Celebrating Two Years of Confirmation: The Journey of 'sonae Bie' in Art and Disaster Preparedness

A New Era of Preparedness: 'sonae Bie'

Launched in September 2023, 'sonae Bie' represents a revolution in combining art with disaster preparedness. This product, an art frame that cleverly conceals a disaster toilet kit, was inspired by the real-life experiences of female employees who faced the challenges of natural disasters, including the Kumamoto earthquake and the heavy rainfall that devastated northern Kyushu.

While natural disasters are unpredictable, having the right supplies can significantly impact survival and health. According to a survey conducted by Dream Holdings, about 80% of people are unprepared with basic toilet facilities during emergencies. Addressing this concern, 'sonae Bie' not only promotes disaster readiness but also ensures peace of mind through artful design.

Product Lineup

- 'sonae Bie' Complete Kit: Includes a toilet kit for 30 uses (covers approximately 6 days for one individual).
- 'sonae Bie Slim' Kit: Contains a toilet kit for 10 uses (covers about 2 days for one individual).

For more details, visit the official e-commerce site: sonae-art.com.

Collaborations That Inspire

Over the past two years, 'sonae Bie' has engaged in notable collaborations with various artists and organizations:

- Artist Collaborations: Launching in September 2023, original artworks by renowned artists such as Bond Tominaga and Takada Naoya have been featured. Special commemorative works were created for the 100th anniversary of the Kanto Earthquake, executed by artists including Moeko and Aki Ishibashi.
- Corporate Collaborations: In June 2025, the company will release a product featuring the award-winning piece "Map of the World in Red and Blue" by artist Uchiyama.K, awarded at the 'HERALBONY Art Prize 2024'.
- Pop-up Stores and Exhibitions: From September 2023 to July 2025, many pop-up events and exhibitions have showcased 'sonae Bie' at prestigious venues like Marui Family Mizonokuchi and 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT.

Media Recognition

' sonae Bie' has received widespread attention across various media platforms. Noteworthy appearances include broadcasts on national television such as NHK's 'Hakken TV' and segments on local stations, demonstrating its significance in disaster preparedness discussions.

- Television: Featured on Japan's NHK, Fuji TV, and TBS, with additional local visibility in Fukuoka and Kumamoto.
- Radio: Engaging discussions about disaster awareness aired on popular radio stations, promoting the importance of being prepared.
- Print Media: Articles highlighting 'sonae Bie' appeared in major newspapers, covering its innovative approach to preparedness.

Looking Ahead

With a vision to keep disaster preparedness close to everyday life, 'sonae Bie' is committed to expanding its collaborations with artists and organizations throughout Japan. This initiative will help instill a culture of preparedness, making it a natural part of daily discussions.

Furthermore, as part of our social contribution efforts, we plan to work with disability support facilities to provide more employment opportunities while incorporating art into their services. A portion of proceeds will be redirected to these facilities, enhancing community support.

Project Leader's Remarks

A comment from Project Leader Aiori Fujimura encapsulates the mission: "Disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. My experiences as a survivor of the Kumamoto earthquake motivate me to promote 'sonae Bie' as a reminder for everyone to incorporate preparedness into their daily lives."

In summary, 'sonae Bie' represents more than just a product; it is a collective expression of thoughts and intentions aimed at enhancing our readiness for unforeseen circumstances.