New Silica Japan Steps Onto the Global Stage
A new silica material born from Japanese rice husks made its global debut—
following its presentation at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai,
it shone on one of the world’s most prestigious stages:
Paris Fashion Week.
Tears of the World Tree A Dance of the Shrine Maiden and the Fairy Who Weave Life
October 2025, Paris, France.
At Paris Fashion Week, a symbolic stage performance introduced rice husk–derived silica, a natural material from Japan, to the world.
The performance, titled
“Tears of the World Tree — The Dance of the Shrine Maiden and the Fairy Who Weave Life,” unfolded like an ancient myth.
A shrine maiden and a fairy appeared on a dreamlike stage, telling a story of life, renewal, and hope for the Earth.
At the moment the shrine maiden offered her prayer and cut through the darkness with a sword of light, the World Tree began to glow—and drops of life fell from above.
Those “tears” symbolized silica born from rice husks.
Where Fashion Meets Technology
At the climax of the performance, navigator Mack addressed the audience:
“For us, the Tears of the World Tree are a small white sphere born in Japan—
yes, silica. A new challenge has begun: transforming rice husks once called ‘waste’ into hope.”
A spray using silica-based material was introduced as an item designed with comfort during wear and care for clothing freshness in mind.
It represented a new expression of fashion shaped by sustainable values.
Weaving the Future with Young Creators
On stage, Mayu Ikeda, project designer for the New Silica Project, shared her vision:t.
“I believe in the power of art. Our mission is to protect the future of the Earth and humanity.”
Fairy performer Sakurako Tanaka spoke of art’s ability to move hearts and inspire social change.
Shrine maiden performer Risa Sekiguchi closed with a message of hope:
“No matter how deep the darkness, morning light will always come.”
Mack concluded:
“They are cultural ambassadors carrying hope—new messengers of light who connect the world through art.”
From Rice Husks to the World – A Sustainable Cycle of Beauty
A Sustainable Cycle of Beauty
What unfolded on this stage was more than a fashion show.
It was a fashion project expressing care for the planet and the future.
Silica born from small fragments of agricultural life—rice husks—is now beginning to shine on runways around the world.
Tears of the World Tree is a symbolic expression of life and future.
Through this stage, the story of rice husk silica begins to spread globally through fashion.
The “tears” bestowed by the shrine maiden and the fairy represent healing, continuity, and hope.
They are a small white sphere born in Japan.
Silica.
And this silica is created from a naturally derived material—rice husks.
Once treated as waste, rice husks are now being reimagined as hope.
Drawing out the gifts of nature through modern technology and carrying them into the future.
From those “tears,” a deodorizing spray was developed—
an item designed with:
✨ comfort during wear in mind
✨ consideration for clothing freshness
✨ the goal of enjoying fashion longer and more comfortably
It offers a new option for the fashion industry.
The New Silica Project was launched to bring the potential of this silica to the world.
And visualizing this ambitious challenge is entrusted to a rising young talent—Mayu Ikeda, Project Designer of the New Silica Project.
