今までのイベント

4 July 2019

Kentaro Yamada in conversation with Mark Rappolt (Art Review)

The artist Kentaro Yamada discussed his work and exhibition Everything Comes in Waves with Mark Rappolt, the Editor-in-Chief of ArtReview and ArtReview Asia. Yamada creates poetic installations and structures that allow viewers to experience encounters of human life and material history. In this exhibition, Yamada presents a combination of new and old works, which will include light installations, dyeline prints and a series of sculptural objects as a poetic installation, creating a space to experience encounters of human creativity and materials, and the two coming together as one, as part of a larger Life in cosmic space and time.

More info

1 July 2019

The role of design in a new digital era

Over the past 35 years, information has become increasingly digitalised, and this has also transformed the realm of design. In the digital era, design plays a crucial role in creating a more resilient, resourceful and sustainable society. Businesses across all industries rely on design and branding to improve their operations and respond to changes in culture, society and markets, while institutions frequently use design to express their cultural and historical values. This seminar explored the role of design and innovation and its impact on society.

Fully bookedMore info

25 June 2019

The spread of hate speech

Hate speech is a phenomena occurring globally to which neither the UK nor Japan are immune. In the UK, there has been a recent rise in hate crimes, whilst in Japan anti-Korean hate speech comes from both right-wing movements and prominent public figures. Adding to the issue is that ease with which messages of hate can be posted online. Combatting hate speech is therefore a pressing but complex challenge. This seminar will look at patterns of hate speech in the UK and Japan, exploring the forms that hate speech takes, the challenges in eradicating it and the limitations of current measures.

More info

21 June 2019

Digital technology as a bridge between art and society

The rapid evolution of digital technology is re-shaping traditional ways of practising both science and art. Technology provides an interception point that brings together these fields, generating beneficial interactions that support innovation and transformation. In this seminar chaired by Ghislaine Boddington, we explored the symbiotic relationship between digital technologies, art and science, and look at the implications for society.

Fully bookedMore info

21 June 2019

Depicting the future of AI through Art

Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into society, blurring traditional boundaries between humans and technology. Using the ‘AI: More than Human’ exhibition at the Barbican Centre as a reference point, this seminar explored the relationship between AI and the arts. Dr Yoichi Ochiai, a Japanese media artist and scientist, talked about his art works and projects that use AI; Dr Suzanne Livingston, curator of the Barbican exhibition, discussed the exhibition; and Dr Drew Hemment talked about the role of AI in the arts based on findings from his research. The seminar was chaired by Dr Maria Chatzichristodoulou.

Fully bookedMore info

11 June 2019

The 5G Global Race: Where do Japan and the UK stand?

The global race towards the next generation of computer and phone networks, known as 5G, has already begun. 5G is expected to support a future of robots, autonomous vehicles, AI and many other technologies; however there are also concerns of espionage and data vulnerability and governments are currently deciding the best strategy for deploying the technology. This seminar looked at 5G, discussing the potential applications of the technology and the implications for society, the current 5G global competition and the UK government’s attitude towards it.

More info

6 June 2019

Private View: Everything Comes in Waves by Kentaro Yamada

The Private View was a chance to have a first look at Kentaro Yamada’s exhibition ‘Everything Comes in Waves’. Yamada creates poetic installations and structures that allow viewers to experience encounters of human life and material history. In this exhibition, Yamada presents a combination of new and old works, which will include light installations, dyeline prints and a series of sculptural objects as a poetic installation, creating a space to experience encounters of human creativity and materials, and the two coming together as one, as part of a larger Life in cosmic space and time. This exhibition is curated by Francesca von Zedtwitz-Arnim.

More info

29 May 2019

Reiwa – a new era in Japan

On the 1st May, a day after Emperor Akihito abdicates, Japan entered the Reiwa era. Since the Gengo system began in the 7th century, the country has adopted almost 250 eras. This one, however, will be marked by Japan’s first imperial abdication in over 200 years. In this seminar, Matthew Butson, of Getty Images, showed rarely seen images of Japanese Emperors throughout the various eras; Dr Daniel Schley spoke about abdication in early Japan and the Insei system; and Dr Angus Lockyer discussed the current Japanese imperial system.

Fully bookedMore info

23 May 2019

Japan’s economic stagnation and Abenomics

The Japanese economy has been continuously struggling over the past 30 years. Since the bursting of the 1980s economic bubble, the country seems to have been caught in economic and financial stagnation. In response, Abe’s administration has implemented a bold monetary and financial policy as part of its so called ‘Abenomics’ strategy. Yet economic growth remains limited. This seminar looked at the reasons behind Japan’s long-term stagnation, the limitations of Abenomics policies, and the challenges faced by Japanese productivity.

More info

16 May 2019

Hikikomori in Japan and the UK

Hikikomori, social withdrawal, is a major social problem in modern Japanese society. It appeared in the latter half of the 1980s, becoming a serious social problem since the 2000s. The phenomenon is also found in Asia and Europe. In this seminar, the artist Atsushi Watanabe shared his experience of suffering from Hikikomori and his recovery story, and explain how he is using his art to raise awareness of this social issue. Dr Tadaaki Furuhashi analysed the factors leading to Hikikomori in Japan and Professor Hamish McLeod discussed similar issues in the context of the UK.

Fully bookedMore info

10 May 2019

Artist Talk: Haruo Mitsuta in conversation with Giuseppe Piva and Manuela Moscatiello

In this event, Haruo Mitsuta was joined in conversation by Giuseppe Piva, Director of the Giuseppe Piva Japanese Art Gallery in Milan. Mitsuta is the only living artist who makes contemporary Jizai Okimono (“articulated animals”) – flexible animal figures made from metal pieces, which can replicate the movements of the original animals. Mitsuta discussed his practice, the works on show and the beauty behind Jizai Okimono. The talk was chaired by Manuela Moscatiello, Japanese Collection Curator of the Cernuschi Museum in Paris.

More info

9 May 2019

Japanese crafts and the challenge of translation

Japanese crafts are highly regarded and valued. However, translating specific craft-related terms is challenging and many of these terms are poorly translated and lack standardization. In this talk, two specialists explored the fascinating world of Japanese crafts. They looked at what makes Japanese crafts so special, discussed how they are viewed in an international context and debate translation issues. The audience then had the chance to judge actual translations, based on a case study, and determined if they were accurate explanations or required improvement.

Fully bookedMore info
Toggle navigation