In 2025, Playable City explores how creative technology can spark conversations about democracy, play, and civic spaces in Osaka.
From robot-drawn community murals to interactive weaving installations that connect climate action with cultural heritage, Playable City Osaka brings UK creative technology artists to Japan for a unique cultural exchange in October 2025.
Playable City Osaka is a collaboration between Watershed and Osaka-based organisation Knowledge Capital, made possible through the prestigious MyWorld programme, funded by UK Research & Innovation’s ‘Strength in Places’ Fund. This partnership brings together award-winning UK artists and the people of Osaka to reimagine public spaces in Osaka’s Umeda district.
"We are delighted to be back in Osaka with brilliant artists from our creative community and with our partners Knowledge Capital. Watershed has a long history of collaborations in Japan - working with British Council to produce labs, residencies, events and showcases that have had huge impact for creatives in both countries. Being part of the UK's closing activities for the Japan Expo and bringing Playable City to the people of Osaka is a huge privilege. Huge thanks to My World for the support to be out here."
Clare Reddington, CEO
The Projects
Three distinct works by UK artists will be available to the public from 11–13 October, coinciding with Japan’s ‘Supōtsu no Hi’ national holiday.
A Portrait Without Borders by international production studio Kaleider crowdsources hundreds of faces through a bespoke online platform, then uses a team of robots to draw them on a blank wall. The result is a mural of people next to each other, together and yet apart. In parallel, a wall will be set up at Watershed in Bristol as part of the BTF+ festival, creating a unique international artistic connection.
House of Weaving Songs by art collective dhaqan collective is an interactive installation co-produced with local communities wherever it is situated. The installation integrates Somali weaving songs and woven tapestries in an experiment to connect the city to cultural practices that can inspire us in our fight to tackle climate change.
Hothouse by creative robotics studio Air Giants is designed to provoke play and connection between strangers, using novel inflatable soft robotic technology to provide compelling and charming tactile and visual experiences. A whimsical garden of interactive plant sculptures are brought to life through movement, light, air and pioneering robotic technology.
