Concept
Serving as a cross-culture hub for innovation and creativity, Incubation Center, DG717 carries itself with the mindset and inspirations defined by its Tokyo Headquarter, Digital Garage, through years of experience.
“East Meets West“ – our theme inspires to provide a space where all aspects of cross-culture are appreciated and respected, here in the Silicon Valley where DG717 has taken root.
The Dragon Gate
The black dragon on the ceiling of DG717 is a replica of a renowned painting by master Japanese painter, Matazo Kayama. It serves as a symbol of success for startups following an ancient Chinese Myth. The myth goes as follows: Carp that could swim against the current beyond the rapids in the Yellow River would become a dragon and rise to the heavens, and this place is known as the Dragon Gate.
Eye Opening Ceremony
Called the “Insertion of souls” in Japan, the “Kaigen Hoyo” literally translating to “Eye-Opening Ceremony” was officially performed on the ceiling dragon of DG717 effectively inserting the dragon with a soul in the hopes that it would watch over those gathered under it and guide them to success.
Matazo Kayama
Kayama Matazo was one of the leading artists of the painting art of “Nihonga” ( Japanese painting ) in the 20th century. Born in Kyoto in 1927, he was the last generation of painters who grew up absorbing both pre-modern Japanese aesthetics and the academicism of art that came from Western Europe.
The works created by Kayama’s sharp sense, stylized and decorative beauty were loved by many people and attracted attention from many. Kayama’s work, inspired by Stone Age cave paintings, surprised the post-war Japanese painting society. By referring to the composition and methods of Western painting, he presented a new policy in the world of Japanese painting, which was required to take an alternative to the expression of old style. This attitude was appreciated, and with the support of the Rockefeller’s, he held a solo exhibition in New York and earned a reputation as an international painter.
In his production, he did not disregard the Kyoto sense. It evolved into more stylized and decorative works, but was strongly conscious of the tradition of Japanese beauty before long. In later years, he learned from Chinese masterpieces in search of the world of ink, and he was dedicated to training young. Even after his death in 2004, Kayama’s name has been handed down like a legend in the academicism of traditional Japanese and Chinese painting.
History Wall
The History Wall showcases art pieces expressing historical movements in Silicon Valley that sparked the turning of the wheel of innovation in San Francisco. These art pieces are original pieces by artist Nick Philip who experienced the movements firsthand. See and feel the turn of the era through words and imagery of the History Wall.
Nick Phillips
Nick Philip was integral in defining the cyberdelic aesthetic of early 90’s rave culture. Creator of pioneering streetwear brand Anarchic Adjustment he collaborated with luminaries Timothy Leary and Terrance McKenna. A founding contributor of Wired magazine, Philip created the Digital Garage Logo and won an Academy Award as part of the CGI team for movie What dreams may come. His project the Imaginary Foundation is credited with popularizing the “Cosmic Surrealism” design movement. Philip’s design work is included in the permanent collection of SFMOMA and MIT’s Journal of Design and Science.
DG The Beginning
Digital Garage was founded in a small garage in Tomigaya, Tokyo. The garage door of that small garage has been replicated into art as a reminder of where Digital Garage came from and how far it has come. The graphic carries the signatures of both founders.
