#Japan #Tokyo #Social Innovation #SIGNING #SIGNAL

Unveiling Global Social Innovations: 'THE 9 PASSPORTS' Exhibition in Tokyo

On July 29, 2025, a notable exhibition titled 'THE 9 PASSPORTS - Landscapes of Small Innovations' will open at the SIGNAL, a social issue gallery and cafe produced by SIGNING Co., Ltd. This exhibition will publicly showcase the results of wide-ranging research conducted in both domestic and international urban environments as part of the SIGNING R&D project.

The SIGNAL gallery’s exhibition will present findings from several years of fieldwork undertaken in various cities including Copenhagen (Denmark), Barcelona (Spain), Bilbao (Spain), Linz (Austria), Seoul (South Korea), Tsurugaoka (Yamagata), Nanto (Toyama), Nishiawakura (Okayama), and Toranomon (Tokyo). Photos, graphic designs, videos, and other multimedia will be used to highlight the innovative practices discovered in these diverse urban settings.

Exhibition Concept: Exploring 'Signs of the Future'

SIGNING is committed to exploring 'signs of the future', a theme that has guided their ongoing urban fieldwork. Through this initiative, they have extensively researched the forefront of urban innovation. The results of this inquiry have covered several key themes such as Digital Cities, Future Learning (art and education), Well-Being, Circular Economy, and Creative Tourism. This exhibition will make these research findings accessible to the public.

Furthermore, during the exhibition period, a series of events will occur, focusing on the themes of the featured cities, where various guests will engage in open dialogues about urban futures. Attendees are highly encouraged to participate in these rich discussions, which will surely broaden perspectives on societal issues.

Related Events During the Exhibition

1. Opening Reception
The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on August 1, 2025, from 18:00 to 21:00, featuring a DJ party by SIGNING associates. Admission is free.

2. Panel Discussion on Barcelona’s Digital City Strategy
On August 7, 2025, join analyst Mizuko Uchida from the Spanish Embassy for a discussion on Barcelona’s Digital City strategy, one of the hottest global urban development trends today. This event will take place from 19:00 to 21:00, and it's also free of charge.

3. Typography Workshop: Understanding Toranomon
On August 29, 2025, a workshop dedicated to developing typography related to Toranomon will be held from 19:00 to 21:30. This workshop will explore the historical and contemporary aspects of Toranomon, encouraging attendees to engage with the culture and city through typography. A free event, though participants are asked to order one drink.

Exhibition Details

• - Duration: July 29, 2025 - August 30, 2025
• - Hours:

- Tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00 (Gallery only)
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 - 23:00 (Cafe & Gallery; bar time after 18:00)
- Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00 (Cafe & Gallery)
- Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays

• - Admission: Free
• - Venue: Social Issue Gallery & Cafe SIGNAL, 1-2-11 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, The ParkRex TORANOMON 1F
• - Telephone: +81-3-6205-8220
• - Website: SIGNING - SIGNAL
• - Instagram: @signal_socialissuegallery
• - Directions: A 5-minute walk from Toranomon Hills Station (Hibiya Line, Exit A2), or a 3-minute walk from Toranomon Station (Ginza Line, Exit 2a). Google Map

About the SIGNAL Gallery

The SIGNAL gallery stands out for its dual role in facilitating both the input and output of information for visitors. Apart from enjoying art exhibitions, visitors will have opportunities to confront prevailing social issues. The art displayed prompts responses from attendees, which are then collected as output through surveys. The aggregate of these responses is analyzed by SIGNING for potential solutions to social problems, ultimately aiming to catalyze innovation and awareness around social challenges.

Through real-world research, SIGNING focuses on uncovering latent social challenges and moving towards their resolution. The future exhibitions planned include a focus on landscapes and food design in September and Takahira Kazuki in October, with dates subject to change.

About SIGNING Co., Ltd.

SIGNING is a social designing company addressing both business and social challenges relevant in today’s fast-evolving business environment. With the aim of helping companies thrive during tumultuous times, they provide integrated solutions in areas of social design and new market creation, embodying the concept of a 'Social Designing Company'.

• - Address: 1-4-28 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 16F Mita International Building
• - CEO: Takahiro Maki
• - URL: SIGNING