Artificial Cell Memorial & Microbial Memorial Gathering 2026
May 17, 2026 (Sun.) | Approximately 12:00–16:00
Artificial Cell Memorial & Microbial Memorial Gathering 2026
In 2016, during the Northern Ibaraki Art Festival, a monument was erected in the Satomi district of Hitachiōta City as part of an art project that explored the possibility of holding a memorial for microorganisms and artificial cells.
Since then, local residents and metaPhorest, the Life Aesthetics Platform at Waseda University, have jointly organized an annual gathering at the site.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the original project. We warmly invite everyone who has been involved over the years, as well as anyone interested in the project, to join us for this special occasion.
During the gathering, participants will polish the monument, which is made from Machiya Stone, a distinctive local stone material. We will then spend the afternoon together at the scenic venue—Kimpa Kangetsu, a former sake brewery now operating as the Orihashi Community Station—sharing natto pizza baked in a stone oven and dishes prepared with local ingredients.
Additional activities, including communal cooking and performances of the traditional shinobue bamboo flute, are also planned, so early arrivals are welcome.
The gathering is open to everyone. Families with children and international visitors are warmly encouraged to participate.
Please note that this event is not affiliated with any particular religious tradition. Rather, it uses the framework of memorialization as a way to reflect upon the vitality and existence of microorganisms and artificial forms of life. Participants are welcome to engage with the idea of memorialization in whatever manner feels meaningful to them.
Event Information
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: Approximately 12:00–16:00
Venue: Kimpa Kangetsu (Former Sake Brewery) / Orihashi Community Station
799 Orihashi-cho, Hitachiōta, Ibaraki, Japan
Participation Fee: ¥1,000 (Free for residents of the Satomi district and for minors)
Registration
To assist with event planning, all participants are kindly requested to complete the Google Form below.
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https://forms.gle/ubBWFD3cUMZCv3dB8 :::
Registration Deadline: April 30, 2026, 23:59 (JST)
Access
The venue is located in an area with limited access by public transportation.
We are currently considering arranging a chartered bus service between Mito Station and the venue for participants attending on the day.
Please refer to the registration form above for further details and to indicate your transportation preferences.