OREANDA-NEWS. ITOCHU Corporation opened ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE in the CI Plaza, a commercial facility situated next to ITOCHU's Tokyo Head Office, in October 2012. The gallery was part of ITOCHU's social contribution activities, with the aim of developing the next generation through art, contributing to the local community and promoting both local and overseas art and culture. Various exhibitions have since been held in the space.

ITOCHU will hold "Under the Tree Charity Exhibition: The Story of Ban Rom Sai; 15 years in the Village of Namprae, Northern Thailand ? It all started with Art" for two weeks from Monday, December 1, 2014, which is World AIDS Day.

Ban Rom Sai was established in the village of Namprae in northern Thailand in 1999 as an orphanage for children who had contracted HIV from their parents. It marks its 15th anniversary this year.

Since it was found that drawing pictures has a positive impact on children's immunity, Ban Rom Sai has valued the importance of creativity. Its children have been supported by not only medicine but also the cooperation of a great many people and the joy of creating works, and have developed a zest for life and living up until today. In an effort to operate the home independently, the 'creative spirit' has developed into many forms, including a sewing workshop and a guesthouse, and has led to the development of a system for supporting children and people experiencing difficulties through purchases and stays by the general public.