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Inspiring Art Event by Japanese Management Association

The Japanese Management Association (JMA), located in Tokyo's Minato district, recently transformed its office space to include art and creativity. On April 11, 2025, JMA hosted an event featuring artists who shared their insights on the new artistic environment. This gathering was a follow-up to the symposium held on March 3, 2025, titled "The Future of Management Shaped by Art."

As guests arrived at JMA's revitalized headquarters, they were greeted by a digest video showcasing the previous symposium, emphasizing the potential of art in the corporate world. Attendees were encouraged to experience various spaces designed to stimulate "artistic thinking" and participated in engaging talks by six featured artists.

The Vision Behind the Transformation

The reintroduction of art into JMA's office aligns with the vision of K ART Corp.'s art director, Jun Tsuchiya, who aimed to shift the perception of the workplace from merely a site for work and learning to a creative space that inspires new ideas and comfort. Collaborating with various artists, the office’s entrance, lounge, and training rooms have undergone a complete transformation. This artistic effort includes pieces inspired by nearby Tokyo Tower, turning everyday scenes into visual stories meant to spark creativity.

According to JMA's Center Head for Management and Human Resource Innovation, Wataru Tomiura, the initiative was born from recognizing the importance of three key elements in today’s business environment: science (analysis), craft (technique), and art (intuition). He emphasized the need to create an environment that fosters creative thinking by making the space more flexible and stimulating for all users.

Why Art Matters in Business

Tomiura elaborated on how altering the workspace influences the flexibility of thought. He believes that an engaging environment provides an inspirational backdrop that connects art and business, harnessing the rich expressive power of contemporary art to generate innovative ideas. The integration of art is expected to accelerate innovation, reinforce branding, nurture corporate culture, fulfill social missions, and enhance customer experiences. These factors form the foundation of improved competitiveness and sustainable growth for businesses like JMA.

Introducing the Participating Artists

1. Asuka Shindo (Photography student at Tokyo University of the Arts) - Captures the small delights of everyday life, believing that her work offers moments of fun and nostalgia. Her primary piece, featuring a unique angle of Tokyo Tower, invites viewers to rediscover familiar landscapes from a refreshing perspective.

2. Hitoshi Kasahara (Graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts) - Utilizes metal forging techniques to create art and functional objects. His sculpture, inspired by a previous JMA logo, showcases the dynamic nature of steel, emphasizing its strength and beauty.

3. Asuka Iio (Illustrator from Tokyo) - Focuses on the themes of human interaction while creating monochrome artworks across various media. Her creations encourage contemplation among viewers, providing a moment of reflection amid their busy schedules.

4. 5wood (Tamabi Graduate) - An artist exploring illustration and animation, creating experiential works that capture fleeting moments, reminiscent of animation techniques.

5. Yuta Sanpei (Graphic Designer from Musashino Art University) - His designs reflect the essence of connectivity and the beauty of relationships among individuals, aiming to inspire thoughts and discussions through his works.

6. Asuka Watanabe (Graphic Designer from Tamabi) - Her dynamic expression and flowing style convey the moments where individuals intersect, fostering new values and ideas. She envisions her installations as spaces for viewers to engage deeply at their own pace.

Conclusion

The JMA art event serves as a compelling showcase of how creativity can rejuvenate work environments. By bringing forth artistic expressions into everyday business practices, JMA sets itself apart as a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and inspiration.

As JMA continues to develop its identity, the interplay of art and corporate strategy will undoubtedly enhance its contribution to the broader economic landscape in Japan.