Hello, my name is Lee Hana. I usually work at a Japanese animation studio while dedicating myself to indie game development and participating in events.
As the phrase “Summer is the season for events!” crosses my mind these days, I hope everyone is doing well. This time, I, Lee Hana, visited the “Design Festa,” which is called one of the largest art events in Asia, for the first time.
The Design Festa is an art festival held twice a year at Tokyo Big Sight, based on the concept that “anyone can exhibit without screening as long as it is an original work, regardless of whether they are a professional or an amateur.” To be honest, before visiting, I thought of this event as just a large-scale merchandise fair, underestimating it a bit.
However, that expectation was pleasantly and remarkably betrayed. The unimaginable scale and wave of people, along with the overwhelming amount of information brought by the uniquely individual works I encountered at the venue, left me in shock, making my head spin.
This time, my stay was unfortunately short, but that’s why I want to deliver a brief report of my beginner’s experience at the Design Festa, which is etched in my memory.
Overwhelming Amount of Information! The Joyful Panic that Struck a Beginner
First, before starting the report, let me say one thing.
“Don’t take the bus when going to Design Festa…!”
Perhaps because I underestimated the Design Festa, I first noticed something was off when every bus heading to Tokyo Big Sight was completely full, and I had to let several buses go by.
In the end, after waiting for an hour, I arrived at the venue, taking nearly double the expected time, only to find it already filled with people enjoying the event and heading home. Witnessing that scene made me think, “Maybe it’s too late…!” while also raising a simple question in my mind: “What are all these people seeking by gathering in this place?”
However, that question was resolved with shock the moment I stepped into the West Hall. What spread out before me was truly an “overwhelming amount of information.” I was instantly captivated by the high-resolution works and goods lined up in the illustration area. The sight of colorful paintings and designs, along with uniquely individual booths that were all different, felt like I had wandered into an alien space, completely detached from everyday life.
“What should I look at first?” When that joyful panic finally settled down, I realized that I had unconsciously made a complete round of the entire West Hall. From small and cute goods to creatively designed T-shirts, and even the occasional giant live painting mural that surprised me… the Design Festa might have been a bit too stimulating of an event for a beginner like me.
From “Experience” to “Space of Expression” — The Difference from Game Events
While experiencing various works, I felt that the decisive difference from the game and anime events I have participated in so far lies in how the “space” itself is created.
To elaborate a bit, game and anime events focus on “experiencing something” through a clear medium of works. At game events, there are often many opportunities to talk directly with creators, but that is also an extension of the experience of “playing a game.”
However, the Design Festa was different. It was a “free space” where the concept of “a place to express freely,” as promoted by the organizers, was embodied. Of course, merchandise is the main focus, but that is just one of many forms of expression.
Like live painting of murals, where creators share the moment they are creating their works. Visitors who came to see that convey their impressions to the creators at work and exchange words. It is no longer just about appreciating works. Even visitors who are not creators are participating in that space and taking part in the act of expression. When I think about it that way, the act of buying goods from my favorite creators might also be one of the simplest and most heartfelt forms of “expression.”
Having participated only in game and anime events, I might have become a bit rigid in my thinking. This experience truly provided me with a lot of inspiration and a chance to reflect.
After the Festival, and Onward
On a humid summer day, although my time was short, the Design Festa left a very rich and vivid experience that I could still savor on the train ride home. Even though this summer event has just ended, I already find myself looking forward to the next one in November, suggesting that there are still many charms yet to be fully explored.
Every time I participate in such events, regardless of the industry, I ponder the question mentioned in this report: “What is it that brings so many people together in this place?” Sometimes it’s to see a specific work, sometimes it’s to kill time, and other times it’s to create memories with someone. The reasons vary, but ultimately, I believe it leads to the simple answer that “there is something there that everyone can enjoy together.”
Recently, I have been busy with the development of a game that is about to be released, and I have become a bit out of touch with other works and industry trends. The energy I encountered at the Design Festa at this timing has become the best motivation for me.
My team, SKOOTAGAMES, is also currently busy preparing for an upcoming event. I, Lee Hana, will do my best to create enjoyable experiences and spaces together with all of you at that place!