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Tokyo National Museum Launches Inclusive Project

The Tokyo National Museum (TNM), located in Taito, Tokyo, has embarked on an exciting initiative called the "Toyo-kan Inclusive Project." This initiative aims to establish a sustainable and inclusive museum environment that enhances the understanding and experience of diverse audiences, particularly those with disabilities. The project kicks off with a commitment to collect and utilize expert knowledge through the consulting support from Mikan Baby LLC, which runs the SFC-IFC, a welfare and community-oriented lab.

The Vision of the Inclusive Project

The overarching goal of the Toyo-kan Inclusive Project is to foster an inclusive atmosphere across all museum services, including collection preservation, educational outreach, and exhibitions. This year marks the project's inaugural launch, setting the stage for a series of engaging displays and activities aimed at promoting accessibility for all visitors. A highlight of this project is the upcoming event, "Journey Through Asia in the Museum," scheduled from September 23 to November 16, 2025.

During this exhibition, specialized resources such as tactile activities, audio guides, and braille maps will be made available, specifically designed for visitors with visual impairments. Additionally, to create a comfortable environment, the museum will operate as an "open conversation zone," allowing easier dialogue among attendees, enhancing their overall experience.

Focus on Co-Creation and Research

A distinctive feature of the Toyo-kan Inclusive Project is its commitment to co-creation. Unlike traditional museum practices that might fail to engage directly with visitors, the project emphasizes the importance of involving those with disabilities in the development process. Mikan Baby LLC proposes that by understanding truly what visually impaired individuals require, the museum can align its resources effectively.

As part of the initial preparations, experts and researchers at the TNM, guided by Mikan Baby, conducted site visits and interviews to gather insights from visually impaired attendees. This research has enabled museum staff, including curators and support personnel, to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by these individuals, allowing them to address gaps better within their science-based approaches.

Participants in the research enjoyed sessions where they discussed capabilities, touched replicas, and experienced the service of guides, fostering a culture of compassion and awareness.

Concrete Actions Derived from Research

Moreover, the project does not simply stop at research; it moves toward implementing tangible actions. The TNM has already begun developing audio guides and hands-on experiences tailored to the exhibition's themes. Significant contributors like Kazue Handa, a blind art appreciation researcher, and Naho Saito from UNI DESIGN, known for their work on educational tools for visually impaired visitors, are directly involved in producing these resources.

The hands-on experience titled "Feel the Kanji Character for 'Hand'" will be led by noted sculptors Shunsuke Osone and Atsuya Tominaga, alongside Shinpei Kawauchi, further enriching the project's learning environment.

Through multiple rounds of conversation, participants and guides have also captured insights on the vital role of communication and interaction in enhancing the experiences of visually impaired audiences. The TNM observed that if conversational exchanges are limited, visually impaired visitors often find it difficult to engage fully. Hence, the museum is committed to creating a more hospitable environment where every visitor feels welcomed to share their thoughts.

About the Toyo-kan

The Toyo-kan, a distinct exhibition hall within the Tokyo National Museum, has been showcasing a remarkable collection of Asian artistic works and archaeological finds since its opening in 1968. It features some of the world’s best collections of literature, ceramics, and artifacts from the Chinese Song and Yuan dynasties.

Ambassador Junichi Kawai of TNM, who also chairs the Japan Para Sports Association, reflected on the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable museum experience. His experiences with audio guides at the Toyo-kan sparked the initiative for this project, and such feedback has proven instrumental for the researchers as they moved forward with these endeavors.

For additional details and ongoing updates regarding the project and exhibitions, visit the official website of the Tokyo National Museum.

Upcoming Event Details

• - Event Name: Journey Through Asia in the Museum
• - Dates: September 23, 2025 – November 16, 2025
• - Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8:00 PM
• - Closed: Mondays (open if public holiday falls on a Monday)
• - Venue: Tokyo National Museum Toyo-kan, near JR Ueno Station
• - Admission Fees: General: ¥1,000, University Students: ¥500

Conclusion

The Toyo-kan Inclusive Project brilliantly showcases how museums can evolve into inclusive spaces. It emphasizes co-creation, valuable research, and tangible actions that honor and empower diverse audiences, particularly those with disabilities. This initiative stands to redefine visitor experience in cultural institutions, ensuring everyone feels represented and valued.