#Japan #Tokyo #TURN LAND #Yuji Wata #Akashi Ikawa

Experience the Magic of Art and Welfare at TURN LAND Meeting+

On September 28, 2025, Tokyo will host a remarkable event, TURN LAND Meeting+, designed to engage the community in the interdisciplinary fusion of art and welfare. This event is organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture’s Arts Council Tokyo and the Yanaka Okatte Association. It aims to showcase the compelling aspects of the TURN LAND program, an initiative started in 2015 that brings together welfare facilities and artists for collaborative projects.

A Unique Understanding of Welfare Facilities

The main attraction will be a guest presentation by Yuji Wata, a professor at Nihon Fukushi University and the chairman of the Mutsuki Welfare Association. He has directed the 'Riverside Harajuku' project and will guide participants through the latest welfare facilities, combining tours with hands-on experiences of art programs.

The TURN LAND program has evolved significantly since its inception, focusing on deepening the connections between welfare staff, users, and artists rather than a temporary exhibition of artistry. Artists engage regularly with facilities, fostering understanding of the spaces and everyday routines. This also aids in developing enduring art programs that continue beyond the artists' initial involvement.

Engage in a Day of Discovery

Participants will be given the opportunity to actively experience some of the art programs created through this collaboration. The venue, Riverside Harajuku, is a newly designed cutting-edge facility, set to launch in 2024, catering to those with severe physical and mental disabilities. The innovation present in this welfare environment combined with rich artistic expression promises an inspiring experience for attendees.

Here’s a glimpse of the event schedule:

• - 13:30 Opening Remarks by Reiko Watanabe, TURN LAND Program Secretary
• - 13:40 Introduction of TURN LAND Program by Emi Tomizuka, Program Director
• - 14:00 Case Studies Presentation of Riverside Harajuku by Yuji Wata
• - 14:30 Facility Tour
• - 15:00 Performances in the Music Hall by composer Fumihisa Tanaka and sound artist Akashi Ikawa
• - 15:30 Café performances by clarinetist Asuka Shimada and pianist Miyako Matsuoka
• - 15:50 Cross-Talk Session between Wata and participating facility staff and artists
• - 16:10 Closing Remarks and Future Activity Plans
• - 16:15 Networking Session

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance as seats are limited to 100 participants. Reservations are prioritized, so don’t miss out!
Event Registration Here

The Broader TURN LAND Initiative

The TURN LAND Program emphasizes collective creation between welfare facility staff, users, artists, and community members. This collaborative spirit aspires to break down barriers and cultivate environments where differences are embraced, turning the act of co-creation into a shared journey towards a more inclusive society.

Since its expansion in 2022, the program includes a diverse range of participants from group homes for the elderly, disability welfare facilities, and daycare services. Artists from various backgrounds, including dancers, musicians, engineers, and philosophers, work together on this initiative, creating a network of shared knowledge among participants.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Yanaka Okatte Association, TURN LAND Program Office (Attn: Watanabe)
Email: [email protected]
Website: TURN LAND Program