Exploring the Art Resources of Jimbocho: A Public Forum Event

Discovering Jimbocho's Artistic Landscape: A Public Forum

The Jimbocho Art Resource Lab, led by Daisuke Takahashi and supported by the Tokyo Cultural Resources Conference, is set to host an open forum titled "Discovering the City of Art: Jimbocho" on March 11, 2026. This event will take place in the lobby of Yasui Architectural Design Office, marking a significant first step towards sharing the myriad art resources that exist within the vibrant neighborhood of Jimbocho.

Known primarily as the "Book Town," Jimbocho is home not just to antiquarian bookstores but also a thriving community of art supply shops, galleries, educational institutions, and various culinary and creative activities. Over time, a wealth of cultural resources has accumulated, intertwining through different media such as books, buildings, and everyday practices. This art-centric culture is still evolving, continuously giving rise to new activities and attracting a growing number of international visitors and young locals eager to explore Jimbocho's unique artistic scene.

The upcoming forum aims to delve into Jimbocho's rich "art resources," bringing together practitioners, researchers, and business operators from diverse fields. Participants will share their insights and experiences in a symposium format, fostering a meaningful dialogue about the district’s cultural landscape.

Event Details

Title: Forum "Discovering the City of Art: Jimbocho"
Date: March 11, 2026 (Wednesday) from 18:30 to 20:00 (with potential extension)
Venue: Lobby of Yasui Architectural Design Office (1 Kanda Misaki-cho)
Organizer: Tokyo Cultural Resources Conference Jimbocho Project (Jimbocho Art Resource Lab)
Co-organizer: Yasui Architectural Design Office

Program Agenda

1. Introduction and Overview of the Jimbocho Art Resource Lab
2. Spotlight on Jimbocho’s Art Resources (Short Talks of 5 Minutes Each)
- Art event by Tokyo University of the Arts students
- Reflections on art school experiences
- History of Bunbodo: Supporting Art in Jimbocho
- Goals of Shi (a fusion of art, music, and cafe services)
- Art education and research at Kyoritsu Women's University
- Initiatives at art gallery & Legion in Jimbocho
3. Panel Discussion: Exploring the unique characteristics and future developments of Jimbocho’s art resources
4. Q&A and Interactive Discussion with the Audience

Panelists (in alphabetical order):

- Yoshitaka Kurihara (Associate Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, Artist)
- Shinji Fuku (Sculptor, Alumnus of an Art School)
- Hideya Kanebo (President of Bunbodo)
- Kayoko Sugiyama (Owner of Shi)
- Daisuke Takahashi (Professor at Kyoritsu Women's University)
- Satoshi Taira (Visiting Researcher at Tokyo Cultural Resource Institute / Moderator)
- Noriko Mikami (Director of art gallery & Legion)

Registration Information

- Invited Guests: Free
- General Admission: 500 JPY (prior registration required; capacity approximately 30 people)

To register, please use the following link: Jimbocho Art Forum Registration

About the Jimbocho Art Resource Lab

The Jimbocho Art Resource Lab is an initiative under the Tokyo Cultural Resources Conference, formed by practitioners, researchers, and business operators connected to Jimbocho. This project aims to create spaces for dialogue and activity surrounding the area’s art resources.

Operating Members (in alphabetical order):
Ryuji Ide (NPO Art & Society Research Center), Kozo Takano (Meiji University), Daisuke Takahashi (Kyoritsu Women's University), Airi Takahashi (Shi), Satoshi Taira (Tokyo Cultural Resources Institute), Akiko Nabeta (Bunbodo), Hironari Masaki (Bunbodo), Noriko Mikami (art gallery & Legion), Yoshio Yanagi (Tokyo Cultural Resources Conference)