A time to deliberately "stop."
By enjoying the present, you can think about the future,
By feeling yourself, you can think of others.

2025 World Exposition, Japan (Osaka-Kansai Expo)
A chair that sees the future, born from the Japan Pavilion

蓮/REN

A chair that radiates the beautiful, ever-changing gradations of nature woven by the life of the sea.
It's time to sit down and "stop."
By looking at the scenery in front of you and enjoying the present, you can think about the future, and by feeling yourself, you can think about others.
It awakens the inner space and sensitivity that you suddenly become aware of in between all your journeys.

Enjoy the beautiful gradations that change appearance depending on the angle of the light and the changes in color over time.
The taste of a moment that symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic awakens the senses,
Connecting to the future through nature, time, and the mind.

By combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge technology It is an art piece that is the product of the journey it was born from.

Brand Story

~Feeling the cycle of life and connecting thoughts to the future~

People sit casually in their daily lives. In between work, during conversations with others, or during quiet moments of reflection. What if this act of "sitting" could become more than just a habit, but a moment to reflect on oneself and reflect on one's mind? "蓮/REN" was born from this idea.

In an age where technology is rapidly evolving and rationality and efficiency are required, perhaps we are forgetting what it means to "feel."

"蓮/REN" is a piece that allows you to feel the cycle of nature, time, and the heart, continuing from the past to the future. By stopping and sitting down, you can feel the present moment amid the ever-changing beauty of nature. In the quiet flow of time, the past and future intersect, and you become aware of the preciousness of the present moment. It is this moment that reflects the brilliance of life within the cycle of nature.

Roots

The "Algae Stool" was exhibited at the Japanese Government Pavilion (Japan Pavilion) at the 2025 World Exposition, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which has the theme of "Between Life and Life." It is an innovative product that uses naturally occurring algae as a material and embodies the ideals of sustainable technology and a future society that coexists with the environment.

The "Souzuru" co-creation project, in which S.Lab participated, sponsored an exhibit of the "Souzuru" circular manufacturing system in the factory area of the Japan Pavilion, showcasing the factory of the future.
The stools were displayed in various locations, along with a robotic arm 3D printer creating the shape layer by layer from a special material made from a mixture of algae and bioplastic, attracting many visitors who sat on them and saw them.
The beautiful gradation has captivated many visitors, and we have received requests and expectations for sales.

This led to the decision to develop the brand as "REN: The Chair That Sees the Future" so that it can be purchased by the general public.

I hope that many more people will see it, feel the present, and think about the future.

Product

Design that moves the heart, materials that move the life,
Future manufacturing using time-traveling molding techniques

Design

A heartwarming design rooted in the Japanese aesthetic sense that values white space, inspired by the trinity of craftsmanship and the lotus.

It is designed based on a three-dimensional reinterpretation of the concept of a "mutual support structure," a structure that "stands together by supporting each other." Three incomplete parts support each other face-to-face, forming a shape without the need for adhesives or joining tools. This structure combines simple beauty rooted in Japanese aesthetics with ease of disassembly when finished using the product, resulting in a design that leads to the next cycle.

by Keio University Global Research Institute (KGRI) Center for Digital Design and Manufacturing Creation

Material

A spiral that emits beautiful colors
A life-changing material that combines algae spirulina and plant-based plastic

The "material that circulates life" is made by blending and melting spiral-shaped spirulina, a beautifully colored microalgae found in the sea, with DURABIO™, a plant-derived bio-engineered plastic. The deep colors, as if nurtured by nature, change with the angle of the light and the passage of time, just like the changing seasons, evoking the ever-changing beauty that is a hallmark of Japanese aesthetics.
by Electric Discharge Precision Machining Research Institute

*The bio-engineered plastic "DURABIO™" is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

Production

Layer after layer makes it beautiful
It creates a gradation that changes its appearance depending on the light and the passage of time.
Molding technology that travels through time

At a Kyoto factory that has long supported and focused on customized design to realize the creation of ideas, the latest patented 3D modeling technology is used to create a unique finish that changes with light and the passage of time by layering the pieces together. Each piece also produces a beautiful gradation of texture and shade, resulting in a one-of-a-kind look. This one-of-a-kind beauty, which cannot be achieved with mass-produced products, is one of the joys of Japan. [Processing method: 3D printer]
by S.Lab

Item

Advance reservation limited to 100 chairs Special benefits
Now accepting reservations

  • "蓮/REN"

    "蓮/REN"

    Algae Stool

    "蓮/REN"

    2,481.00円（税抜）
    $2,729.00
    $2,729.00
    Dimensions: Width 43cm, depth 45cm, height 45cm
    Material: Polycarbonate
    Load capacity: 100 kg
    As an early reservation bonus, 100 pieces will be sold in advance.
    Limited serial number plate included
  • "蓮/REN" 3-piece set

    "蓮/REN" 3-piece set

    Algae Stool

    "蓮/REN" 3-piece set

    6,754.00円（税抜）
    $7,429.00
    $7,429.00
    Dimensions: Width 43cm, depth 45cm, height 45cm
    Material: Polycarbonate
    Load capacity: 100 kg
  • "蓮/REN" 1/3 scale miniature furniture

    "蓮/REN" 1/3 scale miniature furniture

    Algae Stool

    "蓮/REN" 1/3 scale miniature furniture

    249.00円（税抜）
    $273.00
    $273.00
    Dimensions: Width approx. 15cm, depth approx. 15.5cm, height approx. 15cm
    Material: Polycarbonate

＜Sales scheduled to start on October 14＞

Reserve in Advance Here

[Exclusive Pre-order Benefit: Limited to 100 Chairs]
The first 100 customers who pre-order will receive a “Limited Serial Number Plate (No.001–No.100)” included with their purchase.

※ From the 101st chair onwards, the serial number plate will not be included.
※ Serial numbers cannot be chosen; they will be assigned sequentially.
※ Please note that the 3-chair set and 1/3 scale miniature furniture are excluded.

Your reservation will be confirmed once you submit the reservation form (purchase application) and receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to allow emails from the domain @slab.jp to avoid them being filtered into spam. After October 14, details regarding payment methods, shipping, etc., will be provided. Cancellations after application completion are not accepted.
＜Reservation/Payment Process＞
  1. Fill out and submit the reservation form (purchase application)
  2. Application is complete upon receiving the confirmation email
  3. Receive payment instructions after October 14, 2025
  4. Shipping after payment confirmation
＜Delivery & Shipping Schedule＞

Shipping will begin sequentially after payment confirmation from October 14, 2025. Delivery time is estimated at 2–6 weeks after payment. In case of delays due to production, we will inform you in advance.

＜Shipping Costs＞

・Domestic Shipping: Free
・International Shipping: Paid by purchaser

＜Product Characteristics＞
○ Each product is manufactured individually with a 3D printer and incorporates algae-based plastic. Due to this process, differences in shade, texture, shape, and finish may occur.
○ Due to the nature of the material, color may change from green to yellow-brown when exposed to light such as UV rays. This is considered part of the specifications.
○ Small scratches, black spots, or bubbles may be present due to the production process. Thank you for your understanding.
○ For maintenance, avoid chemical cleaners as they may cause discoloration or damage. Please clean with a dry cloth or diluted neutral detergent.

＜Usage Notes & Safety＞
Stool:
○ Delivered fully assembled; disassembly is not possible.
○ Do not use the stool for purposes other than sitting (e.g., standing on it).
○ Sitting on the edge or in an unstable posture may cause tipping due to its design. Avoid such usage.
○ The base may scratch surfaces depending on placement. When using on delicate floors, please consider placing it on a carpet or mat.

Miniature Furniture:
○ Not designed for disassembly.
○ This is a collector’s item. Please keep away from small children and pets.

＜Returns & Cancellations＞
○ This product is made-to-order based on customer purchases. Therefore, cancellations, returns, or refunds are not accepted unless due to defects or incorrect delivery.
○ In case of defects or incorrect delivery, please contact us within 7 days of receiving the product. We will arrange replacement or refund.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q When will the serial number plate for the pre-order bonus be finalized?
A： We will notify you of your reserved serial number at the time we receive your reservation application.
※ If you cancel after reserving, the assigned number will be lost and passed on to the next applicant.
※ Even if you re-apply, earlier numbers will not be reassigned. If at that time the 100 pre-order limit has been exceeded, you will not be eligible for the bonus.
※ Only if a customer with a younger serial number cancels, your number may move up. Please note that the number you ultimately receive may differ from the initial notice, but it will never be a later number.
※ The finalized number will be confirmed in the shipping notice sent after payment (after Oct 14).
Q Was this actually exhibited in the Japan Pavilion?
A： No, it was not actually exhibited. The differences are as follows:

・No Japan Pavilion logo
・Some specifications differ

・Not exhibited in the Pavilion
・Color slightly different, no disassembly structure
Q Does filling out the reservation form count as a reservation?
A： No. Your reservation is confirmed once you submit the form and receive a confirmation email.
Q When is payment due for the reserved product?
A： We will inform you of the payment method after October 14.
Q When will the product be shipped?
A： Shipping will begin sequentially after payment confirmation from October 14, 2025. Delivery will take 2–6 weeks after payment. In case of production delays, we will inform you in advance.
Q Can I pay by invoice?
A： Yes. After submitting the reservation form, please consult with the staff via email.
Q Can a receipt be issued?
A： Yes, a receipt can be issued.
Q Are you a Qualified Invoice Issuer?
A： Yes, we have obtained a Qualified Invoice Issuer Number.
Q Can I see the product in person?
A： Yes, the “Algae Stool” is exhibited at the Japan Pavilion of the 2025 Japan International Expo (Osaka/Kansai Expo). Please note that the logo mark on the seat of the stool at the venue is not included in the product for sale.

Inquiries about the Product

We usually reply within 3 business days.

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