Japanese Balloon Artists Achieve Double Victory at European Competition “NOZZLE UP”!

Kishi’s Co., Ltd., the official distributor in Japan of Sempertex—widely recognized as the world’s finest quality latex balloon brand—proudly announces that two Japanese balloon artists achieved remarkable victories at the European balloon convention “NOZZLE UP 2025.”

The winners are Junko Niiyama of Candy Balloon, who won first place in the Table Centerpiece Division, and Yuiko Watanabe of Colorful Suite, who claimed first place in the Fashion Division.

Kishi’s regards this outstanding achievement as clear evidence of the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence that Japanese balloon professionals bring to the global balloon decoration industry.

Japanese Wins European Competition

◆ What Is “NOZZLE UP,” the Balloon Event Capturing Global Attention?

“NOZZLE UP” is a professional balloon convention organized by Sempertex Europe.The event features a wide range of programs, including workshops on the latest balloon decoration techniques, masterclasses led by world-renowned instructors, and business sessions focused on the future of the balloon industry.

During the event, several contests are also held, challenging participants to demonstrate their creativity and technical skills within limited time and materials. Outstanding works are awarded in each category.

The 2025 edition took place from October 2 to 5 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, bringing together top balloon artists from around the world. Amidst this global gathering of talent, two Japanese artists achieved an extraordinary feat by winning first place in two separate divisions.

■ Winning Work – Table Centerpiece Division: Junko Niiyama

Theme: Timeless Elegance

■Winner’s Comment – Junko Niiyama

As this was my first time participating in the competition, I was uncertain about what kind of creations would be recognized, and I had many worries at the start.Since only Sempertex balloons were allowed, I decided to design my piece entirely with latex materials available in Japan. This naturally led me to create a work that focused on balloon weaving, which, in the end, may have worked to my advantage.

When I heard the news of my win, I was truly overjoyed from the bottom of my heart.Even though I was not feeling well during the competition, that moment of happiness instantly lifted my spirits.More than anything, achieving this victory together with my fellow Japanese artist Yuiko Watanabe is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Balloons have a special kind of magic — they bring joy not only to those who see or receive them, but also to those who create them.I hope to continue believing in that magic and stay true to my passion for balloons, always remembering the joy that started it all.

■Profile

Junko Niiyama

In 1999, Junko Niiyama began her training at a clown (pierrot) school and launched her professional career as a balloon artist in 2006.After working as part of a creative unit, she established Candy Balloon Co., Ltd. in 2014.Today, she stands as one of Japan’s leading balloon artists, with numerous awards from both domestic and international competitions.

Niiyama’s works are known for their precise weaving techniques and gentle color expressions, often described as “sculptures of air” — delicate yet full of presence.Her consistent pursuit of “balloon art that makes people happy” shines through in every creation.

Currently, she is active across Japan, engaging in event decorations, exhibitions, and teaching, while also dedicating herself to nurturing the next generation of artists.Guided by her belief in “bringing smiles and happiness through balloons,” Niiyama continues to inspire audiences both in Japan and abroad.

Candy Balloon Co., Ltd.

President: Junko Niiyama

Official Website: https://www.candyballoon.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jun.balloon/

■ Winning Work – Fashion Division: Yuiko Watanabe

Theme：Japanese Shaman

■ Winner’s Comment – Yuiko Watanabe

For this competition, I approached my work with the theme of “a challenge without regrets,” determined to do everything I possibly could.Over four days, I created the piece entirely on my own, and every night before going to bed, I reviewed the photos I had taken, constantly asking myself, “Is there any part I could improve?”

I used many 160-size balloons, which are thin and prone to shrinking, making the work extremely time-consuming and intricate.Before traveling, I was preparing in between work, so I couldn’t make sufficient prototypes. I completed the piece by repeatedly visualizing it in my mind and practicing mentally until it was perfect.

The moment I learned of my win, I was overwhelmed with joy, feeling that all my efforts had truly paid off. Many people approached me saying things like, “You did an amazing job,” “The weaving is beautiful,” and “May I photograph this weaving?” — I was deeply moved that my work was recognized across the ocean.

For our clients, events are once-in-a-lifetime memories. Being able to enhance such moments with balloons brings me immense happiness. hope to continue using balloons as a tool to bring joy and smiles to even more people in the future.

■Profile

Yuiko Watanabe

Based in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Yuiko Watanabe is a professional balloon artist.She began her career with twist balloons and, after working for approximately five years at a balloon shop, became independent.Currently operating under Colorful Suite, she creates a wide range of works, including decorations, photo spots, and balloon dresses.

Watanabe’s signature style combines delicate twist techniques with a fashion-forward sensibility, and her sculptural “wearable balloons” have been highly praised both domestically and internationally.She has achieved a three-time consecutive win in domestic balloon contests and boasts a total of seven first-place titles.In addition, she expands her creative reach through YouTube appearances and original character shows, continually exploring new ways to showcase the charm of balloons.

For her creations, Watanabe provides design proposals using Illustrator and Photoshop, while all dress design sketches are hand-drawn.She places the utmost importance on the smiles of her clients upon seeing her work and is known for her attentive approach from consultation to completion, earning the trust and repeat support of many clients.

Watanabe describes balloons as “a special tool to shape happiness.”With her precise skills and warm sensibility, she transforms events into memorable and visually stunning experiences.

Colorful Suite

Owner: Yuiko Watanabe

Official Website: https://colorful-suite.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuiko.watanabe

■About Kishi’s Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1946, Kishi’s Co., Ltd. has been a leading importer and wholesaler of festival toys, latex balloons, foil balloons, party supplies, and general merchandise. Guided by the corporate philosophy, “Bringing happiness to people — that is our work,” the company delivers a wide variety of products and the latest trends to the event industry and professional balloon artists.

As the official distributor in Japan of Sempertex, renowned as the world’s finest quality latex balloon brand, Kishi’s has continuously supported the professional market. Beyond providing a stable supply of high-quality balloons, the company contributes to the development of Japanese balloon artistry and international exchange through seminars, workshops, and event support.

"Showcasing the world’s finest balloons with Japan’s top-tier skills" — Kishi’s serves as the bridge making this vision a reality.The recent first-place wins by Japanese artists at NOZZLE UP symbolize both the maturation of Japan’s balloon industry, which Kishi’s has long supported, and the creative potential of Sempertex balloons.

Company: Kishi’s Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 2-7-17 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

President : Noritaka Kishi

Tel: +81-52-563-4681

Corporate Website: https://www.kishis.co.jp

Sempertex Brand Site (Japanese): https://www.kishis.co.jp/sempertex

Official X: https://x.com/kishisparty

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kishis1946