Gunze Supports Regional Coexistence and Well-Being Gunze Town Center Tsukashin Hosts “Wan Nyan Sakura EXPO” Promoting a pet-friendly society and sustainable community development
News
Gunze Supports Regional Coexistence and Well-Being Gunze Town Center Tsukashin Hosts “Wan Nyan Sakura EXPO” Promoting a pet-friendly society and sustainable community development
Osaka-Gunze Limited (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Toshiyasu Saguchi) [TOKYO:3002] is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gunze Development Co., Ltd. will sponsor and provide the venue for the “Wan Nyan Sakura EXPO in Gunze Town Center Tsukashin”, to be held on March 28 and 29, 2026, at Gunze Town Center Tsukashin in Amagasaki City, Hyogo. Timed to coincide with the peak cherry blossom season, the event is designed to promote community coexistence and well-being under the theme of “Enjoying life while learning the preciousness of all living beings“. Through adoption programs and disaster-preparedness activities, the EXPO highlights the realities facing shelter animals and the importance of pet disaster preparedness—lessons underscored by recent disasters such as the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. By delivering these messages in the familiar setting of a shopping center, Gunze aims to contribute to the creation of a sustainable, inclusive local community.
Image of “Wan Nyan Sakura EXPO in Gunze Town Center Tsukashin” (Courtesy of the Tsukaneko Animal and Environmental Welfare Division)
Three Highlights of the “Wan Nyan Sakura EXPO in Gunze Town Center Tsukashin” 1. Creating Encounters That Change Lives; Rescue Dog & Cat Adoption Event
In collaboration with Tsukaneko Animal Welfare & Environmental Welfare Division and MANA Animal Festival, Tsukashin will host its first large-scale participatory charity adoption event. Rescue dogs and cats seeking new families will gather in one place, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about adoption firsthand and encouraging a shift away from the casual sale of pets. 2. Raising Awareness of Pet Disaster Preparedness; Essential Knowledge for Disaster-Prone Japan
Through earthquake photo exhibits and hands-on workshops, the event will share practical guidance on protecting pets during emergencies. Drawing on experience from long-term pet support efforts following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and subsequent flooding, the program conveys knowledge not found in textbooks. These sessions invite not only pet owners, but all community members, to reflect on true coexistence. 3. Participatory Programs for All Ages
Visitors can enjoy a “Charity Marche”, with a portion of proceeds donated to animal welfare initiatives, and a “Cat Mask Painting Workshop”, previously popular with international visitors at the Osaka/Kansai Expo. Expert-led consultation booths will also provide advice on volunteering and living well with pets. In the Nishimachi area, guests can shop with their pets and join hands-on experience programs together.
Why Gunze Supports Animal Welfare
As pets are increasingly regarded as family members, coexistence with animals has become a key theme aligned with the Gunze Group’s commitment to “Community contribution and ”Well-being enhancement“.
With approximately 15 million visitors annually, Tsukashin serves as a powerful platform to reach audiences who may not yet be familiar with animal welfare issues. Through this initiative, Gunze seeks to help build a town where the environment, society, and economy exist in harmony.
Event Overview
Event Name
Wan Nyan Sakura EXPO in Gunze Town Center Tsukashin
Gunze Town Center Tsukashin 4-8-1 Tsukaguchi Honmachi, Amagasaki City, Hyogo
Admission
Free
Host
Tsukaneko Animal Welfare & Environmental Welfare Division, MANA Animal Festival
Sponsor
Amagasaki City
Cooperate
Gunze Development Co., Ltd., Gunze Town Center Tsukashin, Amagasaki City Animal Welfare Promoters
About Gunze Town Center Tsukashin
Gunze Town Center Tsukashin is a large-scale shopping complex in northern Amagasaki City, featuring a major supermarket, approximately 150 specialty stores, natural hot springs, a sports club, and landscaped garden areas along the Itami River. As a community-oriented facility, it regularly hosts events focused on health, the environment, and education, offering visitors a place to relax and connect throughout the day.
Information posted here (product information, market launch date, contact, URL, etc.) is as of release date. Posted information is subject to change without notice.
