CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES

Cultural Contributions

We aim to create a world of abundance together with
artists through actions such as cultural exchange projects and charitable activities in each and every part of the world.
These including digging wells; planting trees; and establishing the IPARC Exhibition Hall, Cambodia’s first art exhibition facility.

2024

Proceeds from postcard sales will be donated to the “2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund
(Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata and Fukui Prefectures)”

The artworks exhibited at the “29th Nihon no Bijutsu: National Selected Artists Exhibition” held at the Ueno Royal Museum were printed as postcards and sold for 100 yen each. All 337,700 yen of the proceeds were donated to support the lives of people in the areas affected by the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula at the beginning of the year. In recognition of our donation efforts to date, we have received the Golden Order of Merit from the Japanese Red Cross Society - higher in rank than the silver medal we received last year. We will continue to contribute to society and create a better future through the power of art.

*The Japanese Red Cross Society Golden Order of Merit: The Japanese Red Cross Society Golden Order of Merit is the highest award of the Japanese Red Cross Society and is presented to individuals or corporations that have contributed to the activities of the Red Cross Society over many years.

Agency for Cultural Affairs consigned project “Mino Momoyama Ceramics: Aoyama Cha Kai” Exhibition

The “Mino Momoyama Ceramics: Aoyama Cha Kai” Exhibition held over two days from Tuesday, 6th to Wednesday, 7th February in the Spiral Garden in Minamiaoyama, Minato Ward, concluded successfully having proved greatly popular.
At the exhibition venue, gallery talks were given by chair of the Mino Togei Association, Ando Takumi, deputy chair Sakaguchi Hiroshi and Kato Mitsuhide, and special chakai (tea gatherings) took place with much enthusiasm using tea bowls of the exhibiting artists.

Donations to areas impacted by the “2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake”

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
We sincerely pray that everyone who is still missing will be found as soon as possible. We as a company made a small contribution on your behalf in cooperation with the Japanese Red Cross with a donation to the “2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Fund” (Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture).

2023

Letter of thanks received from the Japan Committee for UNICEF

During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2021, as part of our search for new directions in art, we announced the digital book “New Directions in Japanese Art,” which is a collection of artwork by currently active Japanese artists. In December 2023, we donated all the proceeds from this book to the Japan Committee for UNICEF. These funds will be used for COVID-19 recovery support projects, and other projects supporting children living in poverty in over 150 countries around the world.

Receipt of the “Silver Medal of Merit” from the Japanese Red Cross Society

We received the “Silver Medal of Merit” from the Japanese Red Cross Society for our donation of all postcard sales from the “28th Nihon no Bijutsu (National Selected Artists Exhibition)” and “Golden Art Competition in YOKOHAMA” this year, as well as for past efforts. We would like to thank everyone who has offered us their support and cooperation. We will continue to contribute toward realizing a prosperous world and toward humanitarian aid through the arts.

*The Japanese Red Cross Silver Medal of Merit: A commemorative medal awarded by the Japanese Red Cross Society to those who have engaged in Red Cross service activities over a long period of time, those who have cooperated generously in funding Red Cross activities, and those who have contributed through blood donation.

The proceeds from the sale of postcards were donated to the “Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Relief Fund.”

The exhibited works were sold as postcards for 100 yen each at the “Golden Art Competition in YOKOHAMA” held at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1. A total of 122,800 yen from the sales was donated to the “Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Relief Fund” of the Kanagawa branch of the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is supporting relief efforts in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and in neighboring and other countries hosting displaced Ukrainian citizens.

Donated sales proceeds of postcards to the “2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief Fund” through the Japanese Red Cross Society

At the “28th Nihon no Bijutsu” held at the Ueno Royal Museum, we sold original postcards of the participating artists’ works. In order to support the victims of the earthquake that struck the border areas of Turkey and Syria on February 6 this year and those who are still displaced, our representative visited the Japanese Red Cross Society and donated 436,000 yen from all postcard sales to the “2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief Fund”.

2022

Certificate of Appreciation from the Ukrainian children’s magazine “Poznaika” at the 30th anniversary exhibition

The 30th World Peace Art Exhibition, which has been held under the theme “Peace through Art,” was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France for the overseas exhibition and at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre for the domestic exhibition. A harp performance by Alexander Boldachev, a Russian harpist and SDGs activist, was held at the exhibition venue, and a bandura performance by Kateryna Gudzii from Ukraine was held at the reception venue. In return for their support efforts to deliver the Ukrainian children’s magazine “Poznaika” to children even under wartime conditions, the editor-in-chief of the magazine presented a letter of appreciation to our company representative.

