Learning and Playing Week
Network based Multi-site Design Flooring Tiles Art Workshop
EXPO 2025 Thematic Project “Invigorating Lives” (Producer NAKAJIMA Sachiko)
As part of the Osaka-Kansai Expo theme project "Enhancing Life" advocated by producer Nakajima Sachiko, a tile workshop will be held at the Jellyfish Pavilion and multiple other locations as a concerto to connect children's creativity. This is not just a fun tile workshop, but an event program that will be held simultaneously at multiple locations (1) the Jellyfish Pavilion, 2) a nursing facility, 3) a hospital pediatric ward, and 4) classrooms at elementary, middle, high, and university levels, without a set theme, where participants will be inspired by each other, feel excited, and learn about the STEAM elements that will lead to the creation of the tile workshop.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- STEAM
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Signature Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.07.18[Fri]
14:30 ～ 16:30
(Venue Open 14:15)
-
- Venue
- Pavilion
- Playground of Lives: Jellyfish Pavilion
Programme details
The tile workshop is an event that can be enjoyed not only by "healthy people" but also by "children with disabilities" and "children in various circumstances" (0-120 years old). By implementing this workshop, we have experienced that the "participants' (children's) expressions become brighter" in both medical settings (pediatric wards) and rehabilitation settings (facilities for disabled children), and that it has the effect of "enhancing life". This time, it will not be held at a single facility, but will connect the jellyfish museum and event venue with multiple venues (hospitals, facilities, schools, etc.) online, and "children" from various circumstances will simultaneously collaborate through the tile workshop. The program also focuses on STEAM elements, and attention will be paid to the colors and patterns selected by the children. We will also challenge whether the uniqueness of the "psychological state and feelings" that can be read from the works can be expressed as a mathematical algorithm. In addition, the materials used will be actively utilized, such as trial products and items with an expiry date approaching, contributing to wasteful disposal. SDGs elements will also be taken into consideration.
*We would hold several workshops within these 2 hours.
Reports
【Reflection】
The program titled “Tile Workshop Concerto” was conducted during the Theme Week of the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan as a fitting embodiment of the overarching theme, “Invigorating Lives.” Utilizing the Play-Mountain space at the Jellyfish Pavilion, the workshop connected multiple locations—hospitals, child welfare facilities, schools, and more—online, enabling children from diverse backgrounds—regardless of illness, disability, age, or nationality—to participate collaboratively and simultaneously.
Through the workshop, children transformed their emotions and sensibilities into abstract expressions using a variety of materials, then materialized these into original creations. Participants became deeply absorbed in the creative process, and over time, even those requiring special medical support could sense the positive energy generated through making. By linking multiple sites, a profound sense of togetherness emerged from the realization that “I’m not alone” and “we are creating together,” which appeared to have a psychologically alleviating effect against feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Prior to the workshop, Mr. Nakanishi, a staff from the Jellyfish Pavilion and founder of the welfare facility—conducted an online tour of the Pavilion, offering a lovely opportunity for participants to feel connected to the Expo even if they couldn’t attend in person.
That said, some locations experienced unstable audio and video connections, making real-time interaction challenging at times. In the future, beyond performing pre-event connectivity testing, there is a recognized need to establish follow-up mechanisms—such as providing recorded sessions or on-demand viewing options.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
To ensure that the outcomes and insights gained from this workshop continue to evolve beyond the duration of the event, we hope to explore a variety of follow-up initiatives.
We aim to collaborate with schools, welfare institutions, hospitals, local governments, and international partners to integrate the essence of this workshop into diverse events, school activities, and inquiry-based learning programs. At present, "inquiry" is being actively promoted in elementary through high schools across Japan. We believe that creating opportunities to encounter diverse forms of life, broaden friendships, and reconsider the concept of “life” from multiple perspectives is essential—and that this begins with the joy of playing and creating something together. To this end, we are proposing to organize shared creative experiences by linking schools in various municipalities, including Osaka Prefecture, with Jellyfish Pavilion’s network for playful learning, known as the “Future Earth School,” connecting institutions both in Japan and abroad, including hospitals, museums, and welfare settings.
We take pride in this project as a powerful system that enables meaningful connections even across distances, allowing participants to share the joy of making while exchanging glimpses of each other’s environments. It would be truly wonderful if children who cannot leave the hospital or who have difficulty participating alone could also share time and creativity with others. Next year, we are considering holding an event at “Hitotsunagi Café” run by No Side in Higashi-Osaka City, where friends from across Japan and around the world could reunite through the legacy of Expo connections.
While this time we held a tile-making workshop, the format is highly adaptable and can be redesigned in many ways—using materials like clay, origami, cardboard, and washi paper. It’s also possible to create interactive exchanges using 360-degree video, or through robots and avatars. With workshops combining programming and art—such as using LEDs—we hope to explore a future where anyone, anywhere, with anyone, can share the same creative activity. We aim to integrate STEAM elements as well, and to continue searching for inclusive and playful models of the future.
Toward an inclusive and joyful future society and culture where diverse lives can shine, we are committed to expanding these efforts.
Cast
Moderator
NAKAJIMA Sachiko
Thematic Project ”Invigorating Lives" (Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
Musician, a mathematics researcher, and a STEAM Educator. She is also CEO of steAm, Inc.,the representative director of steAm BAND Association and a thematic project producer of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. She also serves as a STEM Girls Ambassador, Cabinet Office. She won the gold medal as the first Japanese woman in the International Mathematical Olympiad. She passionately conducts research on art and technology as well as music, mathematics, and education. Winner of 2025 Power Of Radiance Award by Cle deau Peau Beaute (Shiseido).
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NAKANSHI Ryosuke
President, No-Side Co., Ltd.
• Inclusive General Director, “Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion”
• Member, Research Team, Children and Families Agency
• Member, Medical-Care Support Team for Children, Osaka Prefectural Board of Education
• Caregiver for Children with Severe Multiple Disabilities — 21 years of experience
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WATANABE Godai
Professor, Art Education Research Studio, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
After completing his Master’s degree in Sculpture at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 1992, he served in various roles: assistant in the Sculpture Department at the same university, recipient of the Agency for Cultural Affairs overseas training scholarship, part-time lecturer in the Sculpture Department, and high school art teacher in Kanagawa Prefecture. Since 2019, he has held his current position. Concurrently, he has been active as part of the artist unit Rikigosan. He has participated in art events including the Echigo-Tsumari Triennale, Oku-Noto International Art Festival, and the “Unmanned Station Art Festival / Oigawa,” among others.
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Co-organiser
Certified NPO Kids Art Project
Disability welfare services NO SIDE
Learning and Playing Week
Network based Multi-site Design Flooring Tiles Art Workshop
As part of the Osaka-Kansai Expo theme project "Enhancing Life" advocated by producer Nakajima Sachiko, a tile workshop will be held at the Jellyfish Pavilion and multiple other locations as a concerto to connect children's creativity. This is not just a fun tile workshop, but an event program that will be held simultaneously at multiple locations (1) the Jellyfish Pavilion, 2) a nursing facility, 3) a hospital pediatric ward, and 4) classrooms at elementary, middle, high, and university levels, without a set theme, where participants will be inspired by each other, feel excited, and learn about the STEAM elements that will lead to the creation of the tile workshop.
-
2025.07.18[Fri]
14:30～16:30
(Venue Open 14:15)
- Pavilion
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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