About VS.
Prologue
VS. is a New Cultural Apparatus.
VS. is a venue that hosts exhibitions and events broadly related to culture. But why do we define it as a “Cultural apparatus” rather than simply a Cultural facility? The art, technology, and creativity unfolding at VS. do not remain confined within the facility; they venture outwards, being repurposed and transformed into various forms, eventually taking root within society. Visitors themselves discover previously unknown facets of themselves, as well as dormant curiosity and creativity, through their experiences at VS.
We aim to create such a platform, believing it is worthy of being called a “Cultural apparatus”.
In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, VS. carries two core missions:
One is the "Industrialization of Culture." We aim to demonstrate and promote how Japan’s world-class cultural foundations—including the arts, education, cutting-edge technology, entertainment, food, and traditional culture—can be successfully established as an industry.
The other is the "Culturalization of Industry." We provide opportunities and space where sensibility and creativity are integrated into manufacturing and other industries, enhancing added value rooted in cultural contexts—making things interesting, enjoyable, beautiful, cool, or pleasurable.
From VS., located beneath the lush greenery of a park in the heart of Osaka, we broadcast a new system of values to the world.
VS. is a venue that hosts exhibitions and events broadly related to culture. But why do we define it as a “Cultural apparatus” rather than simply a Cultural facility? The art, technology, and creativity unfolding at VS. do not remain confined within the facility; they venture outwards, being repurposed and transformed into various forms, eventually taking root within society. Visitors themselves discover previously unknown facets of themselves, as well as dormant curiosity and creativity, through their experiences at VS.
We aim to create such a platform, believing it is worthy of being called a “Cultural apparatus”.
In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, VS. carries two core missions:
One is the "Industrialization of Culture." We aim to demonstrate and promote how Japan’s world-class cultural foundations—including the arts, education, cutting-edge technology, entertainment, food, and traditional culture—can be successfully established as an industry.
The other is the "Culturalization of Industry." We provide opportunities and space where sensibility and creativity are integrated into manufacturing and other industries, enhancing added value rooted in cultural contexts—making things interesting, enjoyable, beautiful, cool, or pleasurable.
From VS., located beneath the lush greenery of a park in the heart of Osaka, we broadcast a new system of values to the world.
About
The Umeda area where VS. is located was once a freight station for the Japanese National Railways (now JR). Historically, it was adjacent to a canal drawn from a nearby river, forming a major logistics artery where waterways and land routes intersected. Goods of every variety from across Japan and indeed the world gathered here, and were transported from here, underpinning Japan's economy. Inheriting this historical background, we have designated this place as a “Visionary Station = VS.”, a station to realize visions.
VS. also carries the meaning of “Versus”. While this may generally evoke images of opposition or contrast, here at VS., we also aim to create a place where differing values, personalities, genres, and generations engage in a “positive confrontation”. Through this, we seek to inspire and encourage one another, generating new possibilities.
VS. also carries the meaning of “Versus”. While this may generally evoke images of opposition or contrast, here at VS., we also aim to create a place where differing values, personalities, genres, and generations engage in a “positive confrontation”. Through this, we seek to inspire and encourage one another, generating new possibilities.
LOOKING BACK ON
OUR FIRST YEAR
OUR FIRST YEAR
Approximately one year has passed since our opening, and VS. has hosted a variety of exhibitions. Among these, the exhibition “Zooming Into Buildings, Zooming Out to Cities created by TAKENAKA CORPORATION” felt like an exhibition that truly visualized the vision we hold for VS..
We believe this process demonstrated the connections and curatorial capabilities that were uniquely possible through VS. We plan to release the archive in 2026. We look forward to your continued interest.
We believe this process demonstrated the connections and curatorial capabilities that were uniquely possible through VS. We plan to release the archive in 2026. We look forward to your continued interest.