WE ARE THE HOUSE

Titled intriguingly as ‘We Are the House’, this project brings together three Dutch artists, activists, and me for a 9-day salon in Kyoto, where we will create a HOUSE through dialogue with the local community. This salon will take place across theatres, cinemas, galleries, schools, and temples, ultimately leading to a performance piece premiering in 2026.

Through exhibitions, performances, talks, film screenings, workshops, parties, and shared meals, we aim to create an open and inclusive space where artists and citizens can connect and engage in dialogue. Key themes such as femininity, family, gender inequality, patriarchy, LGBTQ rights, human rights, and abortion care will be at the forefront of our discussions.

Traditionally, a house is viewed as a shelter from the elements — a place of comfort within the family and community. However, can we observe, shift, liberate, dismantle, share, and co-create the concept of HOUSE, transforming it into a space that belongs to us all? We will confront this question together over these 9 days of experimental dialogue.

Tomoko Mukaiyama

SALON PROGRAMME　Kyoto version
Event Period: Friday, 30 May,2025- Sunday, 8 June, 2025
Venue: Kyoto Art Center, No.317 ANEWAL Gallery, Gyokuryuin Temple

　Tomoko Mukaiyama
　Rebecca Gomperts
　Noa Jansma
　Kiriko Mechanicus

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Making our Altar(みんなの祭壇)

During the salon, we will create a shared altar where you can freely place photographs, cherished keepsakes, your favourite flowers, or fruits. Bring something meaningful to you, and together, let’s complete this collective altar with our thoughts and memories.

*Items installed are non-returnable. They may also be used in a performance to be held in March 2026.

Installation Period: Friday, 30 May 2025, 15:00 – Sunday, 8 June 2025, 18:00
Location: Kyoto Art Center Entrance

Otohime Radio(乙姫ラジオ)

Is the sound of urination something to be ashamed of? Mai Endo and Tomoko Mukaiyama reconstruct Otohime — a uniquely Japanese device that masks restroom sounds — into an installation, transforming it into a media artwork incorporating multilingual practical information. Using the toilets at Kyoto Art Center as an exhibition space, this project examines Japan’s culture of silencing bodily sounds and explores diverse toilet cultures worldwide. The piece also challenges perceptions and habits surrounding restrooms from multiple perspectives.

Artists: Mai Endo + Tomoko Mukaiyama 
Installation Period: Friday, 30 May 2025, 15:00 – Sunday, 8 June 2025, 18:00
Location: Selected toilets at Kyoto Art Center

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BIG HOUSE PARTY

Kansai’s most iconic drag queens will come together for a glamorous and powerful opening party! Joined by pole dancers, go-go boys, voguing dancers, and more, this dazzling show features 23 performers!

CAST
Simone Fukayuki，Bluerett，OZ，Femina，Afreeda OBreat，Chocolate de Chocolate，BeBe marmalade/ SHINTAROH，TAIYO，MAL / ELIANA，MECAV / ShowTA，Tenchan，Chihaya，Mokkyun / Yuki & Kei，inesik / D・K・Uraji / DJ kor，DJ Shunpuri

※Special ticket bonus includes: participation in ‘Makeover for Me’, a photo session with Tomoko Mukaiyama and the drag queens (photo will be printed and mailed to you later), an original clear file, and one drink ticket.
※Guests aged 25 or under must present a valid ID or student card at the entrance.
※Accessories for the makeover will be available for everyone — please pick one and wear it when you come in.

Makeover for me(私のためのメイクオーバー)　

(Make-up booth in the party venue)

Experience party makeup, face painting, and manicures by drag queens, and embrace the freedom of expression beyond gender boundaries. Discover new possibilities for a unique gender for the participant.

※A separate ticket for the ‘BIG HOUSE PARTY’ is required.
※Self-makeup and nail polish stations are free to use.
※No reservation needed.

Culinary Explorations / Intergenerational Cooking Show(台所がつなぐ家族)

An art project that uncovers the stories woven into the family kitchen. It explores how family histories and daily rituals are passed down, offering a fresh perspective on the kitchen. The project evokes a ‘family restaurant’ that embodies the transmission of tradition across generations.

PV
Please click here to know more about this project！

School of sex and women’s bodies（性と身体を学ぶスクール）

Knowing our bodies is the foundation of sex education and the first step toward freedom. This school offers a space to learn about our bodies, sexuality, health, and rights, deepening understanding through discussion.
please click here to registration

Lecturer: Rebecca Gomperts

Japanese Language Class（にほんご教室）

In Japanese, many family titles — such as shujin (master), yome, okusan, and kanai (all meaning wife) — reflect patriarchal structures and traditional family systems. How do we address one another in daily life, and how are we addressed in return? This discussion, centred around residents of Horikawa Danchi, explores alternative expressions that align with individual values.

Queer Film Screening & Discussion with Yuka Kanno（クィアって？）

A film screening curated by Yuka Kanno, a researcher in queer studies, exploring the diversity of gender and sexuality. Following the screening, there will be an open discussion to share thoughts, raise questions, and engage in dialogue.

En Shokudo (Soup Kitchen for children)（縁食堂）

A soup kitchen for children designed by Teruumi Nakamichi, the head priest of Gyokuryu-in Temple at Myorenji in Nishijin, and Tatsushi Fujiwara, an agricultural history researcher who advocates for gentle and inclusive ‘en-shoku’ (connected dining). A warm moment where children and adults gather around the table, sharing meals and the warmth of connection.

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*All salon programs will be filmed. The images may be used for publicity by Kyoto Art Center, the organizers, participating artists, and other supporting and subsidizing organizations. We plan to use the information in a manner that does not identify individuals, but if you do not wish to be photographed or publicized, please notify us at the reception desk on the day of the event.

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Collaborators
　Afreeda OBreat (Art Manager／Drag Queen)
　Mai Endo (Artist)
　Yuka Kanno (Professor, Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University; Queer Studies)
　Simone Fukayuki (Singer of chanson／Drag Queen）
　Joyce Lam (Artist, Editor)
　Teruumi Nakamichi (the head priest of Gyokuryu-in Temple at Myorenji in Nishijin)
　Tatsushi Fujiwara (Associate Professor, Institute for Research in Humanities, Kyoto University; Agricultural History Researcher)
　Natsumi Mitsuhashi (Middle school teacher)

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