Exploring the Future of Museums: A Two-Day Online Seminar for Cultural Advancement

The Cultural Agency of Japan will host the "Cultural Connecting Museum Training" on October 15-16, 2026, organized by Seed Planning, based in Bunkyo, Tokyo. The online seminar aims to provide vital skills and knowledge to museum operators, policymakers, and interested corporate entities in addressing regional societal challenges through museums.

Background of the Cultural Connecting Museum Training

In recent years, museums are expected to rise beyond their traditional roles of collection, preservation, and research. They now play significant roles in community development, tourism, education, welfare, and collaboration with businesses. This shift calls for museum operators and government officials to understand cultural policies and the evolving role of museums within their environments. Enhanced knowledge and perspectives are critical for sustainable operations and partnerships with diverse entities.

The training program is designed to equip participants with fundamental insights on the future roles and functions of museums, facilitating discussions on museums as cultural hubs in their communities.

Seminar Overview

Organizer/Management: Ministry of Culture/Seed Planning Inc.
Date and Time:

- October 15, 2026: 13:00 - 18:00
- October 16, 2026: 9:45 - 17:30

Target Audience:

- Officials responsible for museum administration and registration at local governments
- Administrative staff from museums and relevant departments as recognized by the organizers
- Employees from businesses and organizations interested in collaborating with museums

This seminar will take place online with a maximum capacity of 480 participants.
Registration Deadline: October 9, 2026, by 12:00 PM. Registration can be completed through the provided registration form.

Curriculum Highlights

October 15, 2026

- 13:00 - 13:15: Opening Ceremony and Guidance
- 13:15 - 14:15: _New Era Museums and Cultural Policies_

Exploring the role of museums in community development and sustainable management strategies.
Speaker: Dr. Mari Kobayashi, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo

- 14:30 - 15:30: _What Makes a Sustainable Digital Archive?_

Learn about maintaining effective information storage and successful results through various practical cases.
Speaker: Takeshi Uchida, Museum Media Lab

- 15:45 - 16:45: _Unlocking Community Futures through Museum Networks_

Insights into community engagement and resource activation by the Kyoto Museum Forum.
Speaker: Shunsuke Nakanishi, Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Policy Division

- 17:00 - 18:00: _Leveraging Museum Spaces for Unique Venues_

Discuss innovative museum space utilization strategies to enhance their appeal and economic foundation.
Speaker: Satoru Yoshida, Value Management Corp.

October 16, 2026

- 9:45 - 10:45: _Collaboration for Mutual Growth - Sponsorship Day Development_

Establishing effective partnerships among businesses, users, and museums.
Speaker: Hideaki Ito, Former Director of Nakayama-do Hiroshige Museum

- 11:00 - 12:00: _Product Development and Externalization in Zoo Merchandise_

Exploring product development and sales mechanisms at Suzaka City Zoo.
Speaker: Kenji Horie, Open Factory

- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch Break
- 13:00 - 14:00: _Supporting Museums for Cultural Promotion_

Examining local government-museum partnerships through case studies in Chiba Prefecture.
Speaker: Akemi Tachiwan, Chiba Prefecture Cultural Promotion Division

- 14:15 - 15:15: _Laws, Systems, and Management of Museums_

Understanding new legislation and operational strategies for modern museums.
Speaker: Toshihiro Yamaguchi, Cultural Agency of Japan

- 15:30 - 16:30: _Museums as Cultural Centers in Communities_

Forecasting the future of museums within local cultural policies.
Speaker: Tomoyuki Nakao, Cultural Agency of Japan

- 16:45 - 17:30: Q&A and Administrative Announcements

For inquiries regarding applications, reach out to:
Cultural Connecting Museum Training Secretariat:
Seed Planning, Email: [email protected]
Contact by Ministry of Culture:
Cultural Hub Coordinator, TEL: 03-5253-4111

By participating in this seminar, you'll gain insight into the modern roles of museums and the collaborative projects that can enrich both cultural institutions and local communities. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and contribute to the future of museums in your area.