Opening of the AspirE Exhibition at Goethe University

On 10 February 2026, the AspirE Germany team marked the opening of its exhibition “Photographic insights into the lives of Japanese migrants in Germany” at Goethe University. Inspired by the Lisbon exhibition, this display offers a unique and intimate perspective on migration experiences, drawing on creative outputs from participants involved in AspirE’s research activities. 

As part of their video diaries, a select group of Japanese migrants in Germany documented what they described as an “avatar object”,  a personal item symbolising their emotional state and migration aspirations. These objects serve as powerful entry points into the participants’ inner worlds, reflecting complex feelings tied to mobility, identity, and belonging.

The exhibition brings these narratives to life by interpreting emotions through carefully curated combinations of objects, visual angles, soundscapes, and narrative flows. In some cases, this results in poetic and evocative expressions, while in others it introduces ambiguity, inviting visitors to engage with and interpret the stories in their own way.

The opening event featured an introduction by Ruth Achenbach, Principal Investigator of the AspirE Germany team, who presented the concept and background of the exhibition. Following the opening, the exhibition remained accessible to the public until the end of February, offering visitors an opportunity to explore these deeply personal migration stories.