“Others” About Ibasho and Artistic Practices:

The Lesson Kodomo Republic at a Public Elementary School in Prague

Abstract

This paper focuses on the “Other” that go beyond the understanding of oneself that is different from others who can respond empathically. The lesson Kodomo Republic is examined, among the lesson project between Japan and the Czech Republic developed and implemented from the perspective of ibasho. The process of trial and error and transformation of children formed the boundary between the “Other,” and the “I” is traced. The three stages of activity in which boundaries appear, analyzing and considering the scene of the boundary formation of oneself and others, are as follows: (1) Emotions that are difficult to segment and actions are projected as an integrated event on the molded object or place, (2) to figure the relationship between objects and objects and the place, and (3) to reflect on the practices and works. Intimate boundaries that include the self and others are formed in the artistic practices related to ibasho, whereas the “I” outside the boundary and the “Other” cause conflicts. Moreover, the importance of the critical attitude seen in the Czech lesson, which actively expresses created contradictions and discrepancies in a linguistic manner and mutually examines works and practices, is also suggested.