Kotaro Aoki
Co-Founder and Chairmain, KOTOWARI
🌍 Tokyo, Japan
The Wellbeing Project
The World Will Not Change Unless We Change OurselvesThe World Will Not Change Unless We Change Ourselves
Stories from the Hearth
Reflections From:
As a new endeavor, we will be holding Hearth Summit Kyoto at the end of this year. As we look for young people to join us on the journey to the summit, let me share my personal background and talk about my own journey so far. This journey began in the Himalayas in India.
Surrounded by mountains that are silent and devoid of any sign of life, where the wisdom of the East is stored, I spent my days training. After studying philosophy at a liberal arts university in the United States, I worked in global investment, and then I set off on a journey of wandering. Through my travels, I realized that the roots of the problems that are prevalent in the world lie in the framework of civilization and human consciousness that have existed for hundreds of years.
This realization turned into conviction through my journey to the wisdom of the world, past and present, and my days of training in the Himalayas. No matter how much the framework of society is reformed, if the consciousness of people who aspire to change does not change, the same problems will be repeated. Above all, the world will not change unless we change ourselves. I was struck by the true meaning of Mahatma Gandhi’s adage, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
After returning to Japan a few years ago, I began to give back to society the fruits of my journey. Since last year, my work has expanded beyond generations and borders to connect with the world. Through the management of the retreat “Gandhi 3.0” in India and the “KUNI Initiative” co-run by Haruo Miyagi, leaders in philosophy, religion, politics and business have come together to create a global solidarity that aims to create a new society rooted in inner transformation.
While the world around us is facing a worsening crisis, at the same time, there are strong signs of the birth of a new worldview. We will build the future of society on a foundation of wisdom that will not change over the ages. There must be a way in which the pursuit of personal truth and happiness and the efforts to improve society as a whole can coexist without contradiction. Pioneers who embody this kind of future are beginning to appear around the world.
Global leaders who are at the forefront of this exploration will gather in Japan to create the future of society together with the younger generation. Driven by this vision, this project was born. I look forward to meeting young colleagues who will join me in exploring the future of Japan and the world.
Kotaro Aoki
EXPLORE THE REGIONAL SUMMITS FURTHEREXPLORE THE REGIONAL SUMMITS FURTHER
Dive Into Stories From Around the World
Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AsiaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Asia
Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing wellbeing in Asia.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders With Wisdom From Japan..
Non classé
Intergenerational Trauma, Ancestry, and Race
Non classé
KIMBERLY ASHBY
SELF CARE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
Kimberly Marie Ashby is a Black and Native American, queer, woman artist, activist, and doctoral candidate in counseling psychology. Kimberly creates hand-cut collages through an Afrofuturist lens, using found materials to reflect marginalized people’s ability to make marvels out of the scraps they are given. Kimberly created this hand-cut collage To express the importance of self-care, particularly for Black and Brown people in the US who are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
BUNNIE REISS
HOPE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“I created these posters as a way to connect with the world during a time of such complete isolation. My hope is that they help others to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The only real way for us to get through this is together.
BUNNIE REISS
STANDING APART
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“I created these posters as a way to connect with the world during a time of such complete isolation. My hope is that they help others to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The only real way for us to get through this is together.”
Varshini Ramakrishnan
GOOD DAYS NOT FAR AWAY
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“It’s time to manage the voice of the Media and take control of the voices inside our heads. The media content we’ve been consuming since Covid-19 has taken a toll on our thoughts and emotions. We feel the urge to stay up to date on the current happenings and tend to incline towards negativity. This artwork is inspired by vintage advertisements, portraying the importance of a mental cleanse. Visual media like advertisements, cinema etc, have always been part of our mental growth. I visualise the voice of media to be more positive and break stereotypes around mental illness.”
Ruchita Ashok
BELIEVES
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“Every little donation will help in making sure that somebody doesn’t sleep hungry.”
