#Japan #Tokyo #HOUYUKAI #GPS Art

Celebrating 25 Years of HOUYUKAI with GPS Art

In a remarkable celebration of its 25th anniversary, the HOUYUKAI organization has launched an innovative GPS art project named "HOUYUKAI AbG25" throughout Tokyo's 23 wards. Led by Chairman Hiroshi Katori and based in Setagaya, Tokyo, this initiative aims to embody the philosophy of community coexistence through the theme "描く未来 (drawing the future)". The project invites staff, service users, families, and the local community to join together under the guiding principles of "walking," "connecting," and "leaving a legacy."

HOUYUKAI has consistently focused on providing open and accessible welfare services since its establishment in 1999. With over 160 locations in Tokyo and more than 3,000 staff members actively engaged in various welfare services, the organization works tirelessly to support dignified living for the elderly and elevate the status of professionals in the care sector.

Project Purpose: A 25-Year Challenge of Community Life

The "HOUYUKAI AbG25" project serves as a significant commemorative endeavor this year. This ambitious effort allows participants to collaboratively create a vast digital artwork by walking a specified route across Tokyo's 23 wards. Each participant contributes to forming the letters of "HOUYUKAI AbG25" as they connect various facilities run by the organization in a relay-like fashion. This movement signifies a shared commitment to community-based welfare and the inseparable bond between the organization and the local people.

Understanding "AbG": Action by Glocalization

The term "AbG" stands for "Action by Glocalization," which emphasizes the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. This philosophy encapsulates HOUYUKAI's continuous efforts to balance community engagement with innovation in welfare practices. By visualizing the proactive community actions taken, the GPS art endeavor embodies the organization’s dedication to creating a future of welfare together with the local populace.

Why GPS Art?: Walking, Connecting, Leaving a Legacy

GPS art combines physical movement with digital expression, allowing the traces left by walking to become permanent digital representations. The HOUYUKAI GPS art project emphasizes three fundamental elements:
1. Walking: Transforming intentions into actions.
2. Connecting: Fostering connections among staff, users, families, and the community.
3. Leaving a Legacy: Preserving both memories and records for future generations.

GPS art is seen as a heartfelt way to create lasting connections, and HOUYUKAI believes it effectively reflects the emotional journey taken together in the spirit of welfare.

The Artistic Route of "HOUYUKAI AbG25"

The letters crafted through GPS art correspond to the name and principles of HOUYUKAI. The route intricately connects various facilities scattered across Tokyo's 23 wards, allowing these welfare establishments to link together visually. This unified art form not only showcases the organization's extensive involvement in community welfare but also highlights the interconnected network of care that encapsulates the essence of HOUYUKAI.

Participant Reflections: Joy and Pride in Walking Together

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed joy in walking together, reflecting on the profound significance of celebrating the 25th anniversary through their own footsteps. Comments like "I felt happy to walk together" and "It was an emotional experience to mark 25 years with our own steps" exemplify the pride and community spirit fostered by this project. The initiative goes beyond merely being a celebration; it serves as a practical stage for embodying community welfare practices. HOUYUKAI is committed to fostering a spirit of collective achievement: building a community together rather than merely helping others.

Organization Overview

Established in 1999, the social welfare corporation HOUYUKAI operates from Setagaya, Tokyo, delivering a diverse range of services aimed primarily at elderly welfare, including nursing homes, day services, and community support centers. The organization continues to deepen its roots in Tokyo while focusing on innovative practices that uplift the community it serves.

For more information about the project or to get involved:
Contact: HOUYUKAI Public Relations Team: Tamura/Suzuki
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-5712-3770 (Press "5" after the guidance)
Website: HOUYUKAI Official Site
Instagram for 25th Anniversary: HOUYUKAI 25th