The International Garden and Greenery Exposition (Expo '90) held at Tsurumi Ryokuchi in 1990 was the first international gardening exposition in Asia. Mr. Keizo Saji, the 21st chairperson of OCCI and the second president of Suntory Holdings, was the acting chairperson of the Expo Association and played a pivotal role during the exposition. He was the second son of the company's founder, Shinjiro Torii, and was also responsible for 84 National Day ceremonies and 70 welcoming receptions for government guests from various countries.

Taking advantage of the Expo 1990, he started development of the blue rose, which was even said to be a synonym for "impossible. In 2004, after persistent efforts to develop a genetic modification project that pioneered the bio-business, Suntory announced the successful development of the world's first blue rose, and in 2009 began marketing it under the brand name “Applause” (meaning ‘cheers’ or “dreams come true” in the language of flowers).

Under the catchphrase of “Bikan-Yuso” stands for the inspiration of beauty, the spirit of playfulness, and the creative pursuit of a rich life, OCCI has developed new businesses such as the World Fashion Fair and the Global Business Opportunities Convention, bringing a breath of fresh air to the Osaka Business Circle.

The 27th chairperson of OCCI, Mr. Shingo Torii, the grandson of the founder, has actively encouraged women to take an active role in the company by presenting the Blue Rose Award to a woman who boldly takes on a challenge inspired by this blue rose, and will also play a role as the local host at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Photo courtesy of Expo’90 Memorial Foundation and Suntory Holdings