Actor Issei Takahashi Takes on New Role at Gakuten Arts Organization

On August 9, 2025, the 75th Gakuten Awards Ceremony took place at the National Art Center in Tokyo, where it was announced that actor Issei Takahashi has officially become a director of the non-profit arts organization Gakuten. With a mission to promote arts and culture, Gakuten has provided a platform for students and emerging artists since its inception in 1950. The organization also screened a special documentary titled "Four Days of Imagining Others," which chronicles the creative process during a workshop involving Takahashi and seven elementary and middle school students.

The Gakuten organization expressed its excitement about Takahashi's new role, stating that he shares their vision of nurturing people's sensitivity and imagination through the arts. Takahashi's extensive experience in artistic expression resonates deeply with Gakuten's long-standing mission of fostering the next generation of artists. Given the modern world's diminishing visibility of cultural values and roles, Takahashi emphasized the importance of transmitting creativity and sensitivity to future generations through this new engagement.

The Event and the Documentary

In line with the theme of the 75th Gakuten Awards, "Imagining Others," a film capturing the essence of the workshop was shown at the ceremony's opening. Directed by filmmaker Ken Ninomiya, the documentary features Takahashi working collaboratively with the young participants to create two large canvases over four days, showcasing their imaginative expressions and the joy of creation. The heartwarming reactions from the audience following the screening included enthusiastic applause, highlighting the documentary's impact.

This initiative represents a new direction for Gakuten, diverging from previous guest artist projects aligned with exhibitions in Paris. The special screening at the National Art Center aims to engage attendees in more meaningful ways.

In addition, an interview video featuring the judges was presented, discussing the theme "How to Cultivate the Power to Imagine Others?" Contributors, including artist Hiro Sugiyama and contemporary art historian Miwa Kutsuna, contributed their insights, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding diverse perspectives in the creative process.

Award Ceremony Highlights

The awards ceremony celebrated winners across various divisions, from children to university students. A panel of six judges, including prominent figures like Hiro Sugiyama and artist Kana Sakaki, provided evaluation reports and presented certificates. This year, five categories were recognized, leading to the announcement of top awards, with the GAKUTEN Art Award going to Masahiro Kikuchi for his work "7 -nana-", which consequently earned him a spot at the prestigious international art exhibition, Salon des Beaux-Arts 2025 in Paris.

Looking Forward

As Gakuten celebrates its 75th anniversary, it aims to expand opportunities for artistic expression and educational initiatives, both domestically and internationally. Takahashi's involvement and the documentary presentation mark a new chapter in the organization's journey, reinforcing its commitment to promoting art and education in innovative ways. The 75th Gakuten exhibition will run until August 17, allowing audiences a chance to experience a diverse array of artworks from across the country.

Through such milestones, Gakuten continues to strengthen its legacy while inspiring young artists and fostering a vibrant art culture.