How Tradition Evolves: Speculation in the Age of Intelligence

Please REVP through Japan Society's Platform for free admission to this discussion and reception.

How are innovation and tradition linked? What does it mean to trace long timescales, beyond existing constraints, amidst evolving economies, technologies and ideologies? How can we claim ownership of our environment in New York or elsewhere?

This event marks the culmination of a program involving 25 Gen Z thinkers, aged 15–21, from across Japan. Over the course of the winter, participants engaged with traditional performers and explored aesthetics in Kyoto, creating new works through creative inquiry and/or computational methods. The evening will feature:

• Student Presentations from Kyoto University’s educational program.
• A Special Guest Talk and Panel Discussion titled “Not Here, Not Now” with Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby, designers and professors from The New School, broadening the discussion with Masatoshi Honda, Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Kyoto University.
• Live Performances and Social Gathering with food, drinks and opportunities for further dialogue. Performances by Masayo Ishigure and Kenneth Hutchison.

This program marks the third year of the “Technology Reimagines Timeless Beauty” initiative which explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and future field studies in both Kyoto and NYC. Previous themes have included “Living Necessities” and “Cities and Data.” This year’s theme is “The Future of Traditional Performing Arts.” Lecturers included Masataro Imafuji (Living National Treasure, Shamisen), Katsushiro Kineya VI (Collective Holder, Important Intangible Cultural Property, Nagauta and Nihon-buyo) and Ryochu Miyako (Icchubushi, Grand Master), alongside contemporary artists, composers and industry experts. The program revisits Japan’s preserved aesthetics and urban sustainability, connecting them to “what-if” scenarios within the intelligence era.

Host or Publisher Kyoto University