A balloon bear adorns the facade of NIPPONISTA. Many visitors, including journalists and buyers, questioned the teddy bear, which served as the event's symbol, about the relationship between Japan and the bear. Using a balloon dress on display, which took dozens of hours to make but only lasted three days—the balloon's lifespan—as an example, it was explained that the transience of the dress is beautiful, which is characteristically Japanese. However, the definition of the bear and "Nipponista" was left up to the visitors.

This project does not use stereotypical Japanese symbols like Mount Fuji or kimono, as in previous projects. The only person who could be said to symbolize "Nipponista" was Kansai Yamamoto. He always wore his latest collection at the venue, promoting Japan in a pop style. "I myself have traveled abroad collecting Japanese items, but I question whether it is necessary to deliberately present a Japanese aesthetic in this day and age. The robots featured here may not be Japanese simply because they were born in Japan. When it comes to fashion, regionality is irrelevant to Uniqlo or H&M. Perhaps we can forget about the Japanese aesthetic. The Isetan staff said that they selected items based on the concept of Japanese items, but perhaps the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and others need to redefine what 'Cool Japan' means," said Kansai. Looking at the work by Daisy Balloon, the creators of this balloon art piece, Kansai said, "This is the only direction Lady Gaga will take in the future. It's not a standalone image of just wearing the costume, but an expression that includes the concept behind it, and I don't know if that's Japanese or not."

"If there is anything Japanese about our work, it might be its 'delicacy'," says Daisy Balloon's art director, Takashi Kawata.

"However, 'delicacy' is something that is common to all countries, and is not something unique to Japan. If I had to say, it would be 'aesthetics'. It's a spiritual aspect. Only Japanese and Chinese can paint sumi-e. It may be a spiritual aspect of it. However, on the other side of that delicacy is diversity, and incorporating various cultures is also a part of Japanese culture. However, as can be seen in the expressions 'Nanban' and 'barbarians', historically, Japan has not necessarily respected Western culture, nor has it particularly desired it," says Kansai. "Looking at the works this time, I like the delicacy, but perhaps the energy of their presentation is weak. When he speaks, his voice is quiet. My own work may ultimately have been part of what's known as Cool Japan, but looking at each of the works participating in Nipponista, I see that he has ample creative talent, and I feel reassured that, like Japanese home appliances and automobiles, the field of design will be fine in the future. All I can do is suggest that they increase the volume of their communication. But today, the content of each design was a little too intense, and I feel like I have a hangover," said Kansai, as he left the store to cool down. Upon spotting his flashy costume, he immediately offered his hand to the Soho tourists and New Yorkers taking photos, asking them to take a photo with him, and putting his arm around their shoulders, a timeless sight that is unique to Kansai Yamamoto.