, the belief that “beautiful design creates a better society” has long shaped a culture of manufacturing that serves the well-being of all. Rooted in a way of life shaped by harsh natural environments, this culture embraces harmony with nature, values daily living, and fosters a society built on equality and mutual support. These values have nurtured design not as a privilege for the few, but as a familiar and enduring part of everyday life—a true standard for all. The idea that design is something that “lives beyond its time”—something timeless—has thus taken root in society over many years, and continues to be passed down today.
This exhibition presents iconic Scandinavian designs from the Oda Collection, showcasing works from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway—which marks the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan this year. Though each country has its own unique history, culture, and natural environment, they have all developed their own approaches to design with a shared purpose: to enrich people’s lives. With honesty and care, designers have sought to make life more comfortable, more accessible, and more beautiful for everyone. This exhibition explores the enduring appeal of these timeless designs—expressions of a sincere wish to serve daily life.
At Gallery 2 in CentPure I, we also turn our attention to the life of Mr. Noritsugu Oda, who built the collection. Through his way of living, we trace the timeless values shared by Scandinavia, Japan, and Higashikawa. These values form the basis of a beautiful and enduring standard in lifestyle design—grown over time, and continuing to resonate with the way we live today. We hope this exhibition will be an opportunity for new encounters with such design.
Date
Venues 1 & 2 / May 23 (Fri) - November 24 (Mon, public holiday), 2025
Venue 3 / June 6 (Fri) - June 29 (Sun), 2025
Venue
Venue 1 / Centpure I Gallery 1
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Mondays (open on holidays, closed the following day)
Venue2 / Centpure II Furniture Design Archives
Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Venue 3 / Centpure I Gallery 2
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Mondays (open on holidays, closed the following day)
Admission
Free
Organizer
Higashikawa The Town of Photography
Cooperation
Noritsugu Oda, Oda Collection Organization, Asahikawa Furniture Industry Cooperative
Information on Related Exhibitions
1. Asahikawa Design Center “Masterpiece from Oda Collection”
Exhibition Period: May 14th (Wed), 2025 - November 24th (Mon), 2025
2. Higashikawa Design School Vol.97
“Does Beauty Bring Happiness? The Philosophy of Scandinavian Design in Royal Copenhagen”
Lecturer: Yoshiko Shinagawa (Co-founder of “Nordic University”)
Date & Time: July 6th (Sun), 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Venue: Higashikawa Town Environmental Improvement Center, Multipurpose Hall (1-15-3 Higashimachi, Higashikawa)