The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has established “Tsutagra: Tsutawaru INFOGRAPHICS (Infographics for Communication)” (http://www.tsutagra.go.jp/ ), an online platform to connect knowledge/data held by experts and the government with the communication power of creators by means of a technique called “infographics.” The platform came into service on Monday, October 31, at 16:00.

Infographics is a new word coined by combining “information” and “graphics” and refers to a set of techniques to express information, data and knowledge visually. Infographics translates complex data and conceptual information into illustrations and graphs that are easy to understand.

In post-3.11 Japan, the experience of the disaster has increased the necessity of providing accurate data in a manner that can be correctly interpreted and easily understood. At the same time, the power of creativity has gained renewed attention because of plenty of noteworthy activities by creators, such as launching reconstruction projects and sending public messages.

METI has established “Tsutagra: Tsutawaru INFOGRAPHICS” (http://www.tsutagra.go.jp/ ), an online platform to connect knowledge/data held by experts and the government with the communication power of creators by means of “infographics,” which is a set of techniques to communicate information in a comprehensible manner. The platform came into service on Monday, October 31, at 16:00.

In the Tsutagra project, “subjects” and “data” (data and statistics provided by experts) focusing on specific social issues, such as environmental problems and work style, are given on a regular basis. Based on the given subject and data, creators develop and post infographics that are easy to understand.

Users of the platform, besides experts and creators, can submit views or comments on those works via the project website or social media. Using such feedback, the project aims to develop a platform through which to communicate data held by the government and experts in an easy-to-understand manner.

In coordination with the operation of its website, the project will organize conferences, workshops and other events to let participants think together about the “subjects” and infographics.

Currently scheduled events

(1) Infographics Workshop Presented by Tsutagra

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 19:00-21:00
Place: Shibuya loftwork Ground
Expected participants: Creators wishing to learn how to create infographics
Seating capacity: 30 people
Admission: Free

(2) “Tsutagra: Tsutawaru INFOGRAPHICS” site open conference: Infographics Can Change Japan

Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011, from 14:00
Expected participants: Creators, those interested in infographics, etc.
Place: International Design Liaison Center, Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi
Seating capacity: 100 people
Admission: Free

October 31, 2011

Creative Industries Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau