„Art“ in Japanese „Bijutsu“ Erasmus to Tokyo

by Taichi Nagasawa

Hello, this is Taichi.

I’m flying to Tokyo tomorrow for my exchange, and before I leave, I wanted to share a few thoughts.

There is actually no native Japanese word that fully matches the modern Western idea of „Art.“ If you take a look at dictionary, you will find out the word “bijutsu“ (美術), but this term was introduced during Japan’s modernization around 150 years ago, around the time of the Vienna World’s Fair. In Japan, craftsmanship has traditionally been valued more highly than the modern idea of fine art.

During the past four years in Vienna, I come to believe that artworks are simply part of daily life. For me, what matters most is not the final object, but the process of making.

At the same time, I understand that this way of thinking is not widely shared in Japan. Because of that, I no longer feel motivated to organize exhibitions or curate projects there.

Instead, I’ve recently found hope in workshops, because they focus on the act of making itself. Since this year, I’ve also been teaching at a art school in Japan.

That is why, I do Erasmus programme at Tokyo Geidai, I chose the Art Education Department instead of oil Painting (In Japan, art departments are usually organized by medium) The Art Education Department is closer to the questions I want to explore.

I believe art should be a means, not an end. Right now, my goal is to think about how making things can help us live healthier lives.

I’ll be back in Vienna at the beginning of February.

Have a nice holiday, and see you again!

Taichi

30.07.2026, Wien