Donated proceeds from sales of prints and donating original art tile benches at Hospital de Sant Pau, a World Heritage Site in Spain

The “One World - Japanese Art Charity Exhibition in BARCELONA - ,” was a charity print exhibition held in Barcelona, Spain. The proceeds from the sales of the prints at this exhibition, as well as original benches covered in tiles on which the exhibiting artists’ works had been transferred, were donated to the Hospital de Sant Pau. This is a World Heritage Site registered in 1997 as the “Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona”.

Introduced Japanese art and culture at the Paris headquarters of UNESCO, the pantheon of the international organization for world peace

The 30th World Peace Art Exhibition, held under the theme of seeking peace through art, had as its venue the Miro Hall in the Paris, France headquarters of UNESCO, a United Nations organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and welfare. The artwork by exhibiting artists, as well as their messages about peace and SDGs, were seen by VIPs from various countries and the general public. In addition, the “Creative Journey to Japan 2022,” a project to introduce Japanese culture and customs to the rest of the world and propose new sightseeing tours, was held at the same time as a parallel event. It provided a valuable opportunity for people of various nationalities to learn about calls for peace and traditional Japanese culture.

Donated to Japan For UNHCR to support war-torn Ukraine

The World Peace Art Exhibition has been held in Japan and abroad since 1993 with the aim of “Seeking peace through art.”
In 2013, the “21st World Peace Art Exhibition” was held in Kyiv, the capital of the now war-torn Ukraine. The Chernobyl Museum houses about 150 pieces of egg art created by Japanese artists, which are on permanent display, helping to create strong bonds through cultural exchange. We also made a donation to Japan For UNHCR (https://www.japanforunhcr.org), a refugee assistance agency, to do what we can to help those who are suffering due to displacement and fear. *The second and subsequent photos are from the 2013 World Peace Art Exhibition.

Donated proceeds from sales of postcards to groups in advance

Original postcards of the exhibiting artists’ artworks were sold at the exhibition site of “The 27th Nihon no Bijutsu : National Selected Artists Exhibition” held at The Ueno Royal Museum.
We donated the proceeds from the sales of the postcards to the activities of each of “Support during the spread of COVID-19 (Nippon Foundation)” and “Fostering the next generation to achieve SDGs (National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan),” in the hope that COVID-19 will be contained as soon as possible and a more sustainable and better world can be realized.

2021

Held talk show with art collector Daisuke Miyatsu

At the “5th Christmas Art Competition in YOKOHAMA” exhibition held at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Daisuke Miyatsu, art collector and president of Yokohama University of Art and Design, and Kayo Edazawa, representative director of the Art Life Styling Association, were invited to give a talk show during the exhibition period. They spoke on a variety of topics including the marketing of artists, the contemporary art market in the pandemic, and how to incorporate art into our daily lives.

Visited and mourned at the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

The 29th International Peace Art Exhibition held at Carnegie Hall in New York, USA, to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9.11 attacks. Hidetoshi Kushida, President and Representative Director of the company, in attendance there, also visited Ground Zero, the site of the former World Trade Center which collapsed in the 9.11 terrorist attacks. He offered flowers and a silent prayer for the victims. To commemorate the exhibition and to remember the tragedy of 9/11, a maple tree and plaque with a message of remembrance were planted on the 9th floor rooftop terrace of Carnegie Hall.

Visited Beethoven’s birthplace and presenting a commemorative art book of this exhibition

At the “A Feast of Beauty and Music” exhibition held in Bonn, Germany to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, staff members who traveled to Bonn visited Beethoven’s birthplace, known as the “Beethoven-Haus,” and presented the museum’s director, Malte C. Boecker with an artwork collection
to commemorate the opening of the exhibition. The Beethoven-Haus is known for the world’s largest Beethoven-related collection, including a viola, a Hammerklavier (piano), hearing aids, and writing pads that he actually used.

Introduced the activities of the Hatachi Fund in Miyagi Prefecture

In 2021, the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in 2011, the “Spinners” exhibition was held at Sendai Mediatheque in Miyagi Prefecture. There we introduced on panels the activities of the Hatachi Fund which provides children in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake with opportunities to learn and become independent. We also handed over the donation catalog to support their activities. For more information on the activities of the Fund, please visit the official website of the “Hatachi Fund”.

The official website of the “Hatachi Fund”:https://www.hatachikikin.com/

2020

Introducing Works by Lithuanian Artists and the Efforts of Chiune Sugihara

The “28th World Peace Art Exhibition,” held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, featured works with motifs of the sun, and moon, and other elements of Lithuanian religion and Baltic culture; textiles that symbolize and have embodied as patterns the worldview of the people; wood carvings on oak over 4,000 years old; and more. Visitors were treated to a rare opportunity to view works that are not often seen in Japan. Also held within the venue was the “‘Light in the depths of darkness’: Chiune Sugihara” exhibition, a panel display describing Sugihara’s efforts. The exhibition was held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of his birth, and the 80th anniversary of his issuing of life-saving visas.

