#Japan #Nippon Paint #Taku #School Canvas #Taku City

School Canvas 150: Enhancing Community through Art

Nippon Paint, along with Taku City and the Tak21 Association, is set to launch the ‘School Canvas 150’ initiative in Taku, Saga. This collaborative project, embodied in a partnership established on November 25, 2024, aims to utilize art as a tool for urban development and revitalization.

Founded on the principles of social contribution, Nippon Paint's ‘HAPPY PAINT PROJECT’ serves as the framework within which the School Canvas 150 initiative is rolled out. As part of celebrating its 145th anniversary, this project is designed to cultivate creativity among children while simultaneously fostering connections within the local community.

Background of the Initiative

The partnership between Nippon Paint, Taku City, and Tak21 focuses on several key areas:
1. Promotion of the Taku City Wall Art Project
2. Advancement of educational development
3. Stimulation of local vitality

For years, Taku City has been implementing urban development strategies that enhance community charm through the arts. This initiative aims to concretize such efforts by advancing educational opportunities and local engagement through collective creative endeavors.

Nippon Paint has been actively contributing to community well-being through the ‘HAPPY PAINT PROJECT’ since 2017, adopting the philosophy of spreading happiness through paint. As students paint their schools, they will embody the colors and expressions of their imagination.

In March 2026, to mark its 150th anniversary, the company announced its aim to support 150 schools across the country with paint as part of the School Canvas 150 initiative.

Project Scope

The first paint activities under the School Canvas 150 program will be held in Taku City at the Higashihara School in the autumn of 2026. This undertaking is expected to feature collaboration with local artists, enabling them to work alongside students in a creative environment. Details regarding the artists, along with the timing, will be made public later this summer.

Nippon Paint will provide water-based top coating paints for the school's interiors and exteriors, which will also include environmentally friendly upcycled paints. This endeavor not only aligns with sustainability efforts but also enhances the overall educational experience. The project anticipates achieving several positive outcomes:

• - Fostering connection between children and art, thereby enhancing creativity and expression.
• - Improving the attractiveness of school environments, encouraging attachment and comfort for students.
• - Promoting dialogue and cooperation among participants, leading to vibrant community interaction.

Future Goals

Moving forward, Nippon Paint, Taku City, and Tak21 will continue to harness the power of art and color to promote urban development. The goal is to transform schools into spaces of dialogue and shared knowledge, not merely venues for learning.

Event Summary

• - Organizers: Taku City, Nippon Paint, Tak21 Association (Taku City Wall Art Project)
• - Location: Higashihara School, Taku City
• - Expected Timing: Autumn 2026
• - Activities: Paint projects utilizing school facilities
• - Participants: Children, students, and stakeholders
• - Support: Paint provided by Nippon Paint

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Masayoshi Kazuki, Mayor of Taku City: “I am pleased to collaborate with Nippon Paint and Tak21 on the School Canvas 150 initiative. This is an opportunity to enhance children's creativity and strengthen ties with the community.”

Nippon Paint Representative: “We are honored to work with Taku City and Tak21 under the ‘HAPPY PAINT PROJECT,’ aiming to foster new dialogues and connections through the power of color.”

Shigeo Yamamoto, Tak21 Representative: “Expanding our Wall Art Project initiatives into everyday educational settings is significant, and we hope to create a captivating project in Taku by prioritizing children’s engagement.”

About School Canvas 150

The School Canvas 150 initiative, commencing in April 2026, aims to distribute paint support to 150 schools nationwide as part of Nippon Paint's 145th-anniversary celebration. School walls will serve as canvases for student creativity, promoting cheerful school environments and opportunities for collaboration.

For more information about the initiative, visit Nippon Paint's dedicated site and project website.

About Tak21 and the Taku City Wall Art Project

The Taku City Wall Art Project invites talented artists to create murals and artworks throughout the city, enhancing urban attractiveness. The goal is to complete 100 sites offering public art for all to view, encouraging engagement and enjoyment within the community.

For more details, check out the project website.