Ruchita Ashok
HOPE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“Hope can be a powerful force, especially in difficult times. Today, the world is facing the coronavirus crisis, a pandemic that has changed lives for millions of people, so Let’s stand strong behind every fighter and to donate non-profits organizations providing relief during Covid-19 and taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe at home. And most importantly, remember prevention is better than cure.🌼”
TROY CHAFIN
NATURE HEALS
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“Nature (the sun, trees, plants, animals, and so on) is the greatest source of therapy for humans that has ever existed. Everything in nature is meant to heal us. In this age of isolation, yes, the world needs messages of action, staying in separation from each other, and helping one another. But in addition to this, we all also need messages of calming hope. That everything will be ok. Get some sunshine on your face, and connect with your plants and pets inside your home. Nature will heal us.”
VINITHA BASKARAN
HOPE AND LOVE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“The world will be a better place with an abundance of Hope and Love. In this difficult time of year, Let us all hope that this too shall pass and spread as much as love as possible to one another.”
RAHUL JAIGADKAR
GYAN MUDRA
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age
“Coping with the pandemic is getting harder and harder with each passing day. With so much of information freely available to read, our mind is filled with numerous thoughts such as the lotus surrounded by dirtiest water. As the lotus produces the most beautiful lotus flower from this dirty water, Gyan Mudra helps us to purify our thoughts.”
RUE OLIVER
GATHER OUR POWERS
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
RUCHITA ASHOK
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“The modern pandemic COVID-19 will define this era absolutely. No one who lives through will forget the pain that people are feeling now and will continue to feel for years to come. Meanwhile on the other hand this will define brotherhood, humanity, faith, strength, courage and kindness.There is always a light at the end of tunnel but while going through that darkness nobody knows if there is any, but it is the faith and hope and willpower that keeps us driving through hardships to reach the brighter side. Pray for our world, pray for all!”
ANIRUDH KADAV
BREATHE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength’ In my opinion, mental health is the most overlooked aspect of human nature. Seldom we give it the attention it deserves. No amount of wealth guarantees ones well being and current global scenario is a reflection of the same. At the moment, when the world is facing a, what seems to be an immortal, enemy, no amount of wealth or militia is enough to fight it. In these times, when people are forced to be at home, take a step back and reflect. As much effort is being put in maintaining and enhancing physical strength, try and focus on your inner peace as well. What makes you happy? A question, to which most of us have an answer to, but rarely do we act on it. We have always been too pre occupied with things and troubles, which now do not seem to matter as much. So let’s take a deep breathe, and focus on what is more important – YOU. Be the change you wish to see in the world. World peace, begins at Inner peace. Stay Positive. Stay Home. Stay Safe”
PACO ESPINAR
HOPE HOME
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
ALEJANDRO VARELA
DON’T PANIC, BE RESILIENT
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“This work riffs off the famous phrase of the Indian spiritual master Meher Baba, “Don’t worry; Be happy,” later converted into song by Bobby McFerrin in 1988. Its concise message of positivity has at times been misunderstood as careless or passive, but simplicity is powerful and mantras like these continue to be used because they encourage us during challenging times. While its difficult to be happy in the face of this crisis and the uncertainty it brings, together we can withstand the curve, flatten it, and recover- not through worry or panic, but through collaboration as a world community. With this work, I want to express a simple message for all of us: to resist fear-mongering messages and to focus on our innate human resilience.”
VARSHINI RAMAKRISHNAN
MIND MEDIA POSITIVITY
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“It’s time to manage the voice of the Media and take control of the voices inside our heads. The media content we’ve been consuming since Covid-19 has taken a toll on our thoughts and emotions. We feel the urge to stay up to date on the current happenings and tend to incline towards negativity. This artwork is inspired by vintage advertisements, portraying the importance of a mental cleanse. Visual media like advertisements, cinema etc, have always been part of our mental growth. I visualise the voice of media to be more positive and break stereotypes around mental illness.”
María toro
mind-aware world-awake
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“If we all connect our minds and stay aware, the world will wake up. MIND AWARE- WORLD AWAKE!”
