Greetings from Hosts

  • Kinji Takagi

    Chairman.Nippon Charity Kyokai

  •  I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and cooperation in holding the 8th International Exchange Exhibition of "2021 PARAART TOKYO" while we are still not sure about the end of the pandemic.
     Looking back on the results of international exchange over 10 years especially thinking of the difficulties the world is now facing, it moves me very deeply.

     Fortunately, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games have been successful despite many difficulties. And in particular, the Paralympic Games have given us both deep reflections and suggestions regarding the future of the Paralympic Games.

     Needless to say, the Olympic Games are not only a sports festival, the original form is that both sports and arts play integral parts as two wheels. From that regard, I'm proud of the role we played in supporting the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games through our PARAART activities. However, it does not mean that we have fulfilled our role so far. Taking advantage of the connections with more than 30 countries established in this project, I would like to continue to challenge, with the birth of PARAART as a legacy.
     I would like to ask for your continued understanding and support in our future activities.

  • Koike Yuriko

    Governor of Tokyo

  •  I would like to sincerely welcome you to 2021 ParaArt TOKYO, the eighth edition of this international art exhibition.

     The Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, which were held following a one-year postponement, recently came to a close. The athletes engaging in intense competition generated great excitement and emotion, enthralling the people of the world.

     Art is inclusive, transcending borders, race, and disability. It directly inspires and resonates in the hearts of people. It is very meaningful for people with disabilities to develop and demonstrate fine talent through the arts. I wish to express my deep respect to everyone who contributed to making this exhibition possible, including Nippon Charity Kyokai, a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, and its president Takagi Kinji. Thank you all for your tireless efforts. I hope that everyone who views this exhibition will feel the messages contained in each work of art, as well as the great potential of the artists.

     The world is still in the midst of the battle against the virus. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is rolling out policies from the perspective of a “sustainable recovery” from the pandemic. Through these policies, rather than returning to pre-Covid society, Tokyo aims to achieve sustainable development.

     I understand that, as with last year, a special virtual gallery website has been set up to enable people to view all of the works in this exhibition online. This is not only a step to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it will also create more opportunities for people to encounter great works of art. Each of these measures will enhance the sustainability of the city, and in tandem with the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games, bring us closer to realizing a “Diverse City” where everyone can lead vibrant lives and actively participate. Let us work to create a wonderful Tokyo brimming with diversity.

     In closing, I would like to extend my best wishes for the continued success of the exhibition. I also hope that it will contribute to further deepening understanding with regard to participation in cultural and artistic activities by people with disabilities, and advance various types of social participation.