Discover 130 Years of KYOTO BENRIDO’s Colourful Photo and Printmaking World

15.May.2021 | FASHION / SPOT

Nara TSUTAYA BOOKS is set to host the KYOTO BENRIDO’s World fair from May 15 to July 9, celebrating the history of a store that was established in 1887.

 

Benrido has been contributing to the inheritance of Japanese culture through the photography, printmaking, and publications of cultural properties for 130 years. The The company owns is one of the world’s few remaining collotype studios which provides modern day photographers the unique opportunity to produce prints of their work using this rare process. Collotype was invented in France in the 19th century. It enables one to print images in various tones without the need for halftone screens.

 

Benrido offers a range of different products such as postcards, folding fans, standing screens, and more, all of which feature artwork by famous artists from the Meiji era to the early Showa era, the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga, the portfolio of Saul Leiter, and more.

 

At the fair, visitors can pick up a wide selection of items from collotype pieces to other artistic goods. And starting on May 28, it will also sell items related to Hokusai and ukiyo-e prints.

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Chainsaw Man Gets Mini Exhibition at TSUTAYA Locations Nationwide Starting December 23

    19.December.2022 | ANIME&GAME

    The globally popular anime series Chainsaw Man will get a mini-exhibition at TSUTAYA and TSUTAYA Books locations nationwide from December 23, 2022 until January 22, 2023. A special poster is being prepared for the exhibition and original drawings will be on display. New merchandise will be available during the event period. For more information, follow MAPPA’s official Twitter page (@MAPPA_Info) for updates!

     

    Original Reproductions to be on Display

    One original reproduction will be displayed at each of the approximately 300 participating stores. 

     

    Original Goods

    Details on MAPPA x TSUTAYA Chainsaw Man Mini-Exhibition Goods

     

    Acrylic Keychain (4 varieties), ¥935 each / Pin (4 varieties, random), ¥550 each / Acrylic Figure (4 varieties), ¥1,925 each / Clear Folder (4 varieties), ¥440 each / Leather Sticky Note Book (4 varieties), ¥605 each / Premium Postcard Holder (1 variety), ¥1,760 each / Mobile Accessory Case (1 variety), ¥2,200 each

     

    As a purchase bonus, guests spending ¥2,200 (including tax) or more will receive a limited edition postcard (4 varieties).

    ©藤本タツキ/集英社・ MAPPA

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    30.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto. 

    On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.

     

    Don’t miss this curious exhibition!

  • Collaboration NFTs Highlight Drafts of Kyoto’s Traditional Painted Silk

    28.November.2022 | FASHION

    The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators.

     

    Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako

    Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland – Sunshine by Ono Tako

     

    Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.

     

    A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece.

     

    Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements.

     

    A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade. 



    Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800

     

    Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato

    Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato

     

    Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits.

     

    Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.

     


    A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon.


    Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com

     

    Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.

  • Chainsaw Man to Get Pop-Up Store at baseyard tokyo

    27.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    A pop-up store for the popular anime series Chainsaw