#Japan #Art Brut #KASAMA #Fuji Electric #Oshima Fujikura

Fuji Electric Supports Art Brut Exhibition

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., under the leadership of CEO Naoki Okada, has announced its sponsorship of the "Oshima Fujikura Academy Art Brut Exhibition," a collaborative effort between the socially responsible organization Fujikura Academy and the Kasama Nichido Museum of Art. This significant event aims to promote artistic expression among individuals with disabilities rising from a non-conventional artistic background.

What is Art Brut?

Art Brut, literally translated as "raw art," refers to art created outside the boundaries of the traditional art establishment. This genre often includes pieces made by individuals without formal artistic education, who create not for commercial purposes but driven by their innate impulses and emotions. The exhibition is a stunning showcase of the raw creativity that can emerge when artists are freed from conventional artistic standards.

The Exhibition Theme: Recycling

The works featured in this exhibition are crafted by disabled artists from the Fujikura Academy located on Oshima Island, who took on the theme of recycling. This innovative approach prompted them to repurpose materials such as old newspapers, calendar backings, and packaging materials into unique art pieces, demonstrating both creativity and environmental consciousness.

In recent years, the importance of disabled artists has gained recognition through exhibitions in museums and collaborations with corporations. These initiatives not only elevate the awareness surrounding disabled art but also encourage social participation by these individuals and contribute to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will run in two phases:

• - First Phase: From January 2 to February 15, 2026

Concurrently highlighting the joyful synergy between art and fashion.

• - Second Phase: From February 21 to April 12, 2026

Featuring a retrospective of Eiichi Watanabe titled "少年王國譚" (Shōnen Ōkoku Tan).

Venue: Kasama Nichido Museum of Art, 2nd floor Central Exhibition Room
Location: 978-4 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Opening Hours: January and February: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
March onwards: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Every Monday (with exception of January 12 and February 23, on which the museum will open), and temporary closure from February 16 to 20 for exhibition changes.
Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥1300
- Seniors (65 and older): ¥1000
- College/High School Students: ¥900
- Middle School Students: ¥300
- Elementary School Students: Free
- Groups of 20 or more: ¥200 discount per person
- Persons with disabilities and one accompanying guest: half price reduction.

The event is organized by the Public Interest Foundation Kasama Nichido Museum of Art, with special support from the Fujikura Academy. Expected patrons include Ibaraki Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefectural Education Board, Kasama City, various local media outlets, and more.

For more information, visit the official site of the Kasama Nichido Museum: Kasama Nichido Museum

Since its establishment, Fuji Electric Group has provided ongoing support to Fujikura Academy, prioritizing its social contribution activities and protecting its collaborative endeavors.

About Fujikura Academy

Founded in 1919 by Harukichi Nakauchi, the younger brother of Fujikura Zenpachi, Fujikura Academy was established to support intellectually disabled individuals. With its roots on Oshima Island (Oshima Town, Tokyo), it now operates facilities in both Oshima Island and Tama (Hachioji City, Tokyo).