Skye Sturm
SPREAD LOVE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“I created this artwork because I wanted to celebrate all of the acts of selflessness and kindness, both big and small, that we have seen during the pandemic. But I was also seeing so much hatred and blame. I wanted to remind people to withhold judgement, to remember that we are all in this together and that a little kindness goes a long way. Even wearing a mask and maintaining distance is an act of kindness and respect to those around us. I chose the rainbow and sunshine as a bright and positive backdrop to the message – the symbol of hope, of rays of sunlight which shine through in a dark storm. I hope this message can help people to stay positive, and that it encourages everyone to spread a little love in these difficult times.”
ELIZA WOLFSON
STAY IN TOUCH
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
In the current Covid-19 crisis thinking on the future just makes me experience much anxiety. As I currently see things, there’s no point to think about the future when a storm of uncertainty surrounds us and our lives are on hold. I think it’s time for us to stay mindful, concentrating on the present moment and tackle everyday problems in the calmest way possible. If our mind is overloaded, our capacity response will stay low which won’t allow us to progress. I suggest practicing yoga and meditation as a powerful tool to stay calm and coherent.
See more from Raul here
GIANCARLO MANCUSO
HOPE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
This poster is a symbolic expression of Hope. The color yellow is known to be the colour of hope, and happiness. All the images illustrated are used to express hope, peace, love, and the fight against COVID-19. See more from Giancarlo here
KIMBERLY ASHBY
SELF CARE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
Kimberly Marie Ashby is a Black and Native American, queer, woman artist, activist, and doctoral candidate in counseling psychology. Kimberly creates hand-cut collages through an Afrofuturist lens, using found materials to reflect marginalized people’s ability to make marvels out of the scraps they are given. Kimberly created this hand-cut collage To express the importance of self-care, particularly for Black and Brown people in the US who are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
LENDL ROMERO
SACRIFICES
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
A Greater risk of everything in life is what our Medical People are willing to sacrifice fighting this life threatening pandemic. Most countries are not prepared and it comes with a prize . My art speaks everything lacking on our Health Care System . We may get through this soon but we need to provide them the liberty and support they need . To our Front liners we salute and pray for the strength you put into despite the lack of measures of our Government. (Ray thorns & Sun represents the hero / liberty image)
EMILY PERELMAN
SUPPORT EACH OTHER
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
Digital illustration representing themes of support, coming together, and shining a light in a time of darkness, by Emily Lynn Perelman.
See more from Emily here
EMILY PERELMAN
SUPPORT EACH OTHER
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
Digital illustration representing themes of support, coming together, and shining a light in a time of darkness, by Emily Lynn Perelman.
See more from Emily here
SHIRIEN DAMRA
LET YOURSELF REST
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
Capitalism tries to push the idea that we need to be productive. A lot of us feel like we need to constantly hustle and be on the grind to achieve our dreams. But giving yourself time to rest and take care of yourself is a gift that can empower you. It sounds counter-intuitive, but rest ultimately allows you to be in a stronger place to tackle whatever comes your way. But we are in a global pandemic right now. It’s necessary to rest and breathe and check in with yourself!
See more from Shirien here
YASH PRADHAN
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“Even if you’re isolated, you’ve to remind yourself you’re not alone in this. Staying home can be uninspiring, times passes slower but remember this too shall pass.”
See more from Yash here
DAMIEN CIFELLI
JUST REMEMBER TO BREATHE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“My poster is one of a series of three original oil paintings. I used oil due to its association with portraits of important historical figures, adding gravity to the message in the poster. The idea is to insert the mask into attractive and aspirational images, representing the idea of wearing a mask as a positive thing. Each poster is based around the word breathe. Firstly – around the literal idea of being able to breathe freely by wearing a mask, secondly – allowing the planet the space to breathe by doing your part and thirdly – addressing the anxiety that comes with the unknown elements of the crisis.”
DAMIEN CIFELLI
LET THE PLANET BREATHE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“My poster is one of a series of three original oil paintings. I used oil due to its association with portraits of important historical figures, adding gravity to the message in the poster. The idea is to insert the mask into attractive and aspirational images, representing the idea of wearing a mask as a positive thing. Each poster is based around the word breathe. Firstly – around the literal idea of being able to breathe freely by wearing a mask, secondly – allowing the planet the space to breathe by doing your part and thirdly – addressing the anxiety that comes with the unknown elements of the crisis.”
lindsay-bonavolonta
MENTAL HEALTH
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“I, like all essential workers, have recently been given an important task; to be the face of resilience during this pandemic. However, while we spend much of our time helping others it can be easy to forget about our own mental health needs as we navigate this new normal.”
