News

International Edition: Children Who Won’t Die, ARAKAWA / WE, Madeline Gins

Price: 3,740 JPY (tax included) Shipping Cost*: 600 JPY * We will send it by Airmail. JAN: 4580625740018 Two Documentaries of Life and Work of Arakawa + Madeline Gins   Film 1: Children Who Won’t Die, ARAKAWA Language: Japanese / Subtitle: English, Japanese Running Time: 80mins Can a house help us not to die? Artists/scientists/revolutionaries Madeline Gins and Shusaku Arakawa declared that our lives need not end, and created dwellings whose purpose is to reverse our destiny and defy death itself. The Reversible Destiny Lofts in Tokyo, with their vivid colors, undulating floors, irregular lines, and spherical rooms were the culmination of their research and speculation. Arakawa said, “Living here, human beings will never die, as the potential ability of their bodies can be maximally developed.” This film includes interviews with residents of the Reversible Destiny Lofts and an astrophysicist, as well as growth records of children who were raised in these remarkable buildings. Children Who Won’t Die proudly sings a celebration of life, highlighting the possibilities of a world no one could ever have imagined before. Cast: Shusaku Arakawa Haruo Saji Yuma Yamaoka Sono Yamaoka Residents of Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka Director: Nobu Yamaoka Music: Keiichiro Shibuya Narrator: Tadanobu

[Report] The 9th open research conference

The 9th open research conference was held on December 2, 2018 at the Kansai University (Osaka). There were two keynote lectures, given by Haruchi Osaki, artist, and Russell Hughes, Researcher, The University of Queensland. Haruchi Osaki, artist Russell Hughes, Researcher, The University of Queensland “Arts as an Agent of Scientific Transfiguration”

Call for participation in the 9th open research conference on December 2, 2018

The 9th open research conference will be held on December 2, 2018 at the Kansai University (Osaka). There will be two keynote lectures, given by Haruchi Osaki, artist, and Russell Hughes, Researcher, The University of Queensland. You can learn more about our activities @ http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?cat=53&lang=en

[Report] Yoro Art Picnic 2018

An event organized by Yoro Park, Gifu called “Yoro Art Picnic” was held on 3rd and 4th of November. This is the second year of the event, and ARAKAWA + GINS Tokyo Office has participated as one of the organizers of this Yoro Art Picnic. We invited lecturers from Arakawa + Gins study group at Kansai University, and held a workshop which focused on activating the body with using the methods of mindfulness. Participants enjoyed the course specially arranged for the occasion, and experienced Site of Reversible Destiny with touching and moving. At other events, Yasuo Nakano, ex-curator at Taro Okamoto Museum of Art and Momoyo Homma, director of ARAKAWA + GINS Tokyo Office gave a lecture titled “Shusaku Arakawa and Taro Okamoto,” and talked about episodes of two artists. And a special tour of the site was given by Megumi Hirabayashi, ex-curator of Site of Reversible Destiny, and Takeyoshi Matsuda from the Tokyo Office, and participants walked around the site with the guidance. Talk event Architectural Tour Other than the above, IAMAS (Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences) has shown a digital media program “AR Art Picnic” at the site, and the artists group Nadegata Instant Party exhibited

[Report] The 8th open research conference

The 8th open research conference was held on September 18, 2018 at the Takachiho University (Tokyo). There were two keynote lectures, given by Russell Hughes, Researcher, The University of Queensland and Adrienne Hart, NEON DANCE. Russell Hughes, Researcher, The University of Queensland “TractatusCoordinologico-Bioscleavus: The Human Use of Being Human” Adrienne Hart, NEON DANCE “Reversible Destiny Theatre” Sebastian Reynolds, Music Composer

[Report] The 7th open research conference

The 7th open research conference was held on July 21 at the Kansai University (Osaka). There were two keynote lectures, given by art historian Reiko Tomii, and Toshiaki Minemura, emeritus professor, Tama Art University. Reiko Tomii, Art historian Toshiaki Minemura, emeritus professor, Tama Art University.

Call for participation in the 8th open research conference on September 18, 2018

The 8th open research conference will be held on September 18, 2018 at the Takachiho University (Tokyo). There will be two keynote lectures, given by Russell Hughes, Researcher, The University of Queensland and Adrienne Hart, NEON DANCE. You can learn more about our activities @ http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?cat=53&lang=en

Call for participation in the 7th open research conference on July 21, 2018

The 7th open research conference will be held on July 21 at the Kansai University (Osaka). There will be two keynote lectures, given by art historian Reiko Tomii, and Toshiaki Minemura, emeritus professor, Tama Art University. You can learn more about our activities @ http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?cat=53&lang=en

