#Japan #Tokyo #Culture Festival #NOW/HERE

NOW/HERE Culture Festival: A Celebration of Cultural Implementation

Scheduled for April 28, 2026, the NOW/HERE Culture Festival will take place in the heart of Tokyo at the Sankei Building. Organized by Sankei Building Co., Ltd., this event is designed to explore the theme of "social implementation of culture" ahead of the opening of their new shared office brand, NOW/HERE. The festival will provide a vibrant platform to engage with the cultural values cultivated by businesses and communities.

Context and Relevance of the Festival

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we work and communicate has drastically changed, leading to a significant reduction in in-person office attendance and an increase in online interactions. This shift has prompted a re-examination of the significance of gathering in real spaces and the essence of working as part of an organization. In this transformed societal landscape, the ability to experience and share the cultural and value-based foundations nurtured by organizations and communities is essential for rebuilding connections among people and groups.

The NOW/HERE Culture Festival aims to delve into how these rich cultural backgrounds have been socially implemented and transformed into value. The festival will bring together entrepreneurs, community organizations, and cultural creators to share insights into their endeavors, revealing the journeys and processes behind cultural creation toward a promising future.

Festival Highlights and Activities

Participants will experience various aspects of cultural implementation within businesses and regional organizations through case studies and panel discussions. The event aims to create networking opportunities where attendees can engage with each other, thus fostering connections and collaborations that could lead to future cultural initiatives.

Engaging Talks and Presentations

The day will feature insightful talks from leading figures in new business development, urban planning, and community building. Some highlighted speakers include:

• - Kiyotaka Higuchi: CEO of BOOK, known for his popular education podcast COTEN RADIO, will share insights on content creation and community management to support brand development for businesses and creators.
• - Shinichiro Igarashi: General Producer of NoMaps, will discuss his work in diverse place-making projects in Hokkaido.
• - Koichi Aso: President of the Entrepreneur Art Association, focusing on entrepreneurship and the intersection of art.
• - Sayuri Fujiwara: Director of Fujiwara Handa LLC, specializing in art consulting for private and public sector projects.

Exhibitor Showcase

The festival will also feature exhibition booths that showcase front-line initiatives on sustainability, food tech, art, local culture, and innovation, emphasizing the active role of culture in society. Notable exhibitors include:

• - The Hakone Open-Air Museum: Promoting arts and human connections through environmental art projects.
• - Sustainable Food Museum: Providing experiences centered around food and sustainability, catalyzing new collaborations among startups.
• - NoMaps: Exploring creative and technological dimensions in future societal developments.

Networking Opportunities

An essential feature of the festival will be the Meetup session where speakers, exhibitors, and attendees can mingle. This segment is designed to foster a creative and collaborative atmosphere, encouraging spontaneous interactions and discussions that can spark new ideas and projects.

Event Logistics

• - Date: April 28, 2026
• - Time: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (including networking sessions)
• - Venue: Otemachi Sankei Plaza 3rd Floor, Tokyo
• - Cost: Free for general admission (exhibition), free for talk sessions; paid entry for the Meetup
• - Reservation Links: Event Details

Building the Future Through Culture

As we move further into a new era characterized by remote work and evolving communication styles, the NOW/HERE brand seeks to redefine the concept of an office. With an emphasis on personal experiences and enriching environments, they aim to create spaces that blend flexibility and comfort while fostering creativity and team connections. The festival promises to be a significant milestone towards understanding how culture can be actively integrated into our lives and workplaces.

Join us to be part of this exciting exploration of cultural values and their social implications at the NOW/HERE Culture Festival in Tokyo!