#Japan #Tokyo #Nande Exhibition #Itochu SDGs

The 'Nande Exhibition': Embracing Curiosity

The ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO will host the exciting 'Nande Exhibition' from July 29, 2025, to November 30, 2025. This unique event, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, aims to address a growing societal issue: a decrease in the quality time families spend together and the dwindling opportunities for children to ask 'why?'. As dual-income families rise, the interactions that once fostered curiosity in children have also diminished.

In our current age, where adults also rely heavily on the internet and AI for personalized information, the opportunities and desires to question the world around us have notably decreased. The 'Nande Exhibition' offers various engaging experiences, allowing both children and adults to nurture their inquisitive minds. This initiative aligns with the spirit of SDGs Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education.

Interactive Experiences Await

At the exhibition, visitors will meet 'Nande-chan', an adorable character designed to engage with attendees by responding to their questions. This interactive experience is crafted to support a dialogue where visitors can share their inquiries and explore answers together. 'Nande-chan' is not only cute but also possesses a unique personality and a distinctive way of speaking, making interactions memorable.

The Profile of 'Nande-chan'

'Nande-chan' hails from the 'Nande Star', always hungry for questions about the world. Full of curiosity, he thrives on listening to the wonders shared by visitors. A notable feature is that when his 'nande' levels are low, a magical mark on his belly lights up red. Interestingly, he suffers from migraines and feels a little off on rainy days.

Insights from Ambassador Denjiro Yonezawa

Denjiro Yonezawa, the exhibition's ambassador, emphasizes the joy in exploring 'Why?'. According to him, each 'Why?' can lead to precious answers that someone has painstakingly discovered or even to treasures yet to be uncovered. He hopes that this exhibition connects people through their shared curiosity, igniting a whimsical society where questions abound.

What to Expect at the Exhibition

The exhibition categorizes questions into five types, encouraging participants to delve deeper into everyday mysteries.

1. Natural Curiosities: Explore questions like, 'Why is the sky blue?' and discover the wonders hidden within the ordinary.
2. Imaginative Questions: Dive into 'What if?' scenarios, sparking creativity and innovation.
3. Social Questions: Reflect on societal norms, asking 'Why is 18 the legal age of adulthood?'
4. Fundamental Questions: Challenge your sense of self with inquiries such as 'Why do I compare myself to others?'
5. Emotional Questions: Understand the intricacies of human emotions by examining 'Why do I cry when I'm happy?'

Engaging Activities and Experiences

The exhibition also features various hands-on experiences:

• - My Nande-chan Amulet: Create a personal representation of your 'Nande'.
• - Nande-chan's Bookshelf: A curated list of recommended books for all ages to explore curiosity.
• - Photo Spot with Nande-chan: Capture fun moments alongside this beloved character.
• - Sharing 'Nande's: Contribute your own 'Why?' questions to the exhibit, enhancing the collective experience.

Venue Information

• - Location: ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO, 2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Admission: Free entry
• - Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays, or next business day if Monday is a holiday)
• - Access: A short walk from Gaiemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (Exit 4a) or Aoyama-ichome Station (Exit 1).

About ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO

Run by Itochu Corporation, the studio serves as a cultural platform dedicated to sharing diverse insights on the SDGs, connecting people, businesses, and our planet through engaging exhibits and activities, including children’s parks and perspective cafes.

Learn more by visiting their official website and following them on Instagram.