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Because art is an essential subject in STEAM education, the analysis of theories and practices of art education and the ways they influence or are integrated into it is necessary to understand STEAM education in Japan. To this end, I analyze the role of art and art education and its relevance to STEAM education, emphasizing its profound significance in fostering creativity and innovation, generating larger probing questions, facilitating the search of intrinsic value in life, enabling self-actualization, and strengthening comprehensive humanistic learning. Exemplified by Japanese students’ STEAM projects and learning, the educational theories explained below include artistic play, education through art, expressive behavior, creative attitude, and self-actualization. Ultimately, I aim to offer pedagogical concepts and examples derived from the Japanese educational setting to accentuate how art integration can serve as a catalyst to augment students’ STEAM educational experiences.