In June 2026, Wacom, in collaboration with the nonprofit organization WELgee, hosted a digital art workshop for refugees living in Japan (hereafter referred to as “internationals”).

The workshop was designed to foster connections through art and encourage mutual understanding of cultures and values among internationals from diverse backgrounds. Held in conjunction with World Refugee Day on June 20, participants explored the theme of “hope,” expressing and sharing their personal thoughts, aspirations and wishes for the future through digital art.

WELgee is a nonprofit organization that supports the employment and career development of refugees who have sought safety in Japan. Through its work, WELgee has identified a challenge faced by many internationals who have experience and skills in art and creative fields: opportunities to apply and showcase their talents are often limited. In many cases, securing a stable livelihood takes priority, making it difficult for individuals to pursue their original professional paths. This workshop was created in the hope of providing participants an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and identities through art, while also creating new connections and possibilities in Japan.

The workshop consisted of two parts. In the first session, internationals created digital artwork. In the second session, Wacom team members joined the group for presentations of the artwork created (in the first session), followed by a cultural exchange gathering.

Seven internationals from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Liberia and Ethiopia participated in the first session. The group included individuals who had worked as designers or artists in their home countries, as well as those who continue to pursue creative endeavors professionally or as a hobby. Participants used Wacom One pen displays together with ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 notebook PCs, which were provided by Lenovo Japan. Working around the theme of “hope,” each participant had the chance to express their own unique perspective and aspirations.

 

Many participants picked up a pen and began drawing as soon as they arrived at the venue. While some were trying out digital drawing for the first time, everybody quickly became comfortable with the tools and worked intently on their creations.

During the second session, Wacom team members joined the group for a presentation and exchange session, where participants shared the stories and inspirations behind their artwork. Conversations touched on participants’ home countries, their experiences living in Japan, and differences in culture and language. By sharing the hopes and messages reflected in their work and listening to one another’s stories, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences and background stories.

The group also collaborated on a collective artwork. On a single canvas, participants wrote the word “hope” in their native languages or added related words, symbols and drawings, creating one shared piece together. The activity sparked curiosity and conversation, with participants expressing surprise at seeing scripts such as Arabic and Farsi (Persian) and asking questions such as, “What does this say?”

 

The theme of “hope” was proposed by a member of the WELgee staff. After coming to Japan from Syria, the staff member views drawing and writing as familiar and meaningful ways to express personal experiences and identity, as well as powerful tools for fostering understanding among people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. By sharing their stories and hopes for the future through art, participants were able to experience a sense of connection and resilience, reflecting the ability to overcome challenges and continue moving forward.

Wacom will continue to explore the power of creativity through the digital inking experience, creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, collaborate and co-create meaningful forms of expression together.