Introducing France to Japan’s hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and the Amakusa Region

Japan’s “Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa Region” comprise 12 properties, including the Oura Cathedral, which was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2018. We presented this subject via an exhibition and seminar at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris, France, and sought to convey the unique culture of Japan, where this faith was maintained for 250 years during the Edo period despite the absence of any missionaries.

Supporting countermeasures to combat COVID-19

We have made donations to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors Without Borders) and Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) as part of our support activities to combat the COVID infection.
MSF conducts emergency medical assistance activities around the world, including ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and caring for people living in vulnerable medical or pubic hygiene environments.
With its motto of “providing the necessary support to people in need,” PWJ undertakes support to deliver essential medical equipment and supplies to medical professionals in Japan.

Tree planted in a land that remembers Chiune Sugihara

To commemorate the holding of World Peace Art Exhibition 2020, we planted a Pink Perfection flowering cherry tree at Sugihara Sakura Park in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In the name of all the artists exhibiting in this exhibition, who pray for peace through the power of art and culture, and the desire for further international exchanges between Japan and Lithuania, we helped the graceful figure of this tree take root.

2019

Donating postcard sales to the Future Heritage Movement

We sold postcards of works exhibited at the 24th Japanese Art Exhibition held at the Ueno Royal Museum, and donated the proceeds to the activities of the Heritage for the Future Project by UNESCO Japan.

Introducing France to Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (Hokkaido and northern Tohoku regions)

In Paris, France, we presented the history and culture of Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, with a focus on the Sannai-Maruyama Special Historic Site, one of Japan’s largest Jomon-era settlements. We introduced Japan’s Jomon-era culture widely to French locals through precious clay figurine replicas, a panel exhibition, and seminars.

Conducting cultural exchange through art in Poland

At the Gei-ten art exhibition held in Warsaw, Poland, we conducted international cultural exchange through art, with a performance featuring brushwork and conch shells, a calligraphy workshop, and more. We also visited the site of the Auschwitz concentration camp to learn about the tragic legacy of the Nazi regime, in the hope that humanity never repeats the same mistakes.

Workshop held at sacred Christian site

At the “Beauty and Creation Touring Exhibition” held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, (known as one of the three major Christian pilgrimage sites, along with Vatican City and Jerusalem), we promoted international exchange via Japanese culture such as calligraphy demonstrations, calligraphy workshops, and origami workshops by Japanese artists.

Presidential inauguration of the Royal Society of British Artists produced at the British Museum

A very special tour was held at the British Museum, the reception party venue for the Minerva 2019 event held in London, England. At the reception party that followed, we produced the inauguration ceremony for Mick Davies (39th President, as of October 2020), the incoming President of the Royal Society of British Artists, which was founded in 1823 and was first chaired by James McNeill Whistler. This helped to strengthen the cultural ties between Japan and the UK.

Hosting talk by well-known contemporary art collector

We hosted a talk by art collector Daisuke Miyatsu (President,Yokohama University of Art and Design) during the 4th Christmas Art Competition in Yokohama, held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Drawing on the story of his own collection and the fascination of purchasing and collecting art, he explained some ways to enjoy art as well as its significance.

2018

Donating sales of art eco bags

At the “Exhibition to Change the Environment with the Colors of Art” held at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, we sold art eco-bags inspired by the exhibited works and donated the entire proceeds to the environmental conservation activities of WWF Japan.

Donated proceeds from postcard sales to the “Heritage for the Future Movement”

Postcards of the works exhibited were sold at the 23rd Nihon-no-Bijutsu, held at the Mori Art Museum in Ueno. All proceeds were then donated to the “Heritage for the Future Movement” implemented by the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan to preserve Japans’ nature and culture.

Special screening of the movie “In This Corner of the World”

We screened the anime movie “In This Corner of the World” at the venue (JMS Aster Plaza) of the 26th World Peace Art Exhibition in Hiroshima. This film garnered a lot of attention, including winning Animation of the Year at the 40th Japan Academy Film Prizes, and it has given many people an opportunity to think about peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Planting cherry trees at the European Headquarters of the United Nations, Switzerland

To commemorate the World Peace Art Exhibition 2018 held at the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, we planted a variety of flowering cherry known as Accolade. The names of participating artists praying for peace were left at the United Nations as a commemorative plaque.

Introducing Japanese culture at Paris UNESCO headquarters as an official project of Japonisme 2018

At the Paris UNESCO Headquarters, we worked to introduce Japanese culture more widely, including the Ikenobo school of flower arrangement, the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, Japanese cuisine (listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage), the charms of the Kansai region (including Osaka, which has been determined as the site for the Expo), and the cultural promotion activities of 3 cities in Japan. We also offered samples of five Japanese GI products, which were well received locally.

