The first encounter between our schools, made three years ago at the start of the new millennium, was very likely a product of not only chance but of necessity: the necessity to seek for new directions and possibilities, both culturally and educationally, in the increasingly globalised society, and to answer to our students' such needs

This encounter, made spontaneously and with an open mind from the start, is quickly developing into a broad project that encompasses culture, art and education.

I have named our project "On the Left Side", feeling that our sensitivities and sense of order may have a common origin: the practice of driving on the left side of the road.

Although we are still at the start, I sincerely hope that this project will grow in time and be passed on to the future generation."Locus", our first school staff exchange exhibition held both in the U.K. and in Japan, will be a good place to begin.

Toshinao Kikuchi
Director
Asagaya College of Art and Design

As Principal of Norwich School of Art and Design I am delighted that we are working together to develop the NSAD-ASABI exchange programme. The idea of the online catalogue is to further develop communication between our institutions and share the creative thinking of our very talented staff. I know that new friendships and new ways of working together will develop from this exchange and I look forward to this exhibition and our future collaborations.

Susan Tuckett
Principal
Norwich School of Art and Design