APU開学25周年記念 APU | HERALBONY Collaboration
WE'RE NOT THE SAME,AND THAT'S WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER.
Have you ever thought about what it actually means to "be yourself"?
Grades matter. Extracurriculars matter. Ambition matters.
But somewhere in the middle of all that trying, you start comparing.
And suddenly, just being yourself isn't enough.
Pause. Look around.
On campus. On the bus. In the crowd downtown.
Do you think any two people walk the exact same path in life?
Yes, sometimes being different is exhausting.
Sometimes it feels like standing alone in a room full of people.
But, you don't have to shout to be seen.
You don't have to perform to be acknowledged.
Just start by seeing.
See the person next to you. See what makes them, them.
And then, softly, slowly...see that in yourself.
Everyone is different...
That's actually the one thing we all have in common.
At APU, we're not here to erase what makes you different.
We're here to build a world where that difference becomes your strength.
Let's shape a future where different doesn't mean distant.
A future where our differences is what brings us together.
Throughout this anniversary year, APU and HERALBONY will collaborate in various forms.
For this project, we created a co-creation concept for APU students, accompanied by artwork by Fumie Shimaoka.
The Encounter Between APU and HERALBONY
As APU celebrates its 25th anniversary, we have adopted the theme of “Leap Beyond Global” to further advance our commitment to diversity & inclusion (D&I), aiming to leap beyond conventional notions of globalization.
As part of this initiative, APU is launching a commemorative collaboration with HERALBONY, a creative company whose mission is “Radiate Your Colors.”
HERALBONY works with artists with disabilities to transform perceptions of disability and create new cultural values by bringing their unique expressions into society.
APU deeply resonates with HERALBONY’s vision of creating a society that sees “differences” as value.
APU aims to be a university that transforms all kinds of "differences" into strengths through art, which has no common language or correct answers.
Past Collaborations
- Neck Strap
- We created neck straps featuring designs inspired by artworks.
- Campus Art Exhibition
- Art panels featuring works created by HERALBONY’s contracted artists are on display across the APU campus.
About HERALBONY Co., Ltd.
HERALBONY is a creative agency that connects artists with disabilities with companies and institutions. Through exceptional art, they change the perception of “disability”.
Managing a collection of over 2,000 artworks by neurodiverse artists, HERALBONY ensures fair royalties and fosters a sustainable business model.
In July 2024, HERALBONY established HERALBONY EUROPE in Paris— their first overseas subsidiary—to further expand their vision on a global scale.
Their in-house brand, HERALBONY, produces high-quality products infused with artistry and craftsmanship.
They also collaborate with companies to co-create inclusive experiences and creative projects.
In addition, HERALBONY organizes the HERALBONY Art Prize, an international award recognizing outstanding artists with disabilities.
Corporate Website : https://www.heralbony.jp/enopen_in_new
About “Cosmos” by Fumie Shimaoka
Fumie Shimaoka’s works—patiently connecting countless small circles and cells to express the things she loves and the feelings she holds—radiate a strong sense of challenge and perseverance. The way these innumerable dots and lines accumulate to form a single, cohesive space mirrors the APU campus, where diverse students gather and create a vibrant community together.