An Innovative Exhibition Exploring Disaster Prevention: Preparing for the Unexpected
The latest exhibition at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Akasaka, Tokyo, titled 'What Will You Do? - A Look at the Future of Disaster Prevention', runs until November 3, 2025. Organized by ShoKasen Sign Company, the exhibition highlights the crucial role fire hydrant signs play in urban disaster preparedness. Guided by the visual design studio WOW, the exhibition invites attendees to engage with ten thought-provoking questions that prompt them to reflect on their own disaster response strategies.
The exhibition emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness and encourages visitors to engage with various artworks strategically placed throughout the gallery. The title of the installation, 'Signs for Disaster Prevention Embedded in the City', reflects the often-overlooked presence of fire hydrant signs throughout Tokyo. Despite being crucial for emergency situations, these signs are usually not noticed by pedestrians.
In Tokyo, there are approximately 140,000 fire hydrants, with around 20,000 signs installed primarily near train stations and urban centers. The signs, managed by private companies relying on advertising revenue, face challenges due to low recognition and utilization of their advertising spaces, with about 80% of these spaces currently unused.
The objective of this exhibition is clear: to raise awareness about fire hydrants and their vital role in public safety. By presenting these signs as part of an interactive art experience, the exhibition aims to ignite discussions about disaster preparedness and inspire a proactive approach among visitors. The installation is designed to blend seamlessly into everyday city life while simultaneously serving an essential function in emergencies.
Exhibition Details:
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for visitors to confront their personal views on disaster and prevention through engaging artworks. The ongoing effort aims to create a culture of safety in public spaces and elevate collective awareness regarding disaster management and the critical functions that signage provides in everyday environments.
Company Name: ShoKasen Sign Company
CEO: Tsunasaku Mohri
Location: 4th Floor, PMO Hachioji Building, 2-2-2 Irifune, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Business Scope: Installation, maintenance, and advertising for fire hydrant signs
Website: ShoKasen Co.
Through events like this exhibition, ShoKasen Sign Company hopes to advance public knowledge and appreciation of fire hydrant signs and the role they play in urban safety. With increased visibility and engagement, it is anticipated that citizens will develop a deeper understanding of the importance of disaster preparedness and the responsibilities that come with it.
Exhibition Overview
The exhibition emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness and encourages visitors to engage with various artworks strategically placed throughout the gallery. The title of the installation, 'Signs for Disaster Prevention Embedded in the City', reflects the often-overlooked presence of fire hydrant signs throughout Tokyo. Despite being crucial for emergency situations, these signs are usually not noticed by pedestrians.
In Tokyo, there are approximately 140,000 fire hydrants, with around 20,000 signs installed primarily near train stations and urban centers. The signs, managed by private companies relying on advertising revenue, face challenges due to low recognition and utilization of their advertising spaces, with about 80% of these spaces currently unused.
The objective of this exhibition is clear: to raise awareness about fire hydrants and their vital role in public safety. By presenting these signs as part of an interactive art experience, the exhibition aims to ignite discussions about disaster preparedness and inspire a proactive approach among visitors. The installation is designed to blend seamlessly into everyday city life while simultaneously serving an essential function in emergencies.
How to Get Involved
Exhibition Details:
- - Duration: July 4, 2025 - November 3, 2025
- - Venue: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Galleries 1 & 2
- - Closed: Tuesdays (open on September 23)
- - Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:30 PM)
- - Admission Fees: Adults ¥1,600, University Students ¥800, High School Students ¥500, and free for younger students.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for visitors to confront their personal views on disaster and prevention through engaging artworks. The ongoing effort aims to create a culture of safety in public spaces and elevate collective awareness regarding disaster management and the critical functions that signage provides in everyday environments.
Company Overview
Company Name: ShoKasen Sign Company
CEO: Tsunasaku Mohri
Location: 4th Floor, PMO Hachioji Building, 2-2-2 Irifune, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Business Scope: Installation, maintenance, and advertising for fire hydrant signs
Website: ShoKasen Co.
Through events like this exhibition, ShoKasen Sign Company hopes to advance public knowledge and appreciation of fire hydrant signs and the role they play in urban safety. With increased visibility and engagement, it is anticipated that citizens will develop a deeper understanding of the importance of disaster preparedness and the responsibilities that come with it.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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