#Japan #Tama Art University #Mitaka #Appearance Care #Kano Crew

A Groundbreaking Collaboration in Appearance Care

In a remarkable initiative, Tama Art University has launched an external collaboration course titled "Skin Reconstruction and Appearance Care Research". This course aims to support cancer patients facing challenges with changes in their appearance during treatment. One of the key partners in this endeavor is Kano Crew, a company based in Mitaka City, Tokyo, known for selling the attachable artificial breast, "Luana Breast®", designed for those who have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer.

A Commitment to Community

This collaboration is part of a larger project intended to foster innovation in the Tama region. It has materialized through support from the "Tama Innovation Ecosystem Promotion Project", which connects educational institutions and community organizations to promote groundbreaking initiatives. As part of this project, Kano Crew and Tama Art University have come together to explore new possibilities in appearance care, enhancing awareness among society at large.

Understanding Appearance Care

"Appearance care" refers to the supportive therapies aimed at alleviating the mental and emotional distress caused by physical changes resulting from cancer treatment, such as hair loss, mastectomy, or skin alterations. As noted in Japan’s comprehensive cancer control strategy for 2023, the need for such care has been officially recognized for the first time. Financial assistance programs are being implemented nationwide to subsidize the costs of wigs and artificial breasts, yet awareness of appearance care remains alarmingly low, at around 10%. Many potential beneficiaries are unaware of the available support systems, underlining the urgent necessity for increased awareness across society.

Collaboration with Young Minds

Kano Crew has always strived to be a companion to its customers through their innovative products. In this unique collaboration with Tama Art University, a hub of creativity and design, students will engage in practical learning about appearance care. By working with young artists and designers, they aim to explore how art and design can redefine appearance care, making it more accessible to diverse populations.

Course Framework

Course Title: PBL Skin Reconstruction and Appearance Care Research
Participating University: Tama Art University (Integrated Design Program)
Instructor: Professor Tomoaki Takuma
Collaborating Company: Kano Crew Co., Ltd.
Target Students: All disciplines and year levels
Duration: April to July 2026, every Monday from 16:30 to 18:00
Location: Main Building, Uenokoe Campus, Tama Art University

The new main building, designed to foster students' creativity, will host this course and facilitate vibrant exchanges between students, artists, and the local community.

Course Objectives (PBL: Problem-Based Learning)

This course will empower students to explore real-world challenges and seek innovative solutions regarding appearance care. Students will examine methods to alleviate physical and emotional distress arising from changes in appearance due to injuries or illnesses. The concept of "body extension" will be reinterpreted within the context of art and design. By collaborating with industry representatives, students will investigate new avenues for enhancing awareness and acceptance of appearance care.

As part of the coursework, students will learn about epitheses through hands-on activities, working towards formulating hypotheses related to social issues. Their ultimate goal will be to develop aesthetic proposals, presenting their findings as art and design work.

Course Schedule (Excerpt)

• - April 13: Introduction to the course: Current status and new trends in appearance care (presented by Kano Crew’s Suzuki and Akisawa)
• - April 20: Workshop Day 1: Skin reconstruction experience - Observation, color matching, and coloring (led by Rie Honma, Shinwa Dental Medical Division)
• - April 27: Workshop Day 2: Coating, drying, and completion (led by Rie Honma, Shinwa Dental Medical Division)
• - May-June: Research, brainstorming, and ideation for problem-solving
• - June 8: Mid-term presentation and feedback
• - July 27: Final presentations and reviews

Introducing Kano Crew

Kano Crew specializes in producing the Luana Breast®, an attachable artificial breast that can be worn without adhesives, making it easily portable for use in various settings, including pools and spas. The product is designed to integrate seamlessly into the daily lives of patients. Beyond selling these products, Kano Crew is deeply invested in promoting awareness of the growing appearance care subsidy programs across Japan. They actively participate in exhibitions, media outreach, and community visits to educate patients about available supportive measures. Their collaboration with Tama Art University marks an innovative step in merging expert knowledge with creative design to enhance awareness and acceptance of appearance care.

Company Overview

Company Name: Kano Crew, Inc.
Location: Mitaka City, Tokyo
Established: December 2019
CEO: Maki Suzuki
Business: Sales of attachable artificial breasts and adhesives, consulting in sports, health, and volunteerism, event organization
Website: kanoacrew.co.jp

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to:
Kano Crew Public Relations, Akisawa
Tel: 080-6861-4239
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @kanoacrew

Reference Photos

This initiative not only emphasizes the technological aspects of appearance care but also bridges the gap between education, art, and societal needs, showcasing a proactive approach to enhancing quality of life for cancer patients.