Collection Exhibition

Masterpiece from Oda Collection Vol.18 "Timeless Nordic Design".

DATE

2025/05/14(Wed) - 2025/11/24(Mon)

TIME

All of the day

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Masterpiece from Oda Collection Vol.18 “Timeless Nordic Design” メインビジュアル

Objective

Higashikawa, one of the leading furniture-producing regions of Asahikawa, has made the Oda Collection public property and continues to explore various ways to utilize it for the development of the furniture and design industries. From May 14 to November 24, 2025, in conjunction with the exhibition Timeless Nordic Design held at the CentPure Higashikawa Cultural Exchange Center, we present a selection of chairs by renowned Scandinavian designers from the Oda Collection.

Objective of the event

In Scandinavia, the idea that “beautiful design creates a better society” has fostered a culture of design that closely supports everyday life for all people. A lifestyle in harmony with nature, a society that values equality, and a deep respect for daily living—these values have helped shape design not as something exclusive or privileged, but as a standard that belongs to everyone. This spirit continues to be passed down today. Designs from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway—marking the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan—each reflect the sincere efforts of their respective cultures to enrich daily life. We invite you to experience the timeless appeal of these works, cherished across generations, alongside the main exhibition.

Exhibit

Faaborg chair
Kaare Klint
1914
Denmark

Arm Chair for summer house
Erik Gunnar Asplund
1936-40
Sweden

Hannes chair
Eliel Saarinen
1908
Finland

Hallway chair
Alvar Aalto
1931-32
Finland

Gravity
Peter Opsvik
1983
Norway

About Oda Collection

Oda Collection consists of furniture and household items with excellent 20th century designs, collected and studied worldwide by chair researcher Noritsugu Oda over more than 50 years. It includes over 8,000 items such as chairs and tables, lighting, tableware and cutlery, and toys, primarily from Scandinavia. Along with related literature, photographs, drawings, and other materials totaling about 20,000 items, this collection is systematically organized and is an extremely valuable collection, unparalleled in the world. Currently, about 1,350 chairs, which form the core of the collection, have been acquired by the town of Higashikawa, Hokkaido, and registered as cultural assets. Through exhibitions and lectures, the collection conveys to many people the joy and inspiration of “for a thoughtfully beautiful lifestyle.”