World Expo Osaka 2025World Expo Osaka 2025

Tomoko Mukaiyama, together with Rebecca Gomperts, Noa Jansma and Kiriko Mechanicus, who are all from the Netherlands, will take over a “house” in Kyoto, transforming it into a salon and performance space focused on bringing attention to the silenced and invisible lives of women (and men) in a patriarchal and hierarchical world.

They aim to disrupt everyday reality, inviting the local community to explore the hidden aspects of life – those that cannot be seen, heard, tasted, thought or written. This exclusion is not merely a result of negligence, but rather of our collective unawareness and indifference, shaped by entrenched cultural values, ignorance and a lack of opportunity.

We Are The House highlights the importance of learning to express oneself and being able to imagine, think and feel an alternative future. The salon serves as an open, inclusive space where creators and the public engage in dialogue through films, workshops, music, parties and food. The performance is a celebratory event where creators showcase their work, enriched by the knowledge and insights coming from the salon's discussions.

Tomoko is a Japanese-Dutch pianist and artist who pushes boundaries. She creates multimedia performances in which she embarks on a sensory adventure with her audience. Her work combines different disciplines, forms and styles, addressing gender inequality, the female body and the relationship with our natural environment.

• Salon (31 May–7 June), Kyoto Art Center, ANEWAL Gallery and Gyokuryuin Temple.
• Performance, 21 and 22 March 2026, Kyoto Art Center.
• Part of the showcase Universal Equity (16 May–9 June) in the Event Space of the Dutch Pavilion.
• A talk show will take place on 8 June, 15:00–17:00, also in the Event Space.

We Are The House is a production of the Tomoko Mukaiyama Foundation, in co-production with the Kyoto Art Center, Nieuwe Instituut and Holland Festival. Additional support provided by Dutch Culture, the Dutch Embassy, Fonds Podiumkunsten, Kyoto Municipality, ANEWAL Gallery, Multus and Culture All Nippon (CAN).