Takamaya and Tokushin Development Establish Urban Cultural Award

In a groundbreaking initiative, Takamaya Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Osaka, and its consolidated subsidiary, Tokushin Development Co., Ltd., located in Setagaya, Tokyo, have announced the establishment of the Takamaya and Tokushin Development Urban Cultural Award. This award aims to contribute to the creation of new urban culture in contemporary society.

Purpose of the Award

The term "urban culture" has increasingly lost its clear definition in modern discourse. The newly launched award seeks to grapple with this ambiguity and provoke critical inquiry about what urban culture truly represents. While it honors outstanding works, its essence lies in fostering a persistent questioning of urban culture. Throughout the year, various talk events with judges will be organized, focusing on the crucial question: What is urban culture? Ultimately, this award aims to serve not just as an accolade, but also as a living experiment where inquiry and practice intersect, encouraging ongoing exploration.

By aligning this initiative with corporate activities, the organizers hope to raise significant questions concerning the relationships between business and society, consumption and culture, as well as economy and ethics. Specifically, they are keen to explore what “wealth” looks like in urban environments and whether it’s possible to articulate a vision of the future, even amidst uncertainties.

The ultimate joy would be if this award could act as a catalyst for thought among those interested in urban culture.

Selection Criteria

The award will recognize works that provide unique insights into contemporary urban culture, especially from commercial and consumer perspectives. Each year, from January onwards, works published in the Japanese language within the past year will be eligible. A selection committee consisting of six judges, assisted by a recommendation committee, will choose the recipients. Winners will receive a certificate, a commemorative gift, and a monetary award of one million yen, alongside an event to celebrate their achievement.

Note: The award is not open for public application. Further details can be found on the official website.

Initial Jury Members (in alphabetical order)

- Taro Igarashi - Chair

Taro Igarashi, an architect and professor at Tohoku University, emphasizes how previous eras of scarcity or economic growth shaped the valuation of experiences tied to urban culture. He believes that the pandemic has highlighted previously unrecognized aspects of these experiences, urging reflection on their value.

- Ken Ohyama

As a photographer and critic, Ken Ohyama expresses the deep complexity surrounding urban existence. He draws inspiration from literature and its ability to reshape perceptions of the city, invoking a dialogue between the written word and the urban experience.

- Nodoka Odawara

Odawara, a sculptor and critic, notes the importance of corporate-sponsored cultural support, particularly at a time when such initiatives are dwindling. She views the award as a beacon for future cultural contributions stemming from urban development initiatives.

- Yuichi Kinoshita

Kinoshita reflects on the deep interconnection between memory and urban spaces, considering the award to be a collaborative forum for such contemplative explorations.

- Yukari Takinami

Takinami asserts that every observer experiences the city uniquely, and the award will engage in capturing this variety through artistic expression.

- Kyoko Tominaga

A sociologist, Tominaga emphasizes that modern department stores transcend mere commercial spaces; they serve as cultural hubs that empower communities and foster diversity.

Logo Symbolism

The award's logo is inspired by motifs from Takamaya's early days, reflecting its historical role in international exhibitions that established the brand’s reputation. It integrates the laurel leaf motif, symbolizing the award's aspiration to grow and evolve alongside urban culture. The logo's fluidity embodies the dynamic nature of both urban environments and the lives within them, with plans for future variations that resonate with ongoing changes in urban life.

For more information about the Takamaya and Tokushin Development Urban Cultural Award, visit the official website. You can also connect through their social media outlets: X: @toshibunka, Instagram: @toshibunka_shou.

For inquiries, contact the award’s secretariat via email at [email protected] or through the contact section on the official website.