[Exhibition]
EXPO 2025
Avant-gardes? Yes, we are!
9 September – 11 September 2025
Venue: GALLERY WEST (within the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue, Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)
Curation, Graphic Design, etc.
The term “avant-garde” originated as a military term meaning “vanguard,” and was later redefined by figures such as Saint-Simon to refer to those leading artistic innovation. This exhibition, “So What If It’s Avant-Garde?”, introduces works that challenge conventional notions, starting from everyday life and personal experiences. Art is not a fixed entity; it is a creative act continually redefined through individual interpretation. The sincerity and passion of the artists resonate deeply with viewers. Furthermore, disability is not seen as a limitation, but rather as a unique perspective that fosters creativity and promotes social inclusion. This exhibition seeks to show that it is precisely this passion and openness to difference that gives rise to the true spirit of the avant-garde.
Exhibiting artists:
Iguchi Naoto, Ishino Keisuke, Ito Yutaka, Inuzuka Hiroshi, Iwase Shunichi, Okawa Makoto, Katsube Shota, Kokubo Norimitsu, Kobayashi Itsuo, Sakamoto Ikuyo, Takamaru Makoto, Tsuji Yuji, Tsuruoka Kazuyoshi, Toya Kiyoshi, Nishioka Koji, Nomaguchi Keisuke, Nomoto Ryuji, Hanzawa Masato, Fujioka Yuki, Bekki Komei, Herai Takanori, Maeda Yasuhiro, Matsumoto Akinori + Matsumoto Michiko, Matsumoto Michiko, Yamazaki Kenichi, Watanabe Yoshihiro
Organizers: New Inclusion Japan Association, Inc., Japan Arts Council, Agency for Cultural Affairs
In cooperation with: the National Network Forum for Promoting Arts and Cultural Activities of Disabled People
Constituent organizations: (Social Welfare) National Federation of Organizations for the Disabled Persons, (Social Welfare) Japan Federation of the Visually Impaired, (General Incorporated) Japanese Federation of the Deaf, (General Incorporated) National Federation of Parent Associations for the Physically Disabled, (Social Welfare) Japanese Society for Disabled Children, (Specified Nonprofit) Japan National Assembly of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI-Japan), (General Incorporated) Autism Society Japan, (Public Interest Incorporated) Japan Down Syndrome Society, (Social Welfare) Japan Deafblind Association, (General Incorporated) National Association for Living Support of Children and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities, National Council of Facilities for Physically Disabled People, (Specified Nonprofit)Barrier Free Film Research Society, (Specified Nonprofit) National Network for Community Living Support, (General Incorporated) Genesis of Entertainment, Japan Council on Independent Living Centers (JIL), (General Incorporated)National Network for Community Living, Secretariat: New Inclusion Japan Association, Inc.
Partnership and collaboration: Governors Association for Promoting Arts and Cultural Activities of Disabled People
Collaboration: International Festival of Disabled People’s Arts and Culture – 2025 Expo Osaka–Kansai Collaborative Creation Consortium
Constituent organizations: (Public Interest Incorporated) Japan Philanthropic Association, (Social Welfare) Iwami Welfare Society, (Social Welfare) Nanko Airinkai, (Specified Nonprofit) Japan National Assembly of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI-Japan), (General Incorporated) Genesis of Entertainment, (Public Interest Incorporated) Japan Down Syndrome Society, (Specified Nonprofit) Barrier Free Film Research Society, National Council of Facilities for Physically Disabled People, (Specified Nonprofit) National Network for Community Living Support, (General Incorporated) National Federation of the Physically Disabled and their Parents Associations, (General Incorporated)Autism Society Japan, Tottori Prefecture Welfare Division for Persons with Disabilities (Secretariat of the Governors Association for Promoting Arts and Cultural Activities of Disabled People), New Inclusion Japan Association, Inc.
Executive Producer: Makino Nozomu
Photographs: Kioku Keizo
