2025.10.09

Professor Kenkichi Ono of Osaka University of Tourism Serves as Moderator and Speaker at the “World Heritage Sites of Piedmont: A Journey through UNESCO Heritage” Event in the Piedmont Week of the Italy Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

On September 29, 2025, Professor Kenkichi Ono of Osaka University of Tourism took part as both moderator and speaker at the event “World Heritage Sites of Piedmont: A Journey through UNESCO Heritage”, held during the Piedmont Week in the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

The event began with Professor Ono explaining the purpose and significance of the session, followed by a presentation by Ms. Marina Chiarelli, Regional Councillor for Culture, who gave an overview of the Piedmont Region.

The first part of the event proceeded as follows:

Ms. Giovanna Quaglia: “Wine-growing Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato”
Ms. Hiroko Sekine: “The Sacred Mountains between Piedmont and Japan” (The mountains of Piedmont and Christian churches)
Mr. Hitoshi Matsushima: “The Sacred Mountains between Piedmont and Japan” (Mount Fuji as a Sacred Mountain)
Ms. Chiara Teolato: “The Royal Residences of the House of Savoy”
Mr. Filippo Ghisi: “The Industrial City of Ivrea”

At the beginning of the second part, Professor Ono delivered a speech on the importance of intangible cultural heritage.
The session then continued with the following presentations:

Mr. Grinzane Cavour: “Truffle Extraction”
Ms. Raffaella Tittone: “The Via Francigena as a Candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Listing”

The event was well attended, attracting not only many Japanese participants but also visitors from various other countries.

Professor Sozaburo Mitamayama, Director of the CTRE International Exchange Office and Professor at Osaka University of Tourism, and Mr. Zili Xue, staff member of the International Exchange Office, attended the event in a supporting role.

Translated and edited by: Zili Xue