From 3 to 20 October 2025, UNU is hosting the exhibition "Fuji-California Young Artists Expo 2025". The exhibition is organized by California Sister Cities and co-organized by UNU, 21st Century Academy, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Fuji Five Lakes Green Metropolis Forum and Anaheim University.
The exhibition showcases winning entries from an international competition that drew approximately 1,800 young artists from over 30 countries, each creating works that address pressing global issues. Submissions came from across the world — from Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States to Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Nigeria.
The works on display powerfully capture the perspectives of young people worldwide: an Afghan student's "prayers for peace", an Ethiopian student's tribute to "women living in tradition" and compelling pieces on ocean pollution affecting communities across the globe. Through art as a universal language, these young artists share their urgent messages on peace, the environment, poverty, gender and diversity. We invite you to witness the voices and visions of youth from around the world.
Venue
The exhibition is located on the second floor of the United Nations University Headquarters in Tokyo. Admission is free and open to all. Pre-registration is not required.
Opening hours
Weekdays during 3–20 October 2025, 10:00–17:00 (closed on weekends and national holidays)
The exhibition will be closed on 13 October.
The exhibition may be partially inaccessible on the following days* due to events being held in adjacent spaces: 16 and 17 October.
*Dates are subject to change. Please check this webpage for the latest information.
UNU@50
As a part of the UNU 50th anniversary celebration, UNU is bringing the past, present, and future of UNU closer to local communities. The exhibition "Fuji-California Young Artists Expo 2025" promotes reflection on global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals.
To learn more, visit: https://unu.edu/unuat50
About the Competition
This international art competition aims to empower young people — the leaders of tomorrow — to actively engage with social issues and develop their capacity for expression. Through universal themes set by the California Sister Cities student committee — "My City, My Hometown", "Identity and Self-Expression" and "World Peace and Cooperation" — participants share their voices through art. This process enables young artists to sharpen their critical thinking, creative expression and presentation skills while fostering meaningful dialogue and exchange across borders.
For more information, visit: https://californiaexpo.org/