Conducting exchanges across borders at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taiwan

We hosted the collaborative Eternal Friendship Exhibition by Japanese and Taiwanese artists at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of Taiwan’s leading cultural facilities. Through art, we have further deepened the bond between the two countries, which have a history of actively cooperating in emergency response and relief in the event of natural disasters.

2017

Introduced the achievements of India’s two great figures, Mother Teresa & Mahatma Gandhi, and paid a visit to India

At the 25th World Peace Art Exhibition (at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre), we introduced the lives of two great Indian figures: Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa; in commemoration of the 20 years since Mother Teresa’s passing,the 60th anniversary of the Indo-Japan Cultural Agreement, and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. Along with this, we presented some of the gems of their remarks,which have become the cornerstone of many people’s hearts.

We also visited the National Gandhi Museum during an international exhibition held in India. After viewing materials and belongings related to Gandhi, we planted hibiscus, pomegranate, and ashoka trees in addition to offering gladioli (which mean “memories” in the language of flowers) to a statue of Gandhi.We also paid a visit to Mother Teresa’s house, where she conducted many of her activities. We presented the children with paper cranes and toys brought from Japan, and interacted with them there.

Introduced Japan’s heritages and the cultural policies & activities of various cities at the UNESCO’s Paris HQ

At the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, we presented the culture of modern Japan multi-dimensionally through actions such as introductions of heritages certified by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, introductions of cultural policies and carrying out activities related to 3 Japanese cities. In addition, we also held the exhibition of informative panels and a large-scale screening of a Japan Academy Prize winning animation. We also introduced the Ikenobo and Urasenke schools of flower arrangement and the Japanese tea ceremony, which are the origins of Japan’s creative culture.

Donated proceeds from postcard sales

Postcards of the works exhibited were sold at the 22nd Nihon-no-Bijutsu, held at the Mori Art Museum in Ueno. All proceeds were donated to a charitable organization.

2016

Donated proceeds from postcard sales

Postcards of the works exhibited were sold at the 21st Nihon-no-Bijutsu, held at the Mori Art Museum in Ueno. All proceeds were donated to UNESCO’s “Heritage for the Future Movement.”

Introduced the works of literary master Natsume Soseki in Matsuyama, a place deeply connected to the author

At the “Soseki and Japanese Art in the 21st Century Exhibition” held at the Museum of Art, Ehime, we introduced 4 pieces written by Natsume Soseki himself. We also held a workshop in which participants sent handwritten letters to their beloved ones.

Published a book commemorating the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Aiming to revive the “art competition,” which was a former Olympic event, we published the World Art Competition in Rio de Janeiro Memorial Collection to match up with the Olympic year. Also, during the games, we introduced the works of Japanese artists in the São Paulo Shimbun, a newspaper distributed not only to the citizens of Rio but also to each of the grounds where athletes from around the world had gathered.

Special display featuring President Obama’s visit to Hiroshima

We gave a panel presentation featuring President Obama’s historic visit to Hiroshima at the 24th World Peace Art Exhibition, held at the Kamakura Performing Arts Center.

Praying for the realization of peace and offering flowers of condolence

All of the artists who visited Nice, France, where the World Peace Art Exhibition 2016 was held, offered a floral tribute to mourn the victims of the truck attack. We also visited the Musée Mac Chagall, where we listened to a special lecture given by the museum’s curator on painters who have continued to depict a world full of love and peace.

Introduced the activities of all “UNESCO Creative Cities” throughout Japan at the UNESCO’s Paris HQ

The “Creative Travel to Japan” exhibition was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where Japan’s 5 certified UNESCO Creative Cities assembled together with another city promoting its affiliation. As a jointly held project, “Japan’s tradition, culture, and creativity” were shown, including Japan’s prehistoric Jomon culture and the traditional tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and Japanese painting. Alongside these, a life-sized figure of Hatsune Miku, the ace of the virtual singing world, came swooping down through state-of-the-art projections.

Presented the School of the Arts Singapore with works of Japanese artists

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and Singapore, we introduced some works of Japanese artists at the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA). In addition, we donated a large number of the pieces exhibited in order to help promote the school’s education.

Donation of all proceeds from a charity exhibition held in the US

We exhibited the works of Japanese artists at the Japan Art Print Show 2016, which was held at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. We also sold the exhibited pieces for charity and donated all proceeds to Give Kids the World, a non-profit charitable organization that supports children fighting rare diseases and their families.

2015

Participated in a special audience with the Pope

During the 23rd World Peace Art Exhibition (International Exhibition) held in Rome, Italy, we participated in a special audience with Pope Francis, the 266th Pope, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. We presented him with copies of The History of Artistic Creation in Japan and an illustrated catalog of the exhibition, published by Qualiart.

Introduced Hon’ami Koetsu’s calligraphy work at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

At the “Calligraphy and Ink Exhibition” held at the UNESCO World Heritage site Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we introduced the hand-drawn calligraphy work of Hon’ami Koetsu. A special lecture named “Hon’ami Koetsu – The World of Calligraphy” was also given by Tatsujo Kato.

Introduced Japanese culture in Prague, the city of music

We invited AntonínDvořák III (grandson of the musician Dvořák), VěraČáslavská (Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics who met great success in the 60’s) and other representative figures to the “Japan Arts & Crafts in Prague” in Czech Republic, where we offered a wide presentation of pieces of fine art from Japan. We also held a special tour of the 17th-century House of Lobkowics, where we experienced the old culture of Prague, resembling the time in which it was called the “Golden City” for being the most beautiful ancient capital in the world.

Conducted a special private tour of World Heritage Site Westminster Abbey

A special private tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Westminster Abbey was conducted in conjunction with the MINERVA X exhibition held in London, UK.

Donation of proceeds from postcard sales

Postcards were sold in the exhibit hall during the 20th Nihon-no-Bijutsu at the Ueno Royal Museum. With the children affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in mind, all proceeds were donated to the Hatachi Fund, which provides on-going support to children of those disaster-stricken areas for a period of 20 years.

Workshops introducing Japanese culture in Tahiti

A variety of workshops introducing Japanese culture were held and performances of the koto and Japanese fiddle were given at the Neo-Japonism in Tahiti 2015 event held in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Introduced the Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki

Introduced the Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki, which have been nominated for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, at the 23rd World Peace Art Exhibition (Japan Exhibition) held at the Kanagawa Kenmin Hall Gallery in Yokohama.

Helped spread the appeal of Japanese culture in Milan

Conducted a tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy performance at the JAPAN ART TASTING EXPO 2015 in MILANO art exhibition, which was an EXPO Milano 2015 Japan Pavilion recognized event. Guests were given a taste of Japanese culture in the spirit of the exhibition’s “art tasting” theme.

2014

Donation of proceeds from postcard sales

Postcards were sold in the exhibit hall during the 19th Nihon-no-Bijutsu at the Ueno Royal Museum. With the children affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in mind, all proceeds were donated to the Hatachi Fund, which provides on-going support to children of those disaster-stricken areas for a period of 20 years.

Workshops introducing Taiwanese culture

A variety of workshops introducing Taiwanese culture were held during the Forever Friends Exhibition at sendai mediatheque. Exhibit visitors also wrote messages on paper balloons from Semboku, Akita which were then flown afterward.

Participated in the Hirosegawa River Toro Nagashi in Sendai

Artists from Japan and Taiwan floated lanterns down Sendai’s Hirosegawa River as a symbol of their sincere wishes for the quickest recovery possible following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Participated in the Lantern Festival in Taiwan

Artists from Japan and Taiwan gathered in Shifen, Taiwan where they interacted with local children while writing messages on lanterns. Afterward, they offered a silent prayer on behalf of the victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake before releasing the lanterns into Taiwan’s night sky in their memory.

Introducing UNESCO activities

A panel exhibition was set up at the 22nd World Peace Art Exhibition (Japan Exhibition) at the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art to introduce information about the history of UNESCO, the works of art collection at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, and UNESCO’s World Heritage activities.

Workshops introducing Japanese culture at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

A variety of workshops introducing Japanese culture were held during the 22nd World Peace Art Exhibition (Overseas Exhibition) at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, engaging participants in international exchange.

2013

Tour with viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

A tour was given which included a viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” at the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Italy.

Donation of proceeds from postcard sales

Postcards were sold in the exhibit hall during the 18th Nihon-no-Bijutsu at the Ueno Royal Museum and all proceeds were donated to the Japan Red Cross Society to help victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Workshops on grounds of a World Heritage site

Workshops introducing Japanese culture such as Japanese calligraphy, pencil art, and origami were held on the grounds of the SchOnbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vienna.

Workshops at Yebisu Garden Place

A variety of workshops designed for parents and children to learn ceramic painting and try their hand at building musical instruments together were held at the Kizuna Art Festival at Yebisu Garden Place.

Event introducing Ukrainian culture at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

An event was held introducing the culture of Ukraine that included performances featuring the Ukrainian folk instrument known as the bandura, an exhibition of the folk art known as pysanky, and a workshop on how to make your own pysanky. Paintings by children from Iwaki, Fukushima and Kiev, Ukraine with a central theme of “peace” were also exhibited.

Cultural exchange between Japanese and Thai children through art

Cultural exchange between Japanese and Thai children through art
Artworks by Japanese and Thai children were exhibited at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, the largest art-related venue in Thailand. Afterward, children from both countries were all smiles as they enjoyed cultural exchange while making art and playing games together at the Wat Chang Lam Hin school building.

Original pysanky housed in Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum

Original pysanky created by Japanese artists were placed in the Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum, which holds numerous exhibitions meant to preserve the memory of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine.

Proceeds from sale of prints donated to Give Kids the World

Prints by Japanese artists were sold for charity at the Japan Art Print Show, which was held at Epcot, located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA. All proceeds were donated to Give Kids the World, a non-profit charity organization that supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

2012

Contribution of sales of postcards

We sold postcards at the venue of the 17th Art Academy Japan organized at the Ueno Royal Museum and contributed all the sales as relief money for the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Organized a panel exhibition and calligraphy performances wishing for recovery of the Art Competition of the Olympic Games

We organized a panel exhibition at the Japan Art Competition in LONDON 2012 which traces the history of the Art Competition of the Olympic Games. In addition, calligraphy performances which transmit the Japanese culture were conducted at the reception party organized at the British Museum commemorating the organization of the exhibition.

Cultural exchange between Japan and Cambodia through paintings by children

A friendship program was organized between children in Japan and in Cambodia through an exhibition of around 4,000 of their paintings at the IPARC Exhibition Hall which is located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Organized a calligraphy exhibition on the premises of Kiyomizu Temple which is designated as a World Heritage Site

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, calligraphic works by Chinese and Japanese calligraphers were exhibited in Entsuden which is located on the premises of Kiyomizu Temple. Cultural exchange was made through the exhibition.

Conducted support activities through calendars

Activities of the “Hatachi Fund” and the “Collaborative Schools” which support us related to the calendars published in fiscal 2013 were introduced at the “Kizuna Art Festival” organized in the Prism Hall, Tokyo Dome City, and contributions for supporting their activities were collected.

2011

Donated 2012 original art calendars

Putting our hope and wishes for the New Year in art, World Culture Art has donated an “Original art calendar” to public organizations. We donated the 2012 calendars to major museums, embassies, welfare facilities, and hospitals in Japan, and distributed them at the Nairobi National Museum in the Republic of Kenya. In reaction to the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, we also donated them to two kindergartens in Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi at the beginning of December.

Held workshops and planted trees in the Republic of Kenya with the participation of Japanese artists

Under the theme of “Fostering Peace with Nature,” World Culture Art held the WORLD PEACE ART EXHIBITION 2011. At the Nairobi National Museum in the Republic of Kenya, we held workshops on Japanese culture such as pressed flowers, Japanese calligraphy, and origami (paper folding) with the participation of local elementary school students so that we could develop a friendship through such cultural activities. We also planted avocado trees at Kabeta Beta Primary School in the suburb of Nairobi City.

Published an anthology of excellent works exhibited at the Japan-Egypt International Exchange Art Exhibition and donated the proceeds

In commemoration of the holding of the “Japan-Egypt International Exchange Art Exhibition,” an exhibition to introduce Japanese art and culture, World Culture Art published a commemorative art book “Anthology of Excellent Works from the Japan-Egypt International Exchange Art Exhibition,” and donated the proceeds of 615,000 yen to relief efforts for the Great East Japan Earthquake through the Japan Red Cross.

Held a charity exhibition to send artists’ messages to the quake-hit areas

As a part of a disaster relief project “HEART for JAPAN” to help provide people with psychological care through art and restore the energy of all the Japanese people, World Culture Art held “Charity Art Exhibition and Sale” at the QUALIA Ginza Gallery. We raised a total of 400,488 yen from the proceeds from the sale of exhibits and donations collected during the exhibition, and donated the entire amount for the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake through the “HEART for JAPAN”

Donated all proceeds from postcard sales

“GINZA de ART” is a grassroots art project established in “Ginza” which is the most densely gallery-populated area in Japan, a transmission point of beauty as well as a trading hub for the global art market. We sold postcards produced by participating artists, raised a total of 24,230 yen from the proceeds and donations collected during the 5th exhibition, and donated the entire amount to relief efforts for the Great East Japan Earthquake through the Japan Red Cross.

Held a children’s picture exhibition and built a special obelisk in Egypt. Held an experience summer festival, one of the typical ways to enjoy the evening cool in Japan

World Culture Art held the “Japan-Egypt International Exchange Art Exhibition” to introduce Japanese art and culture at the “PALACE OF ARTS,” an art museum in Egypt. In parallel with the exhibition, we held an exhibition of Japanese and Egyptian children’s paintings titled “Future Japan & Future Egypt - the future of the countries of the sun drawn by children in the two countries -.” In commemoration of exchange between Japan and Egypt as well as the coming of the new era brought by the Egyptian revolution,we built a five-meter-tall obelisk engraved with the “common hope of all humanity” in front of the museum. We held “summer friendship” in front of the museum to help local people experience a Japanese summer festival, one of the most popular summer events to enjoy the evening cool in Japan.

Contributed all the donations collected during an exhibition at the Zenko-ji temple, the main temple of the Buddhist Jodo sect.

Taking the opportunity of the 750th anniversary of the death of Shinran (Buddhist monk), World Culture Art held the “exhibition of Japanese poetry” which exhibited the traditional Japanese poetry of tanka, haiku, and senryu for the purpose of “spreading and handing down the beautiful linguistic culture in Japan” at the Zenko-ji Daihongan temple in Nagano. During the exhibition, we held a lot of events such as a large-character calligraphy live performance by so-called calligraphy girls of Matsumoto Arigasaki High School in Nagano. We contributed all the donations of 49,486 yen to relief efforts for the reconstruction of both the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the northern part of Nagano Prefecture through activities of the “HEART for JAPAN” http://www.cj3.jp/special/hfj which has promoted psychological care through art.

2010

Held workshops at NASA kennedy Space Center

Having approved the spirit of “Places without Borders” proposed by the International Space Station, World Culture Art held the WORLD PEACE ART EXHIBITION. We held workshops on Japanese culture such as pressed flowers, Japanese calligraphy, origami (paper folding), and ink paintings at NASA Kennedy Space Center with the participation of students at neighborhood Apollo elementary school.

Hosted the talk show of Yumi Katsura

World Culture Art hosted a talk show titled “Bridal, 46-year career in the embodiment of Love” by Yumi Katsura, one of the most famous bridal fashion designers in Japan, at the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel. She delivered a lecture on how to produce haute couture which is rarely revealed with 60 and more slides.

Hosted a lecture on the space by a professor of JAXA

We invited a professor from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to deliver a lecture on the space such as the International Space Station and a weightless environment with plain slides.

Hosted a lecture by Kenji Suzuki

Having invited Kenji Suzuki, a former NHK announcer, World Culture Art held a lecture titled “Symphony of Language ? Language floating in the sea of history ?” at a traditional Japanese inn “Iwaso” with a history of 150 years in Miyajima, Hiroshima.

Dedicated exhibits to the Itsukushima shrine

World Culture Art dedicated all the works exhibited at the exhibition of Japanese poetry in Miyajima to the Itsukushima shrine.

2009

Donated art museum to Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh

Having become aware of the lack of venues for university students of the arts and artists of Cambodia to unveil their works of art, World Culture Art has set out to construct a museum. The intended name for this museum is “IPARC,” or “IPA Exhibition Hall.” “IPA” stands for “International,” “Peace,” and “Art.;” “PARC” is analogous with “park” or a place where people gather; and “ARC” is the word for bridge in French. This art museum is located within the grounds of the Royal University of Fine Arts in Cambodia, which is adjacent to the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia. Once completed, the museum will be intended for use by university students of the arts and artists as well as the Cambodian population at large as Cambodia’s first planned artistic exhibition facility for the purpose of introducing works of art on a wide basis both domestically and internationally.

Conducted well-digging assistance activities in Cambodia

Armed with the mission of providing fresh water to the children of Cambodia, we at World Culture Art did just that through conducting well-digging operations in the country that took into account water quality and other health safety aspects.

2008

Invited Croatian artist Constantine Kostov to Japan

World Culture Art created an opportunity to reflect on environmental problems through art created using garbage, or “trash art. ”

Conducted press caravan with a “crane lantern” in tow to bond together all of Croatia and Japan in the name of world peace

In commemoration of 15 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Croatia, both nations that have accomplished postwar restoration, a business project entitled “1,000 Cranes from Japan to Croatia” was established under the support of the Croatian president. Mayors of the principal cities of both countries, starting with the mayors of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Kyoto in Japan and moving to the mayors of Pula, Rijeka, Zadar and Vukovar in Croatia, affixed their respective messages to an artistically-crafted crane lantern that was paraded from city to city in that order. This crane also contained messages desiring world peace from a number of Japanese artists. At the end of the procession, the lantern was floated down the Vukovar River, which is called the “Hiroshima of Croatia,” symbolically crossing a bridge of peace connecting Japan and Croatia.

Spreading the circle of “sakura-scented” friendship across the world! - Part 2

In commemoration of 100 years since the start of Brazilian-Japanese immigration and also as a baton of friendship to be passed on to the next 100 years, sakura (cherry blossoms), the Japanese national flower, and ipe, the Brazilian national flower, were planted at the grounds of Antonio Lopez Cruz High School in Sao Paulo, which conducts classes in Japanese culture and music.

