2010.12.7
Human Rights Watch
We collaborated with Human Rights Watch, Japan to organize an EGAKU session to reflect on human rights on the theme, “What makes me human?”
Although the protection of human rights is a deeply personal and important issue to those working in this field, it is an issue which is poorly understood by many ordinary Japanese people who struggle to identify with it on a personal level. Our objective was to try to create the opportunity to transcend our psychological and emotional barriers, and reflect on things happening around the world as issues that concern all of us.
First, participants explored the question, “What makes me human?” As they deepened their inner dialogue through the act of painting, participants reflected deeply on questions such as “What is a human being?” “What are human rights?”
We had a diverse group of participants from different backgrounds: leaders in human rights activism, international researchers, interns and supporters. It was a meaningful session in which participants acknowledged their differences whilst communicating with each other with in the spirit of being stakeholders.
A human rights activist from Ethiopia will be visiting Japan in April, and we plan to organize another session with him to create an opportunity to bring about communication that transcends language through painting.
Theme: What makes me human?
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 7 adults
Venue: White Ship, Inc. - Hinoki-cho Studio
Host institution: White Ship, Inc.
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe
2010.11.11
Future Center
We ran an EGAKU session to reflect on the future at Tokio Marine & Nichido Systems.
The session demonstrated that the EGAKU Program is a powerful method for creating deep dialogues transcending language. We also had some great, positive feedback from Bob Stilger, the president of The Berkana Institute, and it was a wonderful encounter. Our heartfelt thanks to our hosts at the Tokio Marine & Nichido Systems, Future Centre, Iwai-san and Nishimura-san, the president of the Art of Hosting in Japan.
A few days after the session, Bob and members of the Art of Hosting visited us at our Hinoki-cho Studio. One of the team members in particular, Toke Paludan Moeller, asked us many astute questions requiring clear answers - it was an enjoyable, fertile discussion.
You can read more about the project on Bob’s blog.
Theme: Origin
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 12 adults
Venue: Future Centre, Tokio Marine & Nichido Systems Co., Ltd
Host institution: Future Centre, Tokio Marine & Nichido Systems Co., Ltd
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe
Staff: Mizuki Kikawa
2009.8.7
Chitosebashi Junior High School Art Club
Theme: My heart/soul
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 12 middle school students
Venue: White Ship, Inc. - Hinokicho Studio
Host institution: White Ship, Inc.
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe
2008.2.24
Nakadai Elementary School of Itabashi Ward
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 17 children
Venue: Nakadai Elementary School of Itabashi Ward, Tokyo
Host institution: HoCA Creativity Research Institute, Inc.
Partner: Nakadai Elementary School of Itabashi Ward PTA
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Masaya Takase
2007.10.6
OTOIRO
Theme: Paint the world you like
Program details: Song, EGAKU Program
Participants: 5 children
Venue: Matsumoto Memorial Music Guest House
Host institution: Lohas Kids
Instructors: Lena, Kunihiko Yazawa
2007.8.5
KAZEIRO
Theme: Let's feel and express the wind, smells, light and sounds of Yatsugatake
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 17 young leaders
Venue: Yatsugatake, Nagano Prefecture
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe
2007.3.5
Nagata Elementary School of Yakushima
Theme: My heart/soul
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 18 elementary school students
Venue: Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture
Host institution: HoCA Creativity Research Institute, Inc.
2006-2007
Environmental Education Program
Theme: Key words of the 21st century - 共(collaboration)・継(sustainability)・創(creativity)・和(harmony)
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: approx. 270 middle school and high school students
Venue: United Nations University
Host institution: JUNEC
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe
2003.11.22-24
Let's Draw the Energy of Nature
Theme: The Energy of Nature - Light, Wind, Water, Plants, Earth
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 350 children
Venue: Tokyo Gas Environmental Energy Hall
Host institution: Tokyo Gas
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe
Staff: Kaori Shishikura
2003.7.12
5 Saturdays to Find Yourself
Theme: My heart/soul
Program details: EGAKU Program
Participants: 26 children
Venue: Gallery Kura, Hanareyama Garden, Karuizawa
Partner: Karuizawa Town Education Committee
Instructor: Kunihiko Yazawa
Facilitator: Kimi Hasebe