OKINAWA - MOMENT Inc.

In August 2021, an undersea volcanic eruption caused a massive amount of pumice to drift into the seas around Okinawa. Fish and coral were damaged, local fisheries suffered a severe blow, and both tourism and islanders’ daily lives were deeply affected. Though municipalities and volunteers worked hard to collect the pumice, much of it was left piled up with no practical use. We decided to reclaim this pumice, harden and polish it, and transform it into panel materials. By incorporating it into furniture and store design, we breathe new life into what was once considered waste. Giving new meaning to things that were deemed unnecessary — we believe that, too, is part of what design can do.