2026.07.15
Report on “HAMAMATSU CREATIVE BOX ~Create, Experience, Connect~”
On Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30, 2025, “HAMAMATSU CREATIVE BOX – Create, Experience, Connect” was held at the Act City Hamamatsu Exhibition Event Hall and other venues!
This event brought together artists, designers, creators, and companies connected to Hamamatsu, with each participant’s form of “creating” gathered in one place.
Behind every act of “creating,” there are always “people.” By meeting these “people” and feeling the connections between “people,” visitors can experience the new appeal of Hamamatsu’s “culture” and “manufacturing.”
In this kind of space, the event aims to stimulate visitor’s creativity, including new perspectives, discoveries, ideas, and sensibilities toward things, and to create opportunities for them to try something new, enrich their hearts, and more.
These flyers, posters, venue map, and program were designed by students and professors from Shizuoka University of Art and Culture.
The finished materials clearly conveyed the contents and layout of each booth.
The booths were intentionally arranged in a circular layout. The aim was to allow visitors to view and experience the booths while moving naturally through the venue, and to enable the participating creators, companies, and other exhibitors not only to present their own booths, but also to gain inspiration from other exhibitors and interact with one another even more.
【Booth Exhibits】
This section allow visitors to experience exhibitors’ works, products, workshops, and more.
~Musical Instrument Manufacturers~
Hamamatsu’s musical instrument manufacturers came together beyond company boundaries and showcased their respective points of pride.
Visitors were able to learn about the distinctive features of each manufacturer. In addition, employees from each manufacturer gathered on the central stage, where discussions unfolded on topics such as their commitment to sound and their knowledge related to sound, creating interaction among the exhibitors.
Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. held a workshop where visitors could make toy pianos. By learning about the “mechanism” of the piano and actually using their hands to “create,” visitors were able to discover the appeal of pianos beyond “listening” and “performing.”
Yamaha Corporation offered a band experience program that allowed anyone to enjoy performing as part of a band. With support from instructors, participants tried improvising. They experienced the sense of accomplishment that comes from performing and the joy of making music with others.
Roland Corporation held a mini concert on the central stage featuring professional artists performing on electronic instruments. The instruments used by the artists were also displayed at the booth. Because the stage was so close to the audience, it offered a rare opportunity to observe even the performers’ hand movements and breathing up close.
Showa Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd. set up a specialized tuning workbench used in the harmonica manufacturing process. The exhibit allowed visitors to learn firsthand how harmonicas are made. Comments such as “I never knew that tuning was part of the harmonica making process” came not only from visitors but also from participating companies, giving them an opportunity to learn more about one another.
Through the distinctive exhibits and experiences presented by each company, visitors gained a renewed appreciation of Hamamatsu’s musical instrument industry. Dialogue among the participating companies also gave them an opportunity to recognize the pride each company takes in its work.
~Craftspeople Supporting the Musical Instrument Industry~
In addition to musical instrument manufacturers, skilled craftspeople who have supported the musical instrument industry also exhibited. Visitors learned about the “people” and “skills” that support manufacturing and culture.
Imadegawa Hammer Manufacturing specializes in producing piano hammers. Meiyo Woodworking Co., Ltd. specializes in producing piano benches. Shirowa Musical Instruments provides piano rental and repair services. The three exhibitors connected their booths and worked together throughout the event.
While based in Hamamatsu, these craftspeople specialize in musical instrument parts and support the musical instrument industry throughout Japan with their expertise. Through demonstrations, they introduced their products and techniques. Visitors and other exhibitors alike commented, “I had no idea that craftspeople with such outstanding skills were based so close by.”
Passing down specialized skills requires making them known to more people, and this event may have helped support that effort.
【Musical Instrument Experience】
Several musical demo areas were set up where visitors could try playing musical instruments for themselves. They enjoyed performing in their own ways.
There were other highlights as well… Interaction among the exhibitors led to collaborations arising on the spot, including impromptu joint performances on the stage set up in the booth area.
Every one of the booths was extremely engaging!
【Stage Performances and Talk Shows】
On Saturday, November 29, the program featured a live performance by Maywa Denki, cross talk sessions among booth exhibitors moderated by radio personalities from Hamamatsu, and live performances by musicians connected to Hamamatsu.
On Sunday, November 30, the stage was dedicated to “HAMAMATSU U18 ROCK FESTIVAL Tonosama”
The report on Tonosama is available here.
Through the wide variety of content presented over the two days, there were many moments when participating creators and companies interacted and formed connections.
After the venue closed on the 30th, the participants came together to perform “Hotaru no Hikari,” bringing the event to a close while enjoying music together!
Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as the artists, designers, creators, and companies who participated!
As the Creative City Hamamatsu, we will continue to share initiatives that enable residents to discover new appeal in the world around them and enhance their creativity while feeling connected to others!
〇HAMAMATSU CREATIVE BOX ~Create, Experience, Connect~
Date and time
Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Venues
[Main Venue] ACT CITY Hamamatsu Exhibition and Event Hall (3-12-1 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu)
[Satellite Venue] Kamoe Art Center (Kamoe-cho, Chuo-ku, 1 Hamamatsu)
[Satellite Venue] Hamamatsu Science Museum (256-3 Kitaterajima-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu)
