Category Archives: Special Events

Great thanks to Felt Cafe Japan for the heads-up on this fantastic project, Bound in Japan.

“Bound in Japan is an initiative that aims to promote dialogue about diversity in Japan through community art. Non-native residents in Japan will create book art about their experiences in their adopted country. They will learn basic image-making and bookmaking techniques and will be guided through the creation of original book art, ranging from easily reproducible zines to one-of-a-kind books. Their book art will be presented as an exhibition, offering both the Japanese and international public the opportunity to re-examine Japan through the eyes of the foreigners who have chosen to call it home.” (via)

The project is the brainchild of artist Thien-Kieu Lam, a second-generation Asian-American who lived in Japan for three years.

“…during that time, my roots reached deep into the community and my heartstrings far across the landscape. Even now, every time I return to Japan, it feels like coming home. My friends greet me, the sights and sounds wash over me, and I slip into the daily rhythms of life there, different yet familiar and comfortable.

It has made me curious. What if I choose life in Japan–permanently? In a country where non-native residents account for less than 2% of the population, what kind of support would I receive? What kind of home would Japan be?

As a second generation Asian American, I have witnessed my parents’ struggles in a new homeland and experienced the challenges of growing up at the intersection of different cultures. Even so, growing up in the United States whose history reads as a story of immigration and diversity, I have taken much for granted. The United States has long been seen as a haven and land of opportunity for many immigrants. Japan, however, has rarely embraced newcomers completely into the heart of society.

Unless Japan intends to close its doors to all foreigners, this orientation should be re-evaluated. Non-native residents contribute to Japanese society and deserve more consideration as equal members of this society. In this regard, a deeper understanding of the non-native community and increased interaction between non-native residents and local Japanese are essential to productive discourse.

I saw this as an opportunity to apply my love of book art and community outreach to highlight an issue near to my heart. This innovative approach became the seed that blossomed into Bound in Japan.

This project is dedicated to all the people of Japan, Japanese and non-native residents alike, as well as the people who like myself, whether we actually live there or not, consider it home.” (via)

Next workshop is in Kyoto, coming up this Saturday. Visit We Are One Japan for details. Wish I could see the books in person!