WJCF | 世界文化フォーラム

About the World Japanese Culture Forum

We live in an era of competition, facing numerous global challenges such as the expansion of the global economy, environmental destruction, and rapid population growth. As we move further into the 21st century, it is essential that society undergo a paradigm shift — from an era of competition to one of cooperation focusing on a “logic of life” and the “safety of life,” values that nurture both nature and the social environment. This shift signals the arrival of an era defined by knowledge and harmony. The forum invites distinguished guests from both Japan and abroad who are active at the forefront of traditional performing arts, crafts, contemporary art, music, science, and sports. Through lectures and discussions, they will explore the unique characteristics of Japanese culture from diverse perspectives. At the heart of Japanese culture and craftsmanship lies a worldview that values harmony between nature and human society — an outlook that resonates universally across nations and cultures. In particular, the theme of “coexistence between nature and society” stands out as a key concept for addressing the critical issues facing our world today. To realize this vision, it is crucial to elevate the global appreciation of Japanese cultural values — especially within the international community and in the United States. This is one of the forum’s central objectives.The forum sessions will be recorded and translated into English, French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Thai. These recordings will be distributed worldwide through multiple platforms, including the official website of the MOA Museum of Art. The primary audience includes ministries, universities, museums, and research institutions — approximately 20 organizations worldwide — as well as researchers, students, and intellectuals with an interest in Japanese culture. Moreover, we hope to reach an even broader public audience not only in Japan, but across the world.It is our hope that this forum will propose approaches to life and society to pave the way toward a sustainable civilization, which the international community seeks today facing the divisions, inequities and violent conflicts rampant in the modern world. Behind the entertaining performing arts and decorative and collectible crafts, Japanese culture has nurtured values through which we understand who we are and what nature is to us. We believe that these cultural values, developed against the background of the country’s long history and abundant natural environment, can inspire the global community. By the keywords “nature and human society,” “the logic of life” and “an era of unity,” the forum invites the world to discover the unique and profound aspects of Japanese culture.