OLD TOYS’ NEW HOME

Starting from January 13, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam is proud to host the “Toy Donation and Exchange Day” – part of the “Plastic Dinoland” exhibition, scheduled for March 2025, featuring artist Fuji Hiroshi.

Fuji Hiroshi, deeply concerned about plastic waste and environmental issues, began collecting discarded plastic toys in 1997. He launched the “Kaekko Bazaar” project, a platform where children can trade unwanted toys. Over time, he noticed a large amount of mass-produced plastic toys being discarded, posing serious environmental risks. Through this creative inspiration, Fuji Hiroshi transformed these toys into colorful art pieces, evoking the thought process of the effect of plastic on our lives.

In Vietnam, plastic waste is a pressing issue, with plastic toys being a significant contributor due to improper disposal and lack of recycling. Therefore, “Toy Donation and Trade day” not only introduces a meaningful event but also aims to create a cleaner, greener environment and provide a fun, healthy playground for children.

Main Activities:

I. Toy Donation
– Donation Period: January 13 – February 23, 2025
– Gift Collection Period: March 16 – June 1, 2025
Please bring the issued gift card, ID card or Student ID card to collect your gifts.

– Gift Rewards:
o Over 3kg: 1 tote bag
o Over 5kg: 1 tote bag, 1 white T-shirt
o Over 7kg: 1 tote bag, 1 white T-shirt, 1 black T-shirt
* Shirts available in sizes for both children and adults- Toy Regulations:
o Toys must be under 30cm x 30cm and weigh less than 1kg each.
o Toys must be safe for children: wood, plastic, fabric, etc.
o Not Accepted: books, clothes, food, household items, or toys that no longer function.We will return disqualified items to you. We hope to see your donated toys items!

II. Toy trade
Based on Fuji Hiroshi’s “Kaekko Bazaar” model, this event offers a fun space for children to play, recycle old toys, and contribute to environmental protection.

1. Toy trade:
Children bring toys to the event (unlimited quantity), the Banker will evaluate each toy and award points based on quality:
• Average: 1 point
• Good: 2 points
• Great: 3 points
• Excellent: 4 points (Excellent toys will be reserved for auction.)

2. Games to Earn Points:
A variety of fun games will be available for children to earn more points. The number of points earned will vary depending on the task and performance. Kids are encouraged to do their best to earn as many points as possible to trade for their favorite toys.

3. Toy Auction:
High-quality, excellent toys collected from donations and participants will be auctioned at 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM. The starting bid is 5 points, and the child with the highest bidding will win the toy. Collect as many points as you can to get the toys you love!

EVENT INFORMATION

CREDITS

■ Organized by: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam

ARTIST INFORMATION

Fuji Hiroshi
Born in 1960 in Kagoshima, Japan
Currently lives and works in Fukuoka and Akita, Japan
M.A. Graduate School of Arts, Kyoto City University of Arts

Artist
Professor, Graduate School of Transdisciplinary Arts, Akita University of Art
President, Arts Center Akita
Vice President, Plus Arts
CEO, fujistudio co.

2018         Jurassic Plastic, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney, Australia
2014         The Uncharted Land of Toysaurus, Hara Museum ARC, Gunma, Japan
2012         Central Kaeru Station, Arts Chiyoda 3331, Tokyo, Japan
2005         Arts over Doubts!, Fukuoka Art Museum, Fukuoka, Japan
2004         Pla. Pra. Mode, the Japan Foundation, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
1999         Vinyl Plastics Collection, The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Kanagawa, Japan
1994         Campaign of Frogs, Kurashiki City Art Museum, Takamatsu City Museum of Art, Fukuyama Museum of Art, Okayama, Kagawa, Hiroshima, Japan

Selected participated projects/festivals:
2016         Kenpoku Art 2016 (Ibaraki, Japan)
2012         Water and Land – Niigata Art Festival (Niigata, Japan)
2010         Setouchi Triennale (Setouch area, Japan)
2008         SITE Santa Fe Biennale (Santa Fe, USA)
2007         Beautiful New World: Contemporary Visual Culture from Japan (Beijing, China)
2006         12th Bangladesh Biennale (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
2003         Echigo Tsumari Art Field (Niigata, Japan)
2000         The 2000 Pusan International Contemporary Art Festival (Pusan, South Korea)
1990s        Chiang Mai Social Installation (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

For inquiries on the program, please contact at:
_______________________________________________________
Mr. Osuka (070-513-7550) / Ms. Ánh (083-369-1818)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
TEL: 024-3944-7419