The designer behind Italy's mascot
for Expo Osaka 2025 'Italia-chan', Simone Legno, says he is very
proud to have created the kawaii-style doll.
Legno, founder of pop art brand tokidoki, explained in a video
interview that he left Italy many years ago, but being far away
has "increasingly strengthened the connection and love" he has
for Italy, whose colours and symbols are represented on
'Italia-chan' ( https://youtu.be/6JfPEa4VMgg ).
"Like all Italian children, I had the luck of being surrounded
by wonderful art, music, fashion and design that educated me as
a man and artist.
"Moreover, our passion, our spirit for adventure and the
entrepreneurial creativity typical of Italians have inspired my
life and career", he explained.
"I am always happy to represent my country around the world and
thus the opportunity of contributing to this great event of
promotion and cultural exchange by creating Italy's mascot for
Expo 2025 Osaka immediately gave me huge enthusiasm and makes me
very proud.
"Italia-chan bears the symbols and colours of our Nation, as
well as that which will host Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, a country I
love and where I live with my family.
"Throughout my career, Japan has been a source of immense
inspiration and I think creativity unites both our cultures.
I hope Italia-chan can become a beloved character, an Italian
symbol of union between cultures", concluded Legno.
During his visit to Rome, the artist went to the European
Institute of Design (IED) where he studied.
At IED, Legno met with the Commissioner General for Italy at
Expo Osaka 2025 Mario Vattani.
"Rome's European Institute of Design, which Simone Legno knows
well, together with other institutes across Italy, is part of
the network of AFAM", or Higher Education in Art, Music and
Dance, "with which the Commissariat General for Italy at Expo
2025 Osaka has signed an agreement to offer students new
opportunities of training and cultural exchange", explained
Vattani.
"Promoting young talents is one of our missions in Japan.
"Simone is an example of an Italian creativity that is able to
make itself known and appreciated around the world", said
Vattani.
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