#Japan #Tokyo #Minato Art Center #m~m

Minato Art Center m~m: A Prelude to a New Cultural Hub

On November 30, 2025, the Minato Art Center m~m, which is set to open its doors in November 2027, held a preparatory event titled "Two Years Until Opening: Prologue Event" at the Nisso Hall in Minato, Tokyo. With an array of activities and demonstrations, this event provided a glimpse into the future of art and culture in the Minato area.

The event featured a talk session discussing the expectations and prospects surrounding the opening of m~m, followed by a collaboration performance combining piano music and drawing. Attendees were captivated by various artistic experiences, from VR entertainment to theatrical workshops and a LEGO® block activity, immersing them in art from multiple dimensions.

Approximately 1,200 people participated, offering an early opportunity to understand the potential of m~m as a space where everyone can experience, share, and create their own creativity. Feedback from the event highlighted the emotional engagement of the attendees; comments such as "It was enlightening to learn about the process of selecting the name" and "It was a heart-stirring experience" filled the air. Furthermore, workshop participants noted, "Everyone, including the children I brought, seemed to enjoy themselves."

Event Highlights

Prologue Talk Session & Collaboration Performance
The Prologue Talk Session featured notable speakers, including Sahel Rose, Michihiko Yanai, and Minato’s mayor, Ai Seike, moderated by Chiaki Soma. The highlight was the collaboration performance featuring pianist Yuto Suzuki and artist Hiraku Suzuki, whose synergistic show left audiences awed.

Special Programs:
1. VR Entertainment:
- Katsumi Taniguchi's "Virtual m~m" offering an innovative digital experience.
2. Theatrical Workshop:
- Satoko Ichihara conducted a drama workshop titled "At m~m, mo~mo."
3. LEGO® Block Workshop:
- Junpei Mitsui guided participants through creating builds with LEGO® to express their visions of m~m.
4. Guided Walk:
- Led by Tomoko Sato and Takayuki Imaizumi, attendees explored the natural beauty surrounding Minato.
5. Networking Table:
- A space designed for participants to connect and share their inspirations.
6. Mini Break at the Beach:
- An interactive area titled “A Break on the Sandy Beach” from Minato Commons.

Comments from the Prologue Talk Session

Michihiko Yanai (Creative Director)

"The name m~m can be interpreted freely, reflecting one way to engage with art. This freedom embodies the art experience itself."

Ai Seike (Mayor of Minato)

"In a time of great social change, cultural arts play a vital role in connecting people and fostering mutual understanding. Through m~m, I hope people will share incredible moments of joy, surprise, and empathy."

Chiaki Soma (Program Director)

"Through previous symposia, I’ve learned that coexistence can resemble a 'beach,' where everyone can come and go at their leisure. The theater is a place where imagination and connection with others can thrive."

Sahel Rose (Actor)

"The Persian meaning of my name is 'beach,' so I was pleasantly surprised by the discussions. I believe that spaces like m~m, where people can gather freely, are essential and should not be taken for granted."

About the Minato Art Center

Slated to open on November 1, 2027, the Minato Art Center is a public cultural facility directly connected to Hamamatsucho Station. It will feature approximately 600 seats in a proscenium-style theater and about 100 movable spectator seats in its hall, alongside studios for workshops and multipurpose rooms. The center aims to be the hub of cultural arts in Minato, promoting art appreciation, participation, and creation, as well as cultivating human resources related to cultural arts. Furthermore, it aims to encourage interactions and mutual understanding, fostering values that recognize diversity and contribute to community welfare.

The name m~m, chosen through a public solicitation process, was announced on September 1, 2025. The two letters, 'm,' represent 'Minato' (港) and 'me' (私), symbolizing the connection between the local area and individuals. The design of the name depicts hands and waves, illustrating the interactions of people and the scenic beauty of the waterfront in Minato.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Minato Arts Center website here or follow their Instagram.

For inquiries, please contact the Minato Arts Center Preparatory Office:
5-28-4 Shiba, Minato, Tokyo 108-0014, Japan.
Phone: 03-6809-3631, Fax: 03-6809-3632 (Weekdays 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM)