In September 2025, we hosted a special digital art workshop pop-up as part of Mirai Sketch Park, at the senior residence Garden Terrace Kinuta Park in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan.

This workshop was part of Mirai Sketch Park, a digital drawing and coloring event sponsored by Wacom within the framework of the OSAKA Satellite EXPO (OSE), which ran through the end of October 2025. Wanting to extend the experience to those who might be unable to travel to Osaka, we organized this pop-up event in connection with Respect for the Aged Day. With the support of Kakushin Inc., a partner of OSE, and the cooperation of Shimada Living Partners Co., Ltd., ten residents of Garden Terrace Kinuta Park took part in creating digital artworks using the Wacom Movink 13 OLED pen display.

The workshop unfolded in two sessions: digital coloring and digital drawing. In the coloring session, participants chose from four ‘future’-themed designs and freely explored color combinations. Some residents, who admitted it was their first time using a computer, were initially nervous, but quickly grew engaged, asking questions like, “Which color should I try?” or “How about this one?” while working together. One resident added colors and patterns inspired by her beloved dog, while another chose shades to match the clothes she was wearing. Each finished piece of art reflected the individuality, imagination, and joy of its creator.

Participants delighted in exploring the variety of digital tools –  trying out the soft textures of watercolor and oil brushes, and expressing surprise at the spray and fill features. They experimented with many tools, layering colors in unique and personal ways.

The drawing session was guided by the theme, “The Future I Want to Preserve.” Residents brought cherished memories to life through their art: childhood evenings spent catching fireflies, cherry blossoms in full bloom, the New Year’s sky, cars once driven for work or admired from afar, and fond memories of skiing. During the sharing session that followed, many participants spoke about the stories behind their drawings, offering a window into treasured moments from their lives.

Staff members personalized the workshop experience to each participant, providing reference images for those skilled at sketching, or helping others draw out personal memories and stories from something as simple as a coffee cup illustration.

Shimada Living Partners, who supported the event, shared their impressions: “It was striking how quickly the residents became comfortable with the pen tablet and how much they enjoyed drawing.”

The completed artworks were showcased on September 15, 2025, during MEGA CANVAS, a large-scale projection mapping event held near the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai venue. It was organized by the Kansai Innovation Center and co-hosted by Osaka Prefecture in celebration of Respect for the Aged Day. The projection was later screened at Garden Terrace Kinuta Park as well, where residents watched with delight as their creations lit up a massive canvas.;

The residents’ artworks were projected at MEGA CANVAS, visible from within the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai venue and capturing the attention of many visitors.

At Social Initiatives, our focus is on “Finding Connections to Society Through Wacom’s Instruments and Technology,” while exploring new ways of connecting society and communities. This workshop reflected that vision: whether in Osaka or Tokyo, people were able to share the same creative experience through Wacom’s instruments. Digital art also made it possible for their works to be shared freely, transcending cities and physical boundaries.

Wacom will continue to explore the ultimate in drawing, writing, and beyond, while pioneering the broader inking experience, delivering its joys and potential to people everywhere.