Tokyo's Earthshot Conference Blends Technology, Art and Sustainability with Buddhist Mandalas and Digital Futures

The New Context Conference series celebrated its 25th anniversary on August 11, 2021, with the 'Earthshot' Whole Earth 2021 @Tokyo event held at Digital Garage. This occasion featured a digital connection to Stewart Brand’s residence in San Francisco, highlighting his Whole Earth Catalog (1968-72). Brand delivered a keynote that challenged technological boundaries and promoted the idea of 'embodied curiosity.' Miwa Komatsu presented three mandala artworks, including Next Mandala (2021) from the Sanboin monastery in Koyasan. The morning sessions explored the Whole Earth Catalog, 'Art & Culture,' and digital society, while the afternoons addressed climate change and impact investment. Notable attendees included Mitsuhiro Takemura, Jane Metcalfe, Nick Philip, and Audrey Tang, with Japanese ministers Taro Kono and Takuya Hirai discussing the new Digital Agency and fax machine issues.