ARUN Newsletter – Issue 8 【Visit to Japan Report】Investment Team Update

Report on the Visit to Japan by Elephant People Co-founder Tariq T

1. [Visit to Japan Report] Investment Team Update
   Report on the Visit to Japan by Elephant People Co-founder Tariq T.

Mr. Toshihiro Ikejima from the Investment Team shared a report on Mr. Tariq T.'s recent visit to Japan, the Art Director of Elephant People (formerly Real Elephant Collective), one of ARUN’s investees. It may not be long before we begin seeing their beautiful art objects in Japanese museums and public spaces. Prior to Tariq’s visit, consultations were held with him to identify potential collaborators among organizations and individuals. With support from ARUN members, outreach was conducted, and visits were arranged from the following perspectives:

• Exhibition and sales opportunities for artworks (e.g., zoos and museums)
• Co-hosting events (with companies and organizations)
• Corporate purchases of artworks for exhibitions or gifts
• Study tour opportunities to Elephant People for employee training programs (companies and organizations)
• Exchanges with artists engaged in similar activities

March 3, 2026—Visit to a Major Membership Club

At the invitation of an ARUN member, a preliminary visit was conducted to explain Elephant People’s mission and activities. Located in Marunouchi, the club has approximately 1,300 members, including corporate executives and business leaders. The club management team showed strong interest in Elephant People’s work and mission, and it was agreed to co-host a seminar in July for club members centered on the theme of biodiversity. The possibility of exhibiting Elephant People’s artwork at the venue is also under consideration. Through this seminar, ARUN hopes to introduce both ARUN and Elephant People to the club’s members and, in the long term, foster opportunities for artwork purchases (for exhibition or corporate gifts), event collaborations, and broader support for ARUN’s activities.

Same Day—Visit to the Japanese Branch of a Global Animal Welfare Organization

This visit was arranged through an introduction from a CSI Challenge judge. The initial purpose was to explore the possibility of featuring Elephant People’s works in the organization’s online shop or as donor gifts. However, the organization’s Executive Director emphasized that Elephant People’s pieces should be presented not merely as products, but in a way that highlights the powerful stories behind them. One suggested approach was to collaborate with zoos or museums on wildlife conservation campaigns, integrating merchandise into these broader initiatives. The organization also agreed to connect Elephant People with its product team, while further discussions on future collaboration will continue.

Afternoon of March 5, 2026—Meeting with a Prominent Architect

An opportunity was also created to exchange ideas with an architect known for deep expertise in the SDGs. The discussion explored ways to tell stories of coexistence between nature and people through Tokyo’s urban landscape.

The architect was particularly intrigued by Tariq’s idea of placing 100 elephant sculptures in front of Tokyo Station and became so enthusiastic that he immediately called a long-time producer acquaintance during the meeting.

Visit to an Art Event at NEORT++

The team also visited “LOCAL NETWORK—Community beyond the place”, an art event exploring innovative efforts to preserve and pass down local traditions through digital technology and art.

Interestingly, the art director guiding the exhibition had attended the same university as Tariq during his student years in Bengaluru, which quickly sparked a lively, warm conversation between them.

【photo】 Tariq and ARUN Representative Kono experiencing the event using a VR headset

(Written by Toshihiro Ikejima)