Ms. Polwatte Illanperuma A, Gayathri Bimba (1st-year doctoral student in Kanai Lab, Creative Society Design Research Area) received the Excellence Award at the Asia Network Beyond Design (ANBD) 2025 Tokyo Regular Exhibition.

Asia Network Beyond Design (ANBD) is an international design organization founded in 2007 to promote cultural exchange and creative collaboration across Asia. Emphasizing the convergence of art and design, ANBD transcends boundaries of genre, profession, and nationality to foster Asian identity and cultural value. It hosts regular exhibitions, publishes works, recognizes experimental design through awards, and organizes events like lectures and cultural exchanges to connect designers, educators, students, and industry professionals throughout the region.
The ANBD 2025 Tokyo Regular Exhibition was held from August 21 to 29, 2025, at the Musashino Art University Ichigaya Campus in Tokyo, with the theme "Seeing, Feeling, and Living in Asia."

＊Reference：ANBD 2025

■Date Awarded
August 25, 2025

■Title
Mystic Union

■Authors
P. I. A. Gayathri Bimba and Kazunori Miyata

■Abstract
Mystic Union
Mystic Union is inspired by my recent findings of current research studies that focus on the therapeutic potential of human activities and co-creation. Drawing from the structured format of traditional mandala art, Mandalas have long been recognized by Indian Vedic and later expanded by other researchers as powerful tools for self-reflection, balance, and therapeutic healing. In both traditional and technological approaches, structured mandala drawing is utilized in art therapy to promote relaxation, increase mindfulness, and reduce anxiety by engaging focused attention through repetition and rhythmic patterns.

■Comment
My artwork titled "Mystic Union" was submitted to the ANBD Exhibition 2025, and I have been awarded the ANBD 2025 Excellent Award. Out of 1,070 submissions from over 260 artists in Asian cities (Seoul 99 / Bangkok 52 / Taipei 39 / Tokyo 34 / Tainan 20 / Kuala Lumpur 15 / Colombo 6), only 13 artworks (5% of submissions) received the Excellent Award, and my creation was selected as one of them.
My research explores the therapeutic potential of non-human companions and meditation-related activities, with a focus on developing integrative content that supports human well-being. As part of this work, I am also investigating how virtual mandala experiences can be used to create therapeutic content, including the potential integration of biometric data in wellness programs. Mystic Union forms part of my current and future research, demonstrating how structured creative practices can foster sensory engagement, introspection, and emotional balance. In this way, the artwork is directly connected to my ongoing investigations while also pointing toward future integrative possibilities in wellness contexts.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my professor, Professor Kazunori Miyata, for his invaluable guidance, constant encouragement, and generous support throughout my achievements, which I deeply and sincerely appreciate.

　

　

November 7, 2025