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[Osaka・Nakanoshima（中之島）] Study × PLAS : Asia Arts Fair — Discover, Collect, and Enjoy Japanese and Korean Art!

  • Writer: kumiko ishigaki
    kumiko ishigaki
  • Jul 12
  • 3 min read
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Starting April 11, the “Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025” kicks off once again.

Since its launch in 2022, this festival has developed into a major cultural platform, aiming to create social impact through art. The 2025 edition aligns with the Osaka-Kansai Expo and spans 186 days, from April 11 to October 13, with diverse art events unfolding across the city.

This article highlights one of the festival’s key programs: Study × PLAS : Asia Arts Fair.

*Note: This ticket does not grant entry to the Osaka-Kansai Expo.



What is Study × PLAS : Asia Arts Fair?

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2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. To commemorate this milestone, Korea’s contemporary art fair Plastic Art Seoul (PLAS) and Artlogue Co., Ltd. are co-hosting Study × PLAS : Asia Arts Fair.


The fair celebrates this anniversary while aiming to deepen artistic and cultural exchange across Asia. With a forward-looking spirit, it brings together Japanese and Korean creatives in a comprehensive art and design fair aligned with the Expo.

A special exhibition will feature works by acclaimed actor and artist Ha Ji-won.



Event Overview

  • Preview: July 20, 2025 (Sun) — VIPs, invited guests, press only

  • General Admission: July 21 (Mon) to 23 (Wed), 2025

  • Venue: Osaka International Convention Center（グランキューブ大阪）

  • Address: 5-3-51 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu

  • 🔗 [Official Site]

  • 公式サイトはこちら＞



Access:

  • Train: Direct connection from Keihan Nakanoshima Line “Nakanoshima Station（中之島駅）”   10-minute walk from Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line “Higobashi Station（肥後橋駅）”

  • Bus: Free shuttle bus from JR “Osaka Station（大阪駅）” (details on the official website)

The venue itself—Osaka International Convention Center（グランキューブ大阪）—was designed by famed architect Kisho Kurokawa and is worth visiting for its bold architectural form alone.🔗 [Learn more about the architecture of the Grand Cube Osaka]



A Full Program of Creative Events

Alongside the main art fair, a variety of creative and cultural events will also take place within the same venue.

StARTs UPs – Creative Business Contest

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StARTs UPs is a business competition focused on developing creative industries rooted in art and culture. It seeks solutions to social issues through innovation and creativity.

The judging panel includes notable figures such as:

  • Youichi Aso (CEO, AlphaDrive / Chairman, Entrepreneur Art Association)

  • Fumimasa Hirose (COO, ZOZO Inc.)

  • Masamichi Toyama (CEO, Smiles Co. / CEO, The Chain Museum)

  • Takeaki Doda (Head of Business Development, Google Ventures)

Finalist companies will receive online mentoring support from top leaders in art, design, and entertainment, including Ai Koike (THE CREATIVE FUND, LLP) and Masami Takahashi (COO, Scrum Ventures).

Additionally, Creww Korea is supporting the entry of Korean startups, with CEO Choi Kyusik（崔 圭植） joining the mentorship team. This initiative is set to strengthen ties with Korea’s startup ecosystem.

  • Final Pitch Contest: July 23, 2025 (Wed)

  • Venue: Osaka International Convention Center（グランキューブ大阪）

⇧official site

Study: Science & Art Award by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.


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Organized by Rohto Pharmaceutical and the festival executive committee, the Study: Science & Art Award invites submissions of works that fuse cutting-edge science and academic knowledge with artistic expression.

This award encourages experimentation in areas such as computer technology, AI, sound/video, and bio-art—exploring the fusion of science and art while placing emphasis on both concept and creativity.

  • Exhibition Dates: July 21 (Mon) – 23 (Wed), 2025

  • Venue: 10F Room 1008, Osaka International Convention Center（グランキューブ大阪）



Other events such as symposiums, artist talks, and gallery tours are also scheduled to take place at the venue.🔗 [Check the official festival site for the latest updates]



Explore the Nakanoshima（中之島） Area

Located between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, Nakanoshima（中之島） is a historically and culturally rich area filled with art museums and architectural landmarks.


Recommended Art Spots:

  • Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art（大阪中之島美術館）🔗

  • Children’s Book Forest Nakanoshima（こども本の森 中之島）🔗

  • Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library（大阪府立中之島図書館）🔗

  • Nakanoshima Kosetsu Museum of Art（中之島香雪美術館）🔗


Art x Gourmet Highlights:

  • Le Pont de Ciel（ルポンドシエル）: A long-established French restaurant offering a sophisticated fusion of fine dining and art in a tranquil riverside setting.

  • Kagairo（花外楼）: A historic Japanese restaurant located just across the river in Kitahama（北浜）、 open during lunch hours.


Study × PLAS : Asia Arts Fair is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese and Korean contemporary art, engage with emerging creatives, and explore the cultural richness of Nakanoshima（中之島）.


 
 
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