BBC WORLD SERVICE (Radio)「Japan: New Ways to Grow Old」

BBC World Service (BBC Radio) aired a documentary on Japan, focusing on its unique approach to face the aging society, and the Reversible Destiny Lofts is introduced as one of the visionary ideas. The program is 27 minutes long, and the first 5 minutes is talking about the lofts, and it ends with a message by Arakawa + Gins, Reversible Destiny. The program is available online; http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cswhtq

[Report] The 6th open research conference

The 6th open research conference of Arakawa and Gins study group on Kansai University hold on March 11, 2018 at Kansai University , which starts with the film screening of “For Example” (1971, Directed by Arakawa, written by Arakawa + Gins) , then having a keynote speech by Koyo Yamashita, Director Image Forum Festival. Thank you for your paticipating in the event ! Koyo Yamashita, Director, Image Forum Festival Koyo Yamashita (Director Image Forum Festival) × Junji Hori (Kansai University) × Takeshi Kadobayashi (Kansai University)

Call for participation in the 6th open research conference on March 11, 2018

The 6th open research conference will be held on March 11 at the Kansai University (Osaka), which starts with the film screening of “For Example” (1971, Directed by Arakawa, written by Arakawa + Gins) , then having a keynote speech by Koyo Yamashita, Director Image Forum Festival. Please keep you posted on our activities @ http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?cat=53&lang=en

[Report] The 5th open research conference

On December 17, 2017, the 5th open research conference organized by the Arakawa+Gins Study Group of Kansai University was held at Toyo University, starting with the screening of the film For Example (1971, directed by Arakawa, written by Arakawa+Gins) , followed by keynote lectures by Professor Kei Hirakura (Yokohama National University) and architect Shingo Tsuji. Film screening of “For Example” (1971, Directed by Arakawa, written by Arakawa + Gins) Kei Hirakura, Yokohama National University Shingo Tsuji, Architect Kei Hirakura × Shingo Tsuji × Takeshi Kadobayashi

Media Information

KENCHIKU JOURNAL No.1273, a architecture magazine from Japan, featuring the Reversible Destiny Lofts MITAKA – In Memory of Helen Keller -, written by Yoshihiko Sano(Architect / President, Yasui Architects & Engineers, Inc.). http://www.kj-web.or.jp/gekkan/2017/1712.html Casa BRUTUS, No.211 https://magazineworld.jp/casabrutus/casabrutus-211/ TV commercial video of the Google app (by Google Japan) “Let’s google Yoro-Tenmei-Hantenchi” Site of Reversible Destiny YORO PARK made it’s debut in the TV commercial video of the Google app (by Google Japan) “Let’s google Yoro-Tenmei-Hantenchi”

[Report] YORO Art Picnic

Thank you for participating the special talk & tour @ Site of Reversible Destiny Yoro-Park (YORO ART PICNIC) on November 18 & 19, 2017 PechaKucha@Yoro Art Night with Kato Shii

Yoro Art Picnic

www.yoro-arts.com Yoro falls, which boasts a 1,300 year history, and the Site of Reversible Destiny, which can be called a sacred ground of contemporary art: Yoro park is home to these two picturesque sites, and it is here that new event will be born. The setting will be the park’s gently sloping lawn. We will line up a number of tents and hold a lively function. There, free from obstructive thoughts, you may open your eyes in wonder while working up a sweat. You may remember someone far away and your heart may pound with the excitement of discovery. With the autumn wind blowing through the brightly colored leaves, you may catch a glimpse of a future that connects the past with the present, and life with architecture. The Yoro Art Picnic is a mere two days, but it is nowhere! We hope to see you there. Director Masayuki Akamatsu  (Doctor of Art, Professor at IAMAS) Event Overview ~Objective~ This art event is held in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences (hereafter IAMAS) based on Gifu Prefecture’s “City Park Revitalization Initiative” and in line with Yoro park’s founding principle: “pray for health and longevity, and follow

A Screening of Arakawa’s 1969 Experimental Film: Why Not: A Serenade on Eschatological Ecology

Reversible Destiny Foundation & Dillon + Lee & National Sawdust presents: Screening of Arakawa’s 1969 Experimental Film Why Not (A Serenade of Eschatological Ecology) Monday October 16, 7:00pm National Sawdust 80 N 6th Street Brooklyn, NY 11249 For tickets visit: nationalsawdust.org Film written and directed by Arakawa Girl: Mary Window, Music: Toshi Ichiyanagi, Narration: Madeline Gins 110 minutes, 1969 7:00pm | Screening of Why Not (A Serenade of Eschatological Ecology) 9:00pm | Discussion & Q&A Join Reversible Destiny Foundation and Dillon + Lee in the film screening of Arakawa’s Why Not (A Serenade of Eschatological Ecology) (1969) at Williamsburg’s National Sawdust. Renowned for his paintings, drawings, prints, and visionary architectural constructions, Arakawa was one of the earliest practitioners of the international Conceptual Art movement of the 1960’s. His wide range of experimentation extended into filmmaking. Why Not is a surrealistic exploration, by a young female protagonist, of both her psychological and physical realms, shot entirely within an enclosed space of an apartment (Arakawa’s studio). The screening is a rare opportunity to see it in full, in the backdrop of the innovative venue of National Sawdust.  The program is introduced by Miwako Tezuka, Consulting Curator of the Reversible Destiny Foundation and Diana Lee, partner of

