In a remarkable homage to its legacy, Oisix ra daichi, a Tokyo-based food subscription service, is launching an innovative initiative to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Departing from traditional written history, the company has chosen to convey its story through art. The endeavor aims to engage both employees and customers in interpreting the company’s history, emphasizing its corporate philosophy of addressing social issues related to food.
The centerpiece of this artistic representation is titled "The Map of 25 - Beautiful Dreams, Endless Slopes," created by Tohru Nakazaki, an acclaimed artist who has participated in international art festivals. Nakazaki based his work on interviews with the company’s founder Kohei Takashima, employees, producers, and customers, drawing from their narratives to illustrate Oisix's journey. The art will be displayed at the Gate City Osaki, Oisix’s headquarters, in a captivating installation format, allowing visitors to explore a narrative that intertwines personal memories and social challenges linked to food.
Oisix’s journey began in 2000 with a mission to resolve societal issues surrounding food through business means. Over the past 25 years, the company has expanded significantly, employing over 40,000 people with diverse backgrounds. As the number of newer employees increases, the leadership feels it is vital to pause and revisit the company's core values and ethos. This artistic project encapsulates those values in a unique manner, reinforcing the message to its employees that they are part of this vital mission.
Since 2017, Oisix has collaborated with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, an extensive international art festival aimed at regional revitalization through art. This partnership has reflected the company's commitment to integrating art into its operations and marketing strategies, showing a strong affinity between the festival's goals and Oisix's values.
Through this endeavor, Oisix aims to foster a deeper understanding among employees of the challenges the company seeks to address in the food sector. The abstract nature of art allows for a range of interpretations, encouraging employees to connect emotionally with the company’s story beyond logical reasoning. The corporate history and philosophy can thus be communicated in a manner that resonates on a personal level.
A unique educational approach has been adopted, where employees actively participate in artistic projects, such as workshops where they create artwork using locally sourced soil. These experiences have strengthened team bonds and reinforced the notion that collaborative creativity can yield significant insights.
Furthermore, Oisix organized field trips for employees to experience the art and culture at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. These excursions enrich understanding by engaging the senses, encouraging employees to reflect on their work and its impact on society. This hands-on experience allows them to appreciate the interplay of tradition, community, and sustainability.
This upcoming November, Oisix will host an art event titled "Food Journey" at Gate City Osaki, offering various art displays by Nakazaki. The event will also host workshops and talks to further explore the intersection of art and food-related societal issues, inviting a broader audience to engage with these critical topics. This initiative exemplifies how Oisix is pushing boundaries, blending corporate history with creative expression to inspire future generations.
With an enduring focus on sustainable practices, Oisix continues to refine its business model to reduce food waste and promote responsible consumption. This art initiative represents more than just a celebration of an anniversary; it mirrors the company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and the food industry’s evolution. Through this artistic lens, Oisix looks towards a future that is both innovative and responsible in addressing the pressing food challenges our society faces today.