Hello everyone, I'm pleased to present you with the December issue of the EmPath newsletter.

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to rediscover the connections between the cultures and people around us. This month, we bring you activity reports and heartwarming stories from EmPath members around the world.

Topic 1: Visiting the coastal art museums

The Tohoku region was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. After that, a seawall was constructed in the town, but some people said that they could no longer see the ocean.

In the midst of this, **Madoutaro Takahashi (Director of the Coastline Art Museum)** visited the area, asking himself, "Is there anything I can do as an artist?", and after three years of dialogue, this museum was born.

The local culture and people's thoughts are depicted on the seawall, creating a place where nature and culture resonate with each other.

What I felt was the beauty of the trust and collaborative process, more than the artwork itself. Art has the power to connect people, landscapes, and stories. I would like to visit again next time with my EmPath colleagues. Works from the EmPath Art Program will also be painted here soon.

Executive Director and Founder Hironobu Matsuura

Topic② - Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festival)

Aki Matsuri, an annual event that allows Malaysians to experience autumn in Japan, was held again this year. A diverse program was held at Sunshine Central, a shopping mall in Penang, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the venue was bustling with activity all day long. This large-scale exchange festival, themed around Japanese culture, art, and friendship, was organized by the Malaysia-Japan Society (MJS) and the Penang State Government. It is a popular event that attracts many Japanese people, local residents, and tourists every year.

Highlights & Programs

The event will be packed with events offering opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture! Planned events include a stage performance of Japanese drumming and the Soran Bushi dance, as well as a performance by a 55-member Japanese choir. There will also be a kimono and yukata fashion show, and corners where you can try origami, kirigami, matcha tea, and sushi-making, allowing you to enjoy immersive Japanese culture. There will also be a Canon-sponsored photography workshop, a "Miss Akimatsuri" contest, karate demonstrations, and performances by students and local groups, making it a fun day for the whole family! There will also be games for children, a raffle, and a QR code rally, making it a fun event for families. The event is supported and sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, the Japanese Association of Japan, the Penang Japanese School, as well as companies such as Texchem, Canon, and Sushi-Ya.

Japanese cultural events take root in Penang

"Aki Matsuri," "Yosakoi," and "Bon Odori" have become established as the three major Japanese cultural events held in Penang every year. Among these, Aki Matsuri serves as a "cultural bridge" between Japan and Malaysia, providing a place where the bond between the two countries can be felt. The appeal of this event is that it brings together a variety of people, including Japanese international students, local students, and families, and naturally creates exchanges through culture.

thoughts

I was unable to attend as I am currently back in Japan, but I believe Aki Matsuri was a very valuable event that allowed me to share Japanese culture with the people of Malaysia. By watching the stage and enjoying the experience booths with the locals, I think the participants were able to experience a warm connection that transcends cultural and language differences. I am very happy and proud that Japanese culture is so well-loved and accepted in Malaysia.

EmPath Correspondent Sarah (Malaysia)

Topic 3: Japanese Culture and Art Festival

The Japanese Culture and Arts Festival was a one-day event, featuring live Japanese drumming performances around the venue throughout the day. The outdoor area featured baseball pitching demonstrations, aikido, fun games, and a variety of food vendors, including yakisoba. The town hall annex also offered matcha green tea sales and a tea ceremony experience.

In the indoor area of the main hall, a variety of booths were exhibited, including miscellaneous goods made from recycled fabrics, shogi, origami, flower arranging, travel tips, and Japanglish. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and soft serve ice cream were also on sale, attracting many visitors.

Date and time: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Event type: Art Festival

Venue: Collingwood Town Hall, Collingwood

Organized by: Japan Culture and Arts Festival Executive Committee

Official website: https://www.jcafmel.com/

(EmPath correspondent Julie Egan)

Topic 4: "Happiness is here" - Art Festival & Happiness 2025

On November 17th, we held the online “Art Festival & Happiness 2025” with participants from all over the world.

Through presentations by art festival organizers from Japan and the United States, as well as researchers on well-being and happiness, the event provided an opportunity to consider the question "What is happiness?" from multiple perspectives.

This was a time for us to look at the "happiness" that already exists in our daily lives and to once again feel the importance of stopping and reflecting.

The art program involved participants writing messages asking, "What does connection mean to you?" and Japanese artists then turned these messages into collaborative artworks using the traditional Japanese craft of mizuhiki as a motif.

Thanks to all the participants, presenters, and supporters, we were able to share a heartwarming time of realization and connection.

Please look forward to the next event.

Thank you for reading to the end. This is the season when connections with others and small realizations can warm the heart, even in the midst of our busy daily lives. EmPath hopes to continue connecting with you through culture, art, and dialogue next year as well. Please look forward to the next issue.

Our activities are made possible by the support of many people. If you feel that this is something you would like to support, please consider making a donation. Your support will be a great help in supporting our activities for the next generation.

Please access via the URL or QR code below.

https://donate.stripe.com/bJe6oIgkxaQm9JC1PwaEE00