Sangetsu Award Winner Announced for 'HERALBONY Art Prize 2026'

◆Website: https://www.sangetsu.co.jp/information/detail/20260326140042.html

Sangetsu Corporation (Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi; President and CEO: Yasumasa Kondo) has selected the recipient of the 'Sangetsu Award' as part of the 'HERALBONY Art Prize 2026,' an international art award hosted by Heralbony Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Morioka, Iwate; Co-CEOs: Takaya Matsuda and Fumito Matsuda). Sangetsu is participating in this award as a Gold Partner.

About the Artist and Work

Mai Murohara

Having loved drawing since childhood, Murohara majored in Japanese painting at a graduate school of art, completing her studies in 2013. Following a diagnosis of schizophrenia, she has continued to create art at her own pace. She values the unique texture of mineral pigments and the raw texture of Japanese paper (washi) left as negative space, dedicating significant time to her creative process. Houses and squares are motifs that have fascinated her since childhood due to their shapes and inherent rhythm. Resonating with the simple and generous style of Otsu-e, a folk art beloved by the public in the Edo period, she says, 'The world inside a painting can expand infinitely within the heart.'

Selection Rationale and Company Vision

Mai Murohara's work, 'Ie Ie,' is a captivating piece where soft, pale colors and the motif of 'houses' evoke a sense of calm in the viewer. For over 170 years, Sangetsu has been closely involved in the various spaces where people spend their time. As lifestyles and work styles diversify and the nature of space evolves, the colorful houses depicted in this work convey not only warmth but also the joy and hope for the future of the people gathered there. This rich worldview resonates deeply with our corporate philosophy—our brand statement 'Joy of Design' and our purpose, 'To create spaces filled with peace and hope together with everyone'—leading to its selection for the Sangetsu Award.

In pursuit of our 'Dream'—a world where everyone can talk about their dreams for tomorrow—we are committed to creating new innovations and social value through our business activities, including co-creation with the diverse sensibilities of artists.

■ About the 'HERALBONY Art Prize'

The organizer, Heralbony Co., Ltd., is a creative company with the mission of 'Unleashing Your Exceptionality.' They aim to transform perceptions of disability and create a new culture rooted in welfare. The HERALBONY Art Prize celebrates the brilliance of artists with disabilities...