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Japan's Cultural Future Symposium

The Agency for Cultural Affairs is organizing the symposium 'Japan's Cultural Future' on March 19, 2024, at SHIBUYA QWS Scramble Hall. This event marks the third installment in a series by the newly established Cultural Economics Section of the Cultural Council, which began its activities in 2021. The aim is to explore strategies that create a positive cycle between culture and the economy through collaboration between cultural and business sectors.

The symposium will feature prominent speakers including Yoshimi Shunya (Professor at Kokugakuin University), who serves as the facilitator, and Koike Ai (Founder and General Partner of THE CREATIVE FUND), who will act as a commentator. Additional contributors include other leading cultural producers like Izumi Torakichi (Master craftsman in lacquer brushes), Iwamoto Ryo (CEO of TeaRoom), Takeda Yuta (CEO of Logs), Tomari Asami (Head of LOCAL ART PROJECT), Hayashida Kentaro (Director of KAMU Kanazawa), Hirota Fumi (Art Producer and CEO of Ikkaku), and Hiroyasu Yukimi (Cultural Department Head at READYFOR).

The focus of this symposium will be on 'human resources in the cultural arts', emphasizing the role of innovative producers in sustaining and advancing Japan's cultural landscape. Participants will discuss the essential attributes needed for these creators and the support systems necessary for nurturing such talent. The previous two symposia addressed funding cycles in cultural arts and revitalizing venues for cultural activities, setting the stage for this deeper exploration into human capital.

Free Participation: Attendance is complimentary, but prior registration is required. We strongly encourage everyone interested in the interplay of culture and economics to participate.

Event Details

• - Title: Cultural Economics Section Symposium 'Japan's Cultural Future'
• - Date: March 19, 2024 (Thursday) from 18:00 to 20:00
• - Location: SHIBUYA QWS Scramble Hall

- Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-6115, inside Shibuya Scramble Square, 15th Floor.

• - Capacity: Approximately 100 attendees (first-come, first-served basis)
• - Organizer: Agency for Cultural Affairs
• - Cooperation: SHIBUYA QWS (Shibuya Scramble Square Co., Ltd.)

Application Method: Register through the following link: Registration Form. Deadline for registration is March 18, 2024, at 12:00.

For questions prior to the event, please submit them through the registration form. This initiative is supported by PwC Consulting LLC as commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Schedule (Tentative)

• - 18:00: Opening
• - 18:05: Overview by Yoshimi Shunya
• - 18:10: Presentations by speakers
• - 19:20: Panel discussion with commentators
• - 20:00: Closing

Note: There will be no online live streaming. However, an archive video will be available after the event (release date TBD).

Speaker Profiles

1. Izumi Torakichi: Master brush maker and representative of Sen Planning LLC.
2. Iwamoto Ryo: CEO of TeaRoom and a professor related to the tea ceremony.
3. Takeda Yuta: Founder of Logs, managing various creative projects.
4. Tomari Asami: Local art project leader focused on community engagement.
5. Hayashida Kentaro: Director of the contemporary art museum KAMU Kanazawa.
6. Hirota Fumi: Experienced art producer with a robust background in media arts.
7. Hiroyasu Yukimi: Leading crowdfunding efforts for cultural institutions at READYFOR.

We invite all to participate in this enriching discourse about the future of Japan's cultural landscape, where creativity meets economics.