Gene Co. Announces Support for the MAFIN 2026 Contemporary Art Project on Miyajima

Gene Co. Sponsors MAFIN 2026

Gene Co., based in Minato, Tokyo, operates the modern art gallery YUGEN Gallery. Recently, the company confirmed its sponsorship of the MAFIN (Miyajima Art Festival in the Narrative) contemporary art project, which will take place in Hiroshima's Hatsukaichi City, specifically on the sacred island of Miyajima.

The MAFIN project is significant as it revolves around the Daishoin Temple, which boasts over 1,200 years of history. This initiative aims to reinterpret Hiroshima's rich cultural, historical, and spiritual narratives through the lens of contemporary art. Set to launch in 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, the project seeks to communicate a message of peace and hope through artistic expression.

The second edition, MAFIN 2026, is scheduled to occur from November 20 to December 13, 2026, at the Daishoin Temple, offering a platform where art meets history and culture.

MAFIN's Vision

MAFIN is not just an art event; it is a comprehensive exploration of Miyajima's unique spiritual landscapes. The island, long revered as a site where deities reside, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine, which deeply resonates with the Japanese aesthetic concept of „Yugen,” representing a profound sense of beauty and tranquility.

Gene Co.'s YUGEN Gallery champions this same ethos, aiming to promote the richness and spirituality of Japanese culture through contemporary art. The decision to support MAFIN perfectly aligns with the gallery's mission of fostering cultural dialogue and appreciation.

The company’s CEO, Hiroaki Hayashida, who hails from Hiroshima, has a personal connection to this project. He notes,"Miyajima has always held a special place in my heart. The cultural heritage, beliefs, and prayers for peace associated with Hiroshima inspire me. MAFIN's endeavor to link the past and the future through contemporary art is profoundly meaningful to me. I hope our sponsorship helps MAFIN reach a broader audience and contributes to the cultural value generated from Miyajima."

Future Endeavors

Supporting MAFIN marks a significant step for Gene Co. as it expands its engagement with regional culture and contemporary art in Hiroshima and Miyajima.

The company intends to utilize its experience in gallery operation and public relations to collaborate closely with the MAFIN project. By disseminating knowledge and appealing narratives, they aspire to highlight the historical and cultural significance of Miyajima to a wider audience, promoting the growth of local culture and the creation of new cultural values.

Details on MAFIN’s program and event information will be released on their official website in the near future. Gene Co. will also provide updates as more information becomes available.

About MAFIN

MAFIN 2026 (Miyajima Art Festival in the Narrative) is an innovative art initiative set on the historic island of Miyajima in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. By reinterpreting the island’s history and cultural narratives through contemporary art, MAFIN aspires to generate new cultural values while advocating for peace in the wake of significant historical events, such as the atomic bombing.

- Official Site: mafin.jp
- Instagram: mafin_miyajima

About YUGEN Gallery

Established in February 2022, YUGEN Gallery specializes in modern Japanese art, with locations in Minato, Tokyo, and Tenjin, Fukuoka. The gallery draws its name from the Japanese aesthetic concept of „Yugen,” which reflects depth, elegance, and refined beauty found within artistic expressions.

YUGEN Gallery introduces emerging contemporary artists with diverse works that transcend genre boundaries. Available artworks can also be purchased online through the gallery’s official website in both Japanese and English, encouraging worldwide engagement with Japanese art.

Gallery Information

YUGEN Gallery

- Address: Minato, Tokyo, 3-1-31 KD Minato Aoyama Building 4F
- Operating Days: Only during exhibition periods
- Hours: Weekdays 13:00 - 19:00 / Weekends and Holidays 13:00 - 20:00

YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA

- Address: Fukuoka, 2-1-4 Stage 1 Nishidori 4F
- Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
- Closed: Every Tuesday

Official Site: yugen-gallery.com
Official SNS:

- X: twitter.com/yugengallery_jp
- Instagram: instagram.com/yugengallery.jp
- Facebook: facebook.com/yugengallery.jp

About Gene Co.

Gene Co. specializes in digital marketing consultation services, leveraging internet advertising across various sectors, including art and lifestyle. Their projects encompass various realms ranging from art galleries to regional information platforms and publishing.