＞＞Japanese

21 years as Kaibundo Gallery at Motomachi

1978 The Gallery Shimada was first established by Mr. Makoto Shimada as Gallery Kaibundo as a part of Kaibundo Bookstore Ltd., in Motomachi,Kobe. Mr. Shimada joined the Kaibundo Bookstore Ltd. as the president, after having worked for the Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co. for several years. He converted the previous President's drawing room into the Gallery.

1980 Two years after the foundation, the Gallery grew to become an important part of the bookstore. The Gallery started to take an active role,annually holding exhibitions for more than 40 artists, from both inside andoutside Japan.

1988 Renewal of the Gallery. The Gallery was refurbished and expanded.The Galley started to put more emphasis on local artists working in theKansai Area.

1992 Kamei Junko Cultural Fund was established as a part of the activities of the Gallery, with the aim of supporting young artists. This fund later became ASK (Art Support Center Kobe). For further information, please go to the page of ASK

1995 The Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake hit Kobe. Soon after the earthquake, Art Aid Kobe was established to support rehabilitation of Kobe and the activities of artists in the earthquake devastated area.

1996 The effort of the Art Aid Kobe was highly acclaimed and received an award from the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts.

The Gallery Shimada

2000 In order to expand its activities, the Gallery became independent from the Bookstore section. The new gallery was named the Gallery Shimada and moved to Kitano, Kobe. The Art Support Center Kobe was established integrating the Kamei Junko Fund and the Art Aid Kobe.