Takanabe Historical Museum, established in 1986, was reimagined to address declining visitor engagement due to outdated exhibits. The redesign embraced JIN, the philosophy of benevolence, transforming it into a cultural and educational hub fostering civic pride. Through visual storytelling and spatial design, the renewal introduced thematic curation, immersive exhibitions, and layered acrylic panels symbolizing historical continuity. Renamed Ninomaru History Museum, it now serves as an interactive space where heritage, education, and community connect.

Tomohiro Kaji is a former creative director for UNIQLO Co., Ltd. He graduated from Academy of Art University, San Francisco and joined UNIQLO Co., Ltd. in 2008 as the first graphic designer in its communications field. He’s built and managed an in-house creative team contributing global branding projects including HEATTECH and Ultra Light Down product branding, product marketing and digital integraded campaigns. He founded TOMODACHI Ltd. (https://tomodachiltd.com) in 2019, an independent creative agency to create art + strategy for branding, and became its representative director. Tomohiro has opened Kishu-Ann, a renovated villa built in Edo period – about 200 years ago to provide a private stay of classic Japanese experience. (kishu-ann.com)

Takanabe Town Hall is the administrative center of Takanabe Town, located in Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. It oversees local governance, public services, and community development. The town hall manages various sectors, including education, welfare, urban planning, and cultural preservation, contributing to regional sustainability. It also supports historical projects, such as the revitalization of the Takanabe Town Historical Museum, to promote civic pride and historical awareness.