See more from Lindsay here
damien cifelli
BREATHE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“My poster is one of a series of three original oil paintings. I used oil due to its association with portraits of important historical figures, adding gravity to the message in the poster. The idea is to insert the mask into attractive and aspirational images, representing the idea of wearing a mask as a positive thing. Each poster is based around the word breathe. Firstly – around the literal idea of being able to breathe freely by wearing a mask, secondly – allowing the planet the space to breathe by doing your part and thirdly – addressing the anxiety that comes with the unknown elements of the crisis.”
Danica Ricciardi
TAKE CARE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“Protect each other and be kind!”
Lisa Vollrath
SPREAD COMPASSION
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“I see nerves getting frayed, from all the staying home, and little inconveniences of our new day to day life. I always try to remember to spread a little laughter when I go out, even if I’m not feeling particularly happy. The world isn’t all about me, and it’s good to have a little compassion for the folks around us right now.”
See more from Lisa here
natalia cardona puerta
SUPPORT SYSTEMS GO THE DISTANCE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“Even though social distancing has pulled us physically apart, the emotional bonds that we share with our loved ones are still intact and our support system will always be there to help, no matter what. In the meantime, let’s gather in a telepathic embrace, let’s hear our voices over the phone, and let’s read our words of joy & concern through letters. We will hug, and look at each other in the eyes again, and when that day comes, our connection will be stronger than ever.”
See more from Natalia here
Chris Andri Lourens
THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“This artwork was created as an art piece to remind people to focus on the positive things. It also has a colouring book version which can be downloaded and coloured in for those who need some at-home entertainment.”
See more from Chris-Zandri here
Bee Harris
FIND YOUR PEACE
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“This moment in time has heightened the anxieties of many people around the world. Now more than ever, it’s important that we look inward and focus on the things that bring us joy and peace.”
See more from Bee here
bonnie browN
APART YET CLOSER THAN EVER
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“Heading into our sixth week of lockdown in New Zealand I’ve been feeling physically distant from those around me, yet closer than ever mentally. From waving to my neighbours from my balcony, to catching up with childhood friends. When we leave lockdown it’ll be with a new sense of community, hope and optimism.”
Valerie Gaudreault Guilbert
LETS REACH OUT
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
“During these stressful times, loneliness can be hard for a lot of people and staying home often means feeling isolated. To break this cycle and protect our wellbeing, contacting a family member, a friend or a mental health professional can help us go through this. Let’s reach out.”
Kahfi Azhary
STAY HEALTHY STAY STRONG
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
This poster has a message for all citizens of the world to remain healthy and strong in the fight against the plague covid19. stay safe, stay home, stay healthy, stay strong.
CAM WATTS
COVID COMPASSION
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
We can’t offer each other our hands, but we can cultivate our compassion garden and be there for each other in other ways during these trialing times. Compassion for the sick, the fearful, the jobless, the old, the young, and the alone. We are all being challenged in different ways right now and compassion for each other is of the utmost importance.
LISA SALDIVAR
KINDNESS NOT CANCELLED
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
A demonstration of kindness from communities around the world shown to inspire a contagion of kindness in these difficult times.
RAUL GUTIERREZ
STAY MINDFUL
In response to COVID-19, The Wellbeing Project, in collaboration with Amplifier Art launched a campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world, looking for symbols that promote mental health, wellbeing and social change work in this new age.
In the current Covid-19 crisis thinking on the future just makes me experience much anxiety. As I currently see things, there’s no point to think about the future when a storm of uncertainty surrounds us and our lives are on hold. I think it’s time for us to stay mindful, concentrating on the present moment and tackle everyday problems in the calmest way possible. If our mind is overloaded, our capacity response will stay low which won’t allow us to progress. I suggest practicing yoga and meditation as a powerful tool to stay calm and coherent.
