Refugee Week, celebrated in 17 countries around the world, will be held in Japan for the first time this year!

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival that celebrates the contributions and creativity of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. It was established in London, UK, in 1998, and takes place annually during the week that includes World Refugee Day on the 20th of June. The aim of the festival is to honour the journeys, histories, and original cultures of people with migrant and refugee backgrounds, and to celebrate them through arts, theatre, film, and other forms of culture.

This year, as Refugee Week is being held in Japan for the first time, related events will take place from the 16th of June to the 22nd of June. Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels is delighted to host a talk event on the 21st of June. The Refugee Week Conference is also scheduled in Koganecho, Yokohama, on the 13th of July. Please check the Refugee Week Japan Instagram account for further details. 

Talk Event: Thinking about Migrants, Refugees and Art at Maruki

Date & Time: 14:00 – 15:30, 21st of June, 2025
Venue: Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels
Speakers: Hiroki Yamamoto (Cultural Studies Scholar / Associate Professor, Jissen Women’s University), Moto Yoshikuni (Artist), Tomo Ikegami (Curator)
Capacity: 70 (No booking required, first-come basis)
Fee: 1000 yen (The fee does NOT include admission)
Organised by Tomo Ikegami and Takuro Sekimachi (Curator, Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels)

Workshop: Viewing the Hiroshima Panels during Refugee Week

We are inviting people with overseas roots to join us in viewing and discussing the Hiroshima Panels at Maruki! Let’s look at paintings by Iri Maruki and Toshi Maruki together and share thoughts. Your participation is warmly welcomed.

Date & Time: 21 June 2025 at 10:30 – 12:00
Venue: Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels
Capacity: 5
For: People with overseas roots
Fee: Free
Book: info@marukigallery.jp *Application closed

*Please note that the workshop may be subject to change or cancellation due to circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.