“Battle Royale! Japanese Art History”

“Battle Royale! Japanese Art History” written by Nobuo Tsuji and Takashi Murakami was published in last August by Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. This is the English translation of “Netto Nihon Bijutsu-shi,” published in 2014. This is written in the form that Japanese art historian Nobuo Tsuji chooses some topics from Japanese art, and Takashi Murakami makes art works as his answer for each. Shusaku Arakawa is also chosen as one of the topics, and authors’ interpretation about works of Arakawa is shown in the texts and a work of art. Nobuo Tsuji vs. Takashi Murakami: Battle Royale! Japanese Art History (amazon) www.amazon.co.jp

Physical Sensations – NHK World’s “Design Talks plus”

Physical Sensations – NHK World’s “Design Talks plus”, featuring all the built works by Arakawa + Gins, is now available online. You’ll find them around 12 minutes later. Available until July 27, 2017. DESIGN TALKS Plus「Physical Sensations」(NHK WORLD) The sensation of walking on a sandy beach with bare feet. The bright light as you emerge from a tunnel in a car. The sudden scent of flowers during a stroll through the city. Our bodies experience a huge variety of sensations, yet we often don’t notice them in our everyday lives. New designs are being created to help us recognize this wealth of sensations. Explore the potential of physical sensations and design with landscape designer Eiki Danzuka. Available until July 27, 2017 https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/designtalksplus/20170713/

New York Times – Daily360

Reversible Destiny Lofts in NY Times web article https://www.nytimes.com/video/arts/design/100000004967527/reversible-destiny-lofts-arakawa-tokyo.html?playlistId=100000004687548

Shusaku ARAKAWA – NHK Archives

TV program on Shusaku ARAKAWA (Japanese only) is newly archived in its program’s website. https://www2.nhk.or.jp/archives/jinbutsu/detail.cgi?das_id=D0016010372_00000

NEON DANCE “Puzzle Creature” Project

An internationally recognized dance company Neon Dance is now on the process of creating their next work “puzzle creature”, inspired by Arakawa + Gins’ world. You can find their video report of the recent research trip to Japan below. We very much look forward to seeing the presentation next year! NEON DANCE http://www.neondance.org

Cerebrating the re-launch of the AG3: Online – The Third international Arakawa and Gins Philosophy and Architecture Conference

http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?page_id=4035 We are pleased to announce you that the all the record of the conference AG3: Online is re-launched in our website; http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?page_id=4035 We have received a message from Jondi Keane, the co-organizer of the conference then, on the occasion of relaunching this long-awaited archival website below. We hope this valuable resources could be used to enhance the Arakawa + Gins studies more and more! About the launched the new AG3 archival site It is with great pleasure we can announce that the AG3: Online―The Third international Arakawa and Gins Philosophy and Architecture Conference archival website is ready to be launched. The new AG3 archival site found at: http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?page_id=4035 Originally hosted by Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research and decommissioned in 2015, the GCSCR has kindly provided the original AG3 data to reconstruct an archival site. Although the interactive aspect of the site could not be retained, all the Keynote video presentations, Introductions, and Conference Stream presentations were preserved and faithfully reconstructed by Takeyoshi Matsuda from the Arakawa+Gins Tokyo Office, which will be housed on their web presence thanks to Momoyo Homma, director of Arakawa+Gins Tokyo Office and Reversible Destiny Foundation, NY. The availability of these resources comes at

Call for participation in the 3rd open research conference on Feb. 24, 2017

We are pleased to annouce you that the third open research conference @ Kansai University will be held on February 24th, inviting Dr.Jondi Keane, Associate Professor, Deakin University, who was the co-organizer of AG3: The Third International Arakawa and Gins: Architecture and Philosophy Conference (2010). Please keep you posted on our activities @ http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?cat=53&lang=en

Call for participation in the second open research conference on November 12, 2016

The second open research conference will be held on November 12th at the Kansai University, which starts with the film screening of “WE, Madeline GINS” (2011, Directed by Nobu Yamaoka) , then having a keynote speech by Peter Katz, Director, Reversible Destiny Foundation. Please keep you posted on our activities @ http://arakawagins.noor.jp/2020agtokyo/?cat=53&lang=en