#Japan #Tokyo #Kibera Art #Miggy Sakata #CRAWL Program

Exhibition Overview

An exciting photography and film exhibition will take place from April 25 to May 31, 2026, at the BUG Art Center in Tokyo, Japan. This initiative, led by Miggy Sakata, the co-CEO of Kotatsu and the executive director of the nonprofit SHIFT80, explores the world through the eyes of youth living in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum. The project titled "The World Seen from Kibera 'Slum' - From the Narrated Me to the Narrating Me" aims to challenge and reinterpret the external narratives surrounding the community.

This exhibition is more than just a display of art; it's a transformative opportunity for young individuals who have often felt marginalized by society. Many aspire to become journalists, reflecting their struggles against ignorance and exclusion. With the support of donated cameras and mentorship from professional photographers, these youths began capturing their lives, emotions, and hopes, thus gaining a voice.

Concept and Impact

The exhibition will feature over 100 pieces of artwork, accompanied by video commentary from the artists themselves. Attendees will have a chance to engage in a unique dialogue, able to submit questions to the Kibera youth which will be answered at a later date, creating a reciprocal storytelling environment. This interaction emphasizes the importance of experiencing creativity beyond the traditional confines of a gallery, allowing visitors to gain insight into the realities of life in Kibera.

One of the driving forces behind this initiative, Miggy Sakata, emphasizes the difference between narratives told from an outsider's perspective versus those shared by the residents of Kibera. After more than a decade of working in the region, Miggy is thrilled to bring forth a platform where the local voices can express their lived experiences. "This exhibition aims to present the often-invisible diversity and creativity of daily life in Kibera from the perspectives of its inhabitants," he states. He invites everyone to visit, urging them to witness the moment when a previously narrated place begins to tell its own story.

Organizers and Sponsors

The exhibition is hosted by BUG, operated by Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., in collaboration with SHIFT80. It aims to elevate the narratives of those often sidelined in discussions by showcasing their artistic expressions and lived experiences.

• - Event Host: BUG (Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.)
• - Co-host: SHIFT80
• - Exhibition Duration: April 25, 2026 - May 31, 2026
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Free Entry, Closed on Tuesdays, except May 5)
• - Location: Gran Tokyo SOUTH TOWER 1F, 1-9-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Access: Directly connected to Tokyo Station and a short walk from Kyobashi and Ginza-itchome subway stations.

Facilities and Accessibility

BUG is fully accessible with no steps in the entrance. The venue includes multi-purpose restrooms equipped for various needs, although there is no designated nursing room on site. Guests are encouraged to utilize public transportation, as there is no dedicated parking available.

Featured Artists

The exhibition will highlight artists such as:

• - Asinina Ibrahim Chematai
• - Aziricome Popo
• - Ismael Otieno
• - Vincent Oriko
• - Edward Dizze
• - Jeremiah Onyango
• - Stephene Oduor Ogutu
• - David Otieno
• - Parsley Otieno Omondi
• - Frankline Olando
• - Ramadhan Webukha
• - Ramadhan Said Ali

This collective effort illustrates the diversity of experiences and talent found within Kibera, inviting viewers to engage with the art at a deeper level.

About Miggy Sakata

Miggy Sakata is an influential figure pioneering this initiative. After extensive experience in the creative industry, he founded Kotatsu and established SHIFT80, a collective aimed at supporting orphans and impoverished youths in Africa. His work focuses on ethical creative endeavors and encourages personal storytelling through travel and experience.

As a published author and award-winning professional, Miggy combines his voice and vision to foster a greater understanding of Kibera through the lens of its residents.

Join us at this groundbreaking exhibition to experience the powerful journey of storytelling and creativity emerging from one of the world's busiest slums.