#Japan #AI #Tokyo #Creator's NEXT #Prince Ars Electronica

Challenging Dignity and Classification in the AI Era

On August 17, 2026, creator-led corporation Creator's NEXT will host a special screening and lecture performance of the award-winning media art piece 'The Voice AI Erases'. This event will take place at the International House of Japan in Roppongi, Tokyo. The work, created by contemporary artist Nozomu Kubota, received an Honorary Mention in the Digital Humanity category of the prestigious Prix Ars Electronica 2026. The event celebrates not just the film but also engaging discussions on the often-overlooked consequences of AI's classification processes.

The screening will begin with the presentation of 'The Voice AI Erases,' which delves into the pressing themes of AI, human rights, and sustainability. Following the film, moderators will facilitate discussions with the audience and a panel of distinguished speakers, including experts in AI, ethics, and contemporary art. Admission is free, but prior registration is required via an online form.

Event Highlights

• - Special screening of 'The Voice AI Erases,' an Honorary Mention winner in the Prix Ars Electronica 2026.
• - A panel featuring Well-Known Experts: Masaya Mori, Chief AI Officer at Hakuhodo DY Group, Miyuki Zeniya, Representative of evergreenp, and Nozomu Kubota, the artist himself.
• - Open discussions with attendees, allowing for community engagement and deeper exploration of the subject matter.
• - Free admission, emphasizing accessibility for all.
• - Hosted by Creator's NEXT, with support from the UN Global Compact Network Japan.

About 'The Voice AI Erases'

The inspiration for this project came from an encounter Kubota had while exploring the capabilities of AI in generating images, particularly that of hands. He observed that AI often excludes certain features, such as hands lacking five fingers, due to underlying filters that dismiss these irregularities as errors. This revelation raised a critical question: "Are we inadvertently negating the existence of minorities in the process?"

Kubota, therefore, initiated dialogues with individuals born with conditions like split hand syndrome, their families, and healthcare professionals. This exploration aimed at unveiling the 'violence of classification' that underpins AI society. Rather than simply recording and explaining these individuals’ bodies, Kubota confronts his own subconscious biases regarding what is deemed a 'correct body.' Through this introspective journey, he reveals the broader implications of AI and its inadvertent exclusions.

In 2026, this compelling work was recognized among 4,329 submissions from 106 countries, making it to the top 15 entries in the Digital Humanity category of the Prix Ars Electronica – an accolade Kubota proudly holds as the only Japanese recipient in this category.

Event Details

Title: Special Screening and Lecture Performance of 'The Voice AI Erases'

• - Date: August 17, 2026 (Monday)
• - Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
• - Location: International House of Japan, 5-11-16 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: Free of charge
• - Organizer: Creator's NEXT
• - Supported by: UN Global Compact Network Japan
• - Registration: Pre-registration is required via this application form.

Event Program

• - 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Screening of 'The Voice AI Erases'
• - 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Discussion with audience participants
• - 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Panel discussion with the three speakers

Discussion Themes

• - Part 1: Live audience discussion (6:30 PM - 7:00 PM) - "What should we teach AI, and what must we refrain from teaching?"
• - Part 2: Panel discussion (7:00 PM - 7:30 PM) - "What does AI make invisible? - A dialogue sparked by three questions:"

1. What does 'human dignity' mean in the AI age?
2. How should we perceive AI's acts of 'erasure'?
3. What is the appropriate way to acknowledge 'invisible parties' in AI discussions?

Speakers

• - Masaya Mori – Chief AI Officer at Hakuhodo DY Holdings, formerly involved in consulting and AI strategy, focusing on human dignity in the AI age.
• - Miyuki Zeniya – Representative of evergreenp, noteworthy for her roles in policymaking related to business and human rights.
• - Nozomu Kubota – Contemporary artist driven by AI's societal impact, known for his innovative works and critical engagements in art and technology.

This event promises to be a stimulating exploration of the complexities surrounding AI, human dignity, and societal classifications, inviting participants to engage and reflect.