#Japan #Tokyo #Education #Design #Disability

Exploring the Future of Disability and Design

On December 7, 2025, an engaging symposium titled 'Disability x Design: How to Create Learning Spaces?' will be held at the International Liaison Center within the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub. Organized by the Japan Foundation's Diversity in the Arts, Tama Art University, and the general incorporated association Drifters International, this event aims to foster the relationship between disability and design through interactive participation.

The symposium promises a comprehensive agenda focusing on how to collaboratively develop effective educational environments. Participants will work together to brainstorm and share specific syllabus ideas, strategies for sustainability, and essential environmental settings to facilitate co-creation with individuals who experience disabilities. The goal is to discover seeds of innovation that can be cultivated in educational settings across Japan, especially in universities.

Event Details

• - Date: December 7, 2025
• - Time: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• - Admission: Free
• - Venue: International Liaison Center, 5F Midtown Tower, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Capacity: 60 participants (in-person)
• - Online participation options are also available.

For more details, please visit Diversity in the Arts.

Symposium Program

Morning Sessions (In-Person and YouTube Live)

• - 10:00 - 10:55 AM: Education Environment Design

Designing Educational Spaces with People Experiencing Disabilities
- Speakers:
- Toshiichi Suga (Cognitive Designer, Associate Professor at Tama Art University)
- Kinuya Nogami (Director, Actor, Choreographer)
- Keisuke Shimakage (Design Researcher)
- Hosted by: Kaori Kanamori (Producer)

• - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Connecting Co-Creation

Systematizing Practices to Connect with the Next Generation
- Speakers:
- Michio Nanbu (Representative Director, Japan Disability Performing Arts Collaborative Organization)
- Ryo Kurisu (Artistic Director, SLOW LABEL)
- Hosted by: Mariko Mori (Former Producer, True Colors Festival)

Afternoon Sessions (In-Person and YouTube Live)

• - 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Talk Session 1
• - 2:15 - 3:15 PM: Talk Session 2
• - 3:30 - 4:30 PM: Talk Session 3

Evening Sessions (In-Person)

• - 4:45 - 5:45 PM: Community Assembly
• - 5:45 - 6:30 PM: Daily Summary

The program not only features in-person events but also offers opportunities for online engagement through Zoom meetings.

Additional Information

We encourage individuals from various sectors including design education, researchers on disability and co-creational design, as well as interested students and community members to participate. The symposium will provide accessibility support, such as sign language interpretation and transportation assistance upon request.

Submit your opinions and topics for discussion! We welcome your insights on what you would like to see addressed during the symposium. Inputs can be shared via the application forms available on the event website.

Organizers: Japan Foundation DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS, Tama Art University, Drifters International
Contact:

• - For general inquiries, please reach out to

- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 03-5577-6627 (Weekdays 9:00 - 17:00)
Website: https://www.diversity-in-the-arts.jp/