Join us in Japan! Pratt Institute’s Catalyst + UNSETTLED – Updates + Few spots left
Donostia/San Sebastian image shares a glimpse of Karakuri ningyo a mechanized puppet from Japan, a tradition from the 18th century to 19th century. The word karakuri means a “mechanical device to tease or trick”. It implies an element of mystery, even magic. Much of Japans love of robots lies in the history of the Karakuri Ningyo and it continues its influence on technology and the arts today.
Each year we introduce our creative enterprise catalysts-current participants and program alumni-to catalysts from around the world who are designing our shared future. We unsettle ourselves and journey out to connect our growing Catalyst community with people and experiences to inspire, inform and re-ignite our collective future building energy.
Japan 2019
We hope you will join us this year as we explore Tokyo,
once the power center of the Tokugawa shogunate and
now the contemporary capital of cool!
Japan has experimented with leadership and structured power over many centuries-military, industrial and cultural-“soft power.”
We journey to Japan now to learn from its experimentation with “soft power and dig into the possibilities of ” Gross National Cool” and J-Cult – one creative driver of a major global economy-the 3rd largest.
As Tokyo readies itself for the 2020 “Olympics of the Future”, Professors Mc Bride and Takiura we will lead us as we explore how Japan is using its creative and cultural assets to shape that future and to make it meaningful within and across boundaries.
Join us as we inquire about ikigai, a life of meaning and purpose and investigate the animating power of kawaii, the adorable cuteness of the characters that seem to enliven products, robots and anime.
Wander with us and wonder how a pudgy Italian plumber, Super Mario, a winsome English Kitty cat,the Japanese American Transformers and the Princess Mononoke have gained entry across borders and into our homes and hearts at a time that hearts and borders can seem closed.
Come explore the unique interweaving of craft,design and fine arts that has made Tokyo a center for fashion and culture. And, savor with us the subtle and seductive tastes of Japan as we dig in to food culture!
