#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese art #GSTR Foundation #Artisans Japan

Introduction

The mission of the GSTR Foundation is to enrich society through art. As a non-profit organization, we have been dedicated to enhancing the social value of art through cultural promotion, educational support, and international exhibitions. We believe that art reflects the essence of human existence and should be recognized as a critical infrastructure of the heart, not merely decoration. Our vision is to create a society where artists are fairly compensated for their work.

Project Goals

The global art market is estimated at approximately 3 trillion yen, with 1.5 trillion yen generated in the United States alone. In stark contrast, Japan's market is a mere 30 billion yen, accounting for only 1% of the global total. Many talented Japanese artists earn around 50,000 yen annually, not due to a lack of talent but because there are insufficient mechanisms in place to promote their work internationally. If the average income for artists were to rise to 1 million yen, the market could expand to 600 billion yen. This project represents the first step towards achieving that goal by sending Japanese artists to the global stage and delivering the power of creativity.

Background of the Project

Art embodies human potential, yet in Japan, many talented young individuals are forced to abandon their creative pursuits for financial reasons. We aim to shift this trend and restore a society where people can live off their art. In collaboration with Artisans Japan, we are initiating new challenges for artists across the country.

Project Structure

STEP 1: Metaverse Exhibition (November 1 - December 31, 2025)

Venue: "Aim for New York! Artexpo New York 2026 Metaverse Exhibition."
Over 100 artists will showcase more than 300 works online, providing an accessible new viewing experience. Watch the Introduction Video

STEP 2: Yokohama Minato Mirai Exhibition (January 6 - 12, 2026)

Venue: Yokohama Minato Mirai Gallery (A & B Venues).
This exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors daily. Approximately 150 selected works will be displayed, and a gallery talk exclusive to supporters will be held on January 8.

STEP 3: Artexpo New York 2026 Participation (April 9 - 12, 2026)

Venue: Pier 36, New York, USA.
This major art fair gathers over 200 galleries and tens of thousands of visitors. About 20 selected pieces from Japan will be exhibited, facilitating sales, exchanges, and video documentation on-site.

Benefits of Support

Supporters will receive digital art data based on the works of participating artists.

• - Smartphone Wallpaper: 1080x1920px
• - PC Wallpaper: 3840x2160px (4K compatible)
• - Tablet: 2048x1536px Postcards: JPEG/PNG 3000x2000px

Contribution Tiers

• - 3,000 yen: Thank you email + activity report PDF
• - 10,000 yen: One artwork data + Metaverse exhibition entry link
• - 30,000 yen: Three artworks data + Yokohama exhibition report video access
• - 50,000 yen: Exclusive gallery talk for supporters (evening of January 8) + credit mention
• - 100,000 yen or more: Return report meeting (scheduled for May 2026) + NY exhibition video + booklet inclusion.

Fund Utilization

The total budget is approximately 7,120,000 yen, including contributions and sponsorships, with a target goal of 5,000,000 yen.
Key expenses include:

• - Metaverse exhibition production: 150,000 yen
• - Yokohama venue rent: 300,000 yen
• - Artexpo NY booth fee: 2,160,000 yen
• - Travel expenses for two artists: 1,260,000 yen
• - International transport: 1,000,000 yen

Schedule

• - October 2025: Campfire review & material preparation
• - November 1, 2025: Crowdfunding & Metaverse exhibition starts
• - December 12, 2025: Yokohama exhibition participants announcement
• - April 9-12, 2026: Participation at Artexpo New York

Conclusion

Art represents a nation's dignity and humanity's hope. Japan harbors numerous untapped talents unknown to the world. From the metaverse to Yokohama, and from Yokohama to New York, we aim to take Japanese art global. This endeavor is not just for artists; it involves you, the supporter, as a co-creator shaping the future of culture. Your support illuminates the future of Japanese artists.