Recently, I had the privilege of attending a rare opportunity, possibly the first time the University of Tokyo’s Komaba Museum was rented out for a general public event. It was a two-day installation event titled “Diving into Knowledge” by the textile and fashion design brand, “Seya”, held on April 26th and 27th 2025.
The event featured a panel discussion organized by Seya, PARTNERS, and guest contributors from Kontakt Studio. Each guest contributed conceptual agenda topics that aligned with Seya’s cultural vision and resonated with its ethos. Among the participants was Japanese music producer Meitei, who has been known for his unique and facinating world of ambient and its music style, often collaborating with the apparell collectoves. Meitei’s straightforward yet profound insights created a serene atmosphere, allowing the audience to immerse themselves quietly in a dialogue of knowledge and sensibility.
Through the panel discussion, themes such as root of Japanese, authentic identity in modern society, expressions derived from the extension of everyday life, and reflections on for whom these expressions are made led to a gentle yet profound contemplation of life.
The museum itself, with its ceiling height was free of arching beams. And some details of the building had a reminiscent of Gothic architecture, offered a unique ambience. It was once apparently a former residential space, serving as a dormitory for the University of Tokyo. One could tangibly feel how the air and perspective had shifted between the journey to the venue and the return trip, not just with time but through the act of “diving into knowledge.”
Location
University of Tokyo Komaba Museum | ADDRESS : 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo
