MUSIC | Kyowa Hakko Kirin's "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE": The Potential of Open Innovation
LOUNGE / MUSIC
March 3, 2015

MUSIC | Kyowa Hakko Kirin's "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE": The Potential of Open Innovation


MUSIC | The R&D-focused life science company Kyowa Kirin's Project
Musicians Visualize 10 Themes: '10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE' Vol. 5 Released


The Potential of 'Open Innovation' Felt in Singapore



A Unique Initiative to Express Biotechnology Through Music is Gaining Attention'10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE'. The theme for the fifth installment, with an article published on December 19th, is'Open Innovation'What did Shun Kawakami, the project producer, see and feel when he visited Kyowa Kirin's research facility in Singapore with DJ KAWASAKI?

Text by Miho Yokozuka




An Era Where the Size of an Organization Has Less Impact on Outcomes



'10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE' is an ambitious project that distills the philosophy and initiatives of Kyowa Kirin, a research and development-driven pharmaceutical company utilizing biotechnology, into ten keywords, which are then transformed into music by ten artists.

To explore Kyowa Kirin's vision embedded in the theme of 'Open Innovation' for the fifth installment and to capture inspiration for music production, DJ KAWASAKI, a DJ and sound producer, and Shun Kawakami visited Kyowa Kirin's research facility in Singapore's Biopolis.

Biopolis is an international research and development hub for the biomedical field located in Singapore's One-North. Under government leadership, agencies such as the Economic Development Board and the Ministry of Health collaborate to develop an environment and facilities for scientific and clinical research. It is characterized by the presence of major pharmaceutical companies' development bases, as well as educational institutions, the National University of Singapore, and various medical institutions in close proximity, fostering active exchange among researchers from different countries and between industry, academia, and government.


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With a vision to 'contribute to the health and prosperity of people worldwide,' Kyowa Kirin operates research and development bases both domestically and internationally, working on the development of new drugs. In Singapore, the company not only conducts highly precise research but also leverages its 'open innovative' environment to interact with international researchers and collaborate with the National University of Singapore. This makes it a crucial hub for bridging research to clinical application, enhancing research productivity, and improving the success rate of clinical trials.

DJ KAWASAKI notes, 'The theme of open innovation actually shares many similarities with my musical style.' He elaborates, 'As a DJ, remixing tracks by various artists, or as an artist collaborating with someone to create music, can lead not only to new music but also to unexpected possibilities.'

Shun Kawakami, who is active internationally in design and art, adds, 'In the sense of sharing something across disciplines, the same could be said for the field of design. We are in an era where the size of an organization has less impact on outcomes. In an environment like Biopolis, where units with diverse knowledge and experience can easily collaborate and focus on their specialties, a more minimal approach can actually foster speed and the creation of new things.'


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(From left) DJ KAWASAKI and Shun Kawakami


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DJ KAWASAKI




Both gentlemen seemed to reaffirm that 'the concept of open innovation, which involves sharing knowledge and experience while maximizing individual specialties, is highly creative and meaningful.'

The interview video for '10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE' vol.5 × DJ KAWASAKI, released on December 19th, was filmed within Singapore's Biopolis, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere of a research facility not often seen. What 'miracles' will be born from the fusion of 'music' and 'biotechnology' in this project? We eagerly await that moment.



<About 10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE>
'10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE' is a project by Kyowa Kirin, a research and development-driven life science company that continuously observes and engages with life, weaving ten musical pieces with ten artists from ten perspectives. This organic endeavor is delivered through beautiful sound. With the passion and aspiration to 'become the world's most life-friendly company,' they create groundbreaking new drugs using cutting-edge biotechnology centered on antibody technology and contribute to the health and prosperity of people worldwide through global expansion. This initiative is produced by artless Inc., led by art director/artist Shun Kawakami.

10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE
http://www.kyowa-kirin.co.jp/10_sounds/

DJ KAWASAKI
DJ / Remix Artist / Sound Producer / Composer. Made his global debut in 2005 with a 12-inch single on the New York label 'King Street.' Made his major debut in 2006 with Nippon Columbia. His released singles have consecutively reached No. 1 on the iTunes Dance Chart a total of eight times. He has received high international acclaim, with his remix of Roland Appel's 'Dark Soldier' being played by DJ 3000 and DJ Hell, and 'Galactic Love' from the album 'PARDISE' being played by Joe Claussell and Karizma. In July 2014, he released 'You And The Music Compiled by DJ KAWASAKI.' In September, his new works and remixes were released in limited analog format on 'SKESP,' a collaborative label by JAZZANOVA's 'Sonar Kollektive' and 'Especial Records.' He currently serves as the resident DJ for his own party 'MAGiC,' held every third Saturday at his home ground, The Room in Shibuya.
www.extra-freedom.co.jp/artists/dj_kawasaki/



Shun KAWAKAMI
Representative of artless Inc. Born in 1977 in Fukagawa, Koto Ward, Tokyo. Based on art and design, he continues to engage in activities unbound by genre or category, including branding, design consulting, corporate and brand logos, video, and architecture. His global activities are remarkable, with numerous participations in festivals, exhibitions, and conferences both domestically and internationally, such as the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs within the Louvre Palace (France), Salone del Mobile (Milan), TENT LONDON, and BODW (Hong Kong). http://www.shunkawakami.jp
http://www.artless.co.jp


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