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Creative Well-Being Tokyo Conference 2026

The Creative Well-Being Tokyo initiative, led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Arts Council Tokyo, has revealed additional details for the 'International Conference Connecting Everyone through Culture 2026.' This conference is set to occur from October 28 to November 1, 2026, at the Tokyo International Forum, and represents the fifth year of this series that began in 2022. The overarching theme for 2026 is 'Moving Together—Culture to Live Together.' This gathering aims to reflect on the past while examining how arts and culture can contribute to enhancing well-being for individuals, as well as exploring the future of coexistence in society.

Conference Overview

As an extension of the previously announced agenda, the conference will feature three key programs: 'Conferences,' 'Networking,' and 'Exhibitions.' The themes discussed in the conferences will resonate with the networking sessions and exhibitions, inviting participants to explore a singular question from multiple perspectives. Attendees will have various engagement options, such as listening, speaking, participating, and observing, allowing for a personalized interaction with diverse values while exploring their own concept of well-being.

Event Details:

• - Title: Creative Well-Being Tokyo: International Conference Connecting Everyone through Culture 2026
• - Date: October 28 (Wednesday) to November 1 (Sunday), 2026
• - Location: Tokyo International Forum, Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo

- October 28 to November 1: Lobby Gallery
- October 30 to November 1: Hall B5, Hall D5

• - Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Arts Council Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: Free (registration required; expected to open late August)
• - Languages Available: Japanese, English, Japanese sign language, International sign language (with interpretation and subtitles available, International sign language in Hall B5 only)
• - Official Website: Creative Well-Being

The 2026 Theme: 'Moving Together—Culture to Live Together'

The theme 'Moving Together—Culture to Live Together' frames well-being as a concept that extends beyond individual happiness or health, suggesting that it should permeate society as a culture. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of creative expression and cohabitation with all forms of existence, urging participants to contemplate and enhance social relations.

Activities under 'Creative Well-Being Tokyo' have aimed, not only to recognize traditional art forms but to incorporate the active and innovative practices present in daily life into a broader understanding of arts and culture. Engaging with others through dialogue and expression helps individuals reflect on their identity and reconnect with society. The notion of co-living culture isn't a single predefined solution but rather an evolving dynamic nurtured through individual agency and interaction facilitated by arts and culture.

The chosen theme, 'Moving Together,' also illustrates the specific actions needed to cultivate such well-being, calling for collaboration and community engagement. During the conference, artists and speakers embodying this ideology will gather to discuss their projects, practices, and ideas regarding how to envision future well-being.

Kickoff Programs Leading to the Conference

In anticipation of the conference commencing on October 28, a series of kickoff programs titled 'Multispecies' will take place in August and September. These sessions will feature artists and researchers whose work revolves around our interdependence with the oceans, mountains, and earth, sharing their insights and experiences as a prelude for discussions on contemporary well-being.

1. Vol.1: Photojournalist Naoki Ishikawa, August 3, 18:00–20:00
2. Vol.2: Artist Sakura Koretsune, exploring marine folklore and whaling, August 20, 18:00–20:00
3. Vol.3: Historian Tatsuji Fujiwara, regarding historical agriculture and food, September 3, 18:00–20:00

Conference Sessions and Networking Opportunities

From October 30 to November 1, the main conference will host five sessions led by esteemed moderators, including Nahoko Horiuchi and Roger McDonald, who will guide important discussions and share their expertise and insights throughout the three days of conversation.

The Prologue will offer insights into previous discussions surrounding the relationship between arts and well-being, cleverly setting the stage for participants new to the conference. The Opening Session will explore how art can create promising futures amidst change, facilitated by notable artists and researchers.

Following sessions titled 'Resilient Cooperation,' 'Identity and Culture,' and 'Living with Dreams Together' will address urgent societal themes of communication, the nurtured sense of belonging, and dignity through art. A closing session will culminate in a comprehensive discussion on the role of arts in fostering creative well-being and engaging attendees on a forward-looking note.

Networking will be prioritized through interactive workshops, performances, and talks, allowing participants to physically experience this culture of co-living alongside the speakers.

Looking Ahead

The expansive lineup of the conference, featuring diverse perspectives on well-being through arts and culture, illuminates the creativity integral to our shared experience. By participating, attendees will not only connect to the discussions but gain a deeper understanding of the very fabric of our coexistence as a culture—a call for action to 'move together,' indeed, celebrating our collective creativity.