2007

Held an audience with the Pope

Conducted “Make Mt. Fuji a World Heritage” activities

For the sake of the children who will uphold Japan’s future, World Culture Art planted sakura, or cherry blossoms, on the grounds of the Shizuoka City Culture Center located at the foot of Mt. Fuji. In doing so, we hoped to further assert the place of Mt. Fuji on the world stage. We also capitalized on the occasion by having a “Sakurakaoru Fuji”(“The Smell of Sakura at Mt.Fuji”)concert conducted by composer Misa Jonouchi.

2006

Donated mural to the Museo de Arte Moderno

Through the “Activities for Peace as Learned through the Mexico Mural Movement” business conducted upon the 50th year of the founding of the Asociacion Mexico Japonesa A.C., (The Japanese-Mexico Association), World Culture Art donated a mural created using the works of Japanese artists to the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City, Mexico).

Spreading the circle of “sakura-scented” friendship across the world! - Part 1

In commemoration of the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Japan and Tunisia,“sakura,” or cherry blossom trees were planted on the “Japan Road” located in the capital of Tunis as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. The sakura on these trees bloomed out of the relationship of people from differing cultures connecting with one another.Additionally,the composer Misa Jonouchi created a CD entitled “Sakurakaoru,”or“The Smell of Sakura in the Air”,as the theme song commemorating 50 years of relations between Japan and Tunisia.This CD was released in Tunisia, and proceeds from it were donated to a fund for the cultivation of sakura in that country.Among those present at the sakura planting ceremony were Yasuaki Ono, Ambassador of Japan in Tunisia; Abbes Mohsen,Mayor of Tunis; Nur ad-din Majdoub,Chairman of the Association Japon-Tunisie;and Yutaka Asoda Mayor of the City of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The sakura planted that day have since been taken care of by Boy Scouts in Tunisia.

2005

Participated in Expo 2005 Aichi Japan

World Culture Art conducted a lecture section entitled “Path to World Peace” in cooperation with Sumi Yukawa, the wife of Doctor Hideki Yukawa.

Donation of the total amount of proceeds to the Japan Guide Dog Association

The total amount of proceeds from the New Year’s Greeting Card template book “Zodiac Good Luck Charms Designed by a Master of Calligraphy, 2006 (Year of the Dog)” along with the money collected at the event “Zodiac Good Luck Charm Calligraphy Exhibition” was donated to the Japan Guide Dog Association (JGDA).

2004

Inaugurated “The Path of 21st Century Envoys to Tang Era China”

In commemoration of the 1,200th anniversary of the Kobo-Daishi, the Japanese monk who ventured to China and mastered esoteric Buddhism,and the of 30th anniversary of the friendship city agreement between Kyoto andXi

Promoted “Earth Day”

On Earth Day (April 22), a day on which we give thanks to the earth as her inhabitants and reassert our common goal of keeping the planet beautiful, World Culture Art put the“Earth Day Network Art Train,”which unified the Earth Days observed around the world, into motion. Exclusive use of hanging-down advertisement space inside Tokyo metropolitan SU liner subway train (Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya/Chiyoda/Hanzomon/Marunouchi/Tozai/Yurakucho/Namboku Lines)

2003

Conducted a visit to Ground Zero in New York in memory of 9/11

Donated funds to environmental activities geared toward preserving the Earth’s water

Proceeds from the “The Voice of Water and Ink - Calligraphy: The Diverse World of Ink,” the official publication of the 3rd World Water Forum (held between Tuesday, March 18 to Saturday, March 22, 2003 at the Intex Osaka, Japan) were donated to activities serving to preserve water across the globe.

2002

Paid visit to the Mother Teresa House in India

2001

Paid visit to the Hoa Binh Peace Village in the Thanh Xuan district of Hanoi,Vietnam

World Culture Art paid a visit to the Thanh Xuan Hoa Binh Peace Village, a facility established through the support of the German government for children who suffer from residual disabilities caused by defoliant-based weapons (Agent Orange) and other afflictions of war. There, we had the opportunity to interact with the children present, from those who were bedridden to those without full use of their limbs, through personally talking to each one of them and offering them a firm handshake and embrace.

2000

Offered flowers and a message of “may there be peace on Earth” at the commemorativetower of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey who is credited with the nation in the aftermath of World War Ⅰ in 1918

1999

Participated in the “Year of Japan in Germany,” a large-scale cultural event intended to strengthen Japanese-German relations, promote exchange between the two nations and foster mutual understanding

1998

Conducted a special lecture session at the Instituto Superior de Artes in Cuba featuring fine art created by Japanese artists

1997

Planted flowering dogwood in the grounds of the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

We pledge to do our part in planting the seeds of both vegetation and new culture in the old capital of Kyoto.