KOBAYASHI Mari

Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo (Cultural Management Course, Department of Cultural Resources Studies); 7th President of the Japan Association for Cultural Policy Research. Her specialisms are cultural policy and cultural management, and she conducts research on cultural policy and cultural administration systems. She is involved in the planning, formulation, and evaluation of local governments’ cultural policy systems (including ordinances and the development of plans) and basic concepts for public cultural facilities. She explores how policy-making can best serve culture and the arts. Her single-authored books include Toward the Establishment of Cultural Rights: An International Comparison of Cultural Promotion Laws and Japan’s Reality (Bunka-ken no kakuritsu ni mukete: Bunka shinkō-hō no kokusai hikaku to Nihon no genjitsu) (Keiso Shobo). She is also co-editor of Cultural Administration in Municipalities Lesson 55 (Jichitai Bunka Gyosei no Lesson 55) (Bigaku Shuppan).

OSAWA Torao

After graduating from Keio University in 1994, he worked at Theatre Workshop Inc., where he was involved in management and operational planning for public halls and theatres, as well as preparations for their opening. In 2003, under the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Overseas Study Programme for Upcoming Artists, he undertook training in theatre management in the Seattle area of the United States. Upon his return to Japan, he served as a Director and Secretary-General of NPO ST Spot Yokohama; a member of the steering committee for the University of Tokyo’s Open Course on Cultural Resources Studies, “Revitalisation of Civil Society”; and a Senior Researcher in the Arts and Culture Project Office at NLI Research Institute. In June 2023, he became Co-founder, CEO and Senior Consultant of the Institute for Culture Commons. He serves as Chairperson of the Board of Arts NPO Link; Executive Director of the NPO Association of the Coordinators for Children and Regional Art & Culture; Board Member of the Japan Association for Cultural Policy Research; part-time lecturer at the Professional College of Arts and Tourism; and advisor to the Design Initiative for Diversity & Inclusion at Kyushu University.

GOTO Tomoko

Born in Nagasaki Prefecture. After graduating from university, she worked as a local government official and in theatre production before joining the Faculty of Regional Sciences at Tottori University in 2005. She specialises in arts management and conducts research into the relationship between local communities and theatres, as well as theatre activities by amateurs and older adults.

OKABE Taro

Born in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, in 1979. Whilst studying at art college, he was introduced to artistic and cultural activities by people with disabilities. Driven by a desire to put into practice the design of a society where diverse people can live fulfilling lives, he has worked at Tanpopo-no-Ye in Nara for over 20 years. He promotes the “Able Art Movement” and the “Good Job! Project”.

YOSHIDA Minori

Born in Shikano Town. Teacher at Tottori Municipal Shikano Gakuen (Compulsory Education School). She teaches Health and Physical Education, Physical Education, and “Arawashi-ka”. She took up her post in 2017.

Centred on “Arawashi-ka”, a specially established subject aimed at developing three key skills: the ability to express oneself, the ability to connect with others, and the ability to persevere, she is dedicated to activities that foster children’s love for their hometown whilst engaging with local community members. She has been involved for many years in “Torijuku” (a project involving expression workshops using theatrical techniques) run by the BIRD Theatre Company, and watches over the children’s growth through these activities. She is also a member of the Shikano Sedge Hat Preservation Society, where she works to preserve the traditional craft of making Shikano sedge hats.