Bio
Naoko Mikami
Based in Tokyo, Naoko Mikami is a writer, calligrapher, and cultural consultant whose work examines how history, language, and leadership dynamics intersect. Growing up under the guidance of her grandmother—a poet and fellow calligrapher—Naoko was introduced to traditional aesthetics and classical literature at an early age. Although she didn't take up the brush right away, her experiences living overseas and collaborating with international audiences ultimately drew her back to the art of ink. Today, she is driven by a mission to adapt and interpret timeless Japanese sensibilities for a modern global audience.
Baptiste Tavernier
A multi-disciplinary artist, curator, composer, and martial artist, Baptiste Tavernier has spent a quarter-century building an international career centered on utilizing cutting-edge technologies and novel materials. Originally from France, where he earned a Master’s degree in Digital Art from the University of Paris, he also trained in curation at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. He moved to Japan in 2006 while pursuing doctoral research on the intersection of AI and art. Since then, Tavernier’s artwork and curated exhibitions have been featured at major institutions and prominent art fairs worldwide. His creative approach remains heavily shaped by a dual dedication to heritage and progress—a balance also reflected in his high-level martial arts practice, which has led to guest lectures at the International Budo University and features on NHK.
