#Japan #Tokyo #Hikikomori #Amon Miyamoto #Voice Station

Virtual Exhibition - 'HIKIKOMORI ANYONE?'

Starting from August 1, an innovative online art exhibition titled 'Virtual! HIKIKOMORI ANYONE?' will be available for audiences nationwide. This initiative is part of a campaign led by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare called 'Hikikomori VOICE STATION 2025.' With estimates suggesting there are about 1.46 million hikikomori individuals in Japan, this exhibition aims to convey their feelings and thoughts through the creative works of various artists.

The virtual space will show contributions from different genres of creators, including acclaimed director Amon Miyamoto and music creator Hyadain, who have transformed the voices of hikikomori individuals into multimedia art. Visitors can expect to see various forms of art, such as videos, music, haikus, and more that reflect the experiences and sentiments of those who have lived as hikikomori.

As the creative producer of 'Voice Station 2025,' Amon Miyamoto will appear as an avatar, named Cyber Amon. He aims to engage visitors with a heartfelt call to acknowledge and understand the voices of hikikomori individuals, advocating for the elimination of misconceptions and prejudices surrounding their experiences.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition features several intriguing collaborations:

• - Amon Miyamoto collaborating with hikikomori individuals and their families on a drama reading that depicts their life journeys through a documentary film.
• - Hyadain teaming up with experience carriers for a music video titled 'Calendar / Seven-Digit Rappy Tune’ through the Vocaloid project. (Note: ‘Vocaloid’ is a registered trademark of Yamaha Corporation.)
• - Manga artist Satoru Hiura presenting a comic piece called 'Stalled Youth.'
• - Haiku by Itsuki Nasui and photos by Arata Dodo in their project 'Hikikomogomo Haiku Photo.'
• - Contemporary artist Teppei Ikebihira exhibiting 'Resonating Universe,' which includes works from 20 hikikomori individuals.
• - Yukako Izawa, a painter and artist, with contributions on 'VOICE PAINTING: Family Landscapes,' showcasing video artwork in collaboration with families of hikikomori individuals.

New content is expected to be added regularly.

Upcoming Content

In addition to the exhibition, a documentary will be presented which captures a workshop led by Amon Miyamoto, focusing on the life journeys of hikikomori individuals, occurring in Yokohama on August 23. There will also be short films featuring professional actors portraying the experiences of hikikomori individuals and their families, with further materials being released periodically.

Nationwide Caravan Overview

Event Date & Location:

• - August 23 (Sat): Yokohama, Kanagawa @ Vision Center Yokohama Minatomirai/701, 13:00–16:45
• - Additional locations through various cities across Japan in forthcoming months will host similar workshops and panel discussions. Registration is required ahead of the event.

Bridging Understanding

Co-organizer and journalist Masaki Ikegami has teamed up with hikikomori community members to create a network called SHIP, aimed at exploring the realities of hikikomori and the associated social challenges through its publication 'SHIP!'. This initiative challenges societal norms and emphasizes empathy towards diverse realities. Pal system remains committed to nurturing connections that promote a more inclusive and easily accessible community for everyone.

For further details, you can find the Pal System's media link here: KOKOCARA.
The Pal System Union is based in Tokyo and aims to strengthen community ties for various individuals, adhering to the principles of cooperative living, especially in 2025, which is recognized as the International Year of Cooperatives.