Yukio Hashi, Who Studied at University Before 80—Exhibition Tracing His Journey to Be Held

Key visual using the calligraphy 'Michi' (Way) by the late Yukio Hashi (right end). An exhibition introducing the works of the late Yukio Hashi, who was enrolled in the Calligraphy and Painting Course, Department of Cultural Content Creation, Correspondence Education Division of Kyoto University of the Arts (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City; President: Takashi Sato), will be held at the Lobby Gallery of Keio Plaza Hotel (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) from May 1st. The works were created based on the expressions Yukio Hashi cultivated through his studies at Kyoto University of the Arts, and the university is also cooperating in this exhibition. ■ Lifelong Learning for a Richer Life—Yukio Hashi, Who Chose University Study Before 80 In recent years, interest in 're-learning/continuous learning' for the purpose of new self-expression and intellectual inquiry has been rising among the senior generation. At the university's correspondence education division, which has students from their teens to their 90s, there are currently over 2,300 students aged 60 and over (as of 2025, about 13.5% of the total), and students are deepening their learning in various regions and environments. The late Yukio Hashi chose to become a university student in April 2022, before turning 80, and entered the Calligraphy and Painting Course, Department of Cultural Content Creation, one of the university's correspondence education programs. While continuing his activities as a singer, he dedicated himself to creation and continued his studies until the graduation project stage, but passed away in September 2025. His dedication resonated strongly with the university's policy of creating an environment where all generations can learn art in their respective residential areas. To honor his achievements, the university awarded him the title of Honorary Bachelor in October of the same year. [Related Press Releases] Awarding of 'Honorary Bachelor' Title to the late Yukio Hashi https://www.kyoto-art.ac.jp/news/press/1520 Data on Learning at the University, Including Senior Learners https://www.kyoto-art.ac.jp/news/press/1596 ■ About the Exhibition—Tracing Yukio Hashi's Learning Footsteps Through Works Overview 'Gratitude' Yukio Hashi and Professors Who Assisted Him Exhibition Participating Artists: Yukio Hashi Shinsuke Kiryu (Associate Professor, Calligraphy and Painting Course, Dept. of Cultural Content Creation) Takahiko Shiomi (Associate Professor, Calligraphy and Painting Course, Dept. of Cultural Content Creation) Gen Miyamura (Lecturer, Calligraphy and Painting Course, Dept. of Cultural Content Creation) Period: Friday, May 1, 2026 – Friday, May 8, 2026 Venue: Keio Plaza Hotel (2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) 3rd Floor Lobby Gallery Time: 10:00–17:00 (Until 15:00 on the final day) Cooperation: Kyoto University of the Arts Admission: Free URL: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/gallery_20260501/ 1. Gallery Talk by Instructing Faculty (13:00–) 2. Live Performance and Sale (14:00–) ■ Comment from Instructing Faculty: Professor Kiryu, who instructed the Calligraphy and Painting Course, spoke as follows about the exhibition and Mr. Yukio Hashi's learning while enrolled. 'I still remember Mr. Hashi's appearance on the day of the entrance ceremony, giving a greeting as the representative of new students in a formal kimono. Perhaps due to his foundation from a young age, his brushwork felt moist and fluid, but as his works gained a structural foundation reflecting classical styles through his university studies, he made me feel that no matter how old one is, as long as there is passion, a person can change and grow regardless of age. On the other hand, in terms of creation, bold and unique expressions not bound by frames or patterns were seen, and you can see such works by Mr. Hashi in this exhibition.' (Shinsuke Kiryu / Associate Professor, Calligraphy and Painting Course) ■ About Kyoto University of the Arts Kyoto University of the Arts is one of Japan's largest comprehensive art universities, with approximately 23,000 students enrolled in both on-campus and correspondence programs. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027. In the on-campus program (10 departments and 24 courses in the Faculty of Art), the university emphasizes the connection between 'society and art' and develops more than 100 'Social Implementation Projects' annually in collaboration with companies and local governments. It provides practical education that addresses challenges in real society through the power of art and design. The correspondence education program (5 departments and 19 courses), opened in 1998, was Japan's first four-year art university correspondence program. Diverse students from across the country and overseas study here, making it one of the largest correspondence art universities in Japan in terms of enrollment. It provides an environment where art can be studied regardless of age or experience. Location: 2-116 Kitashirakawa Uryuyama-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, 606-8271 URL: https://www.kyoto-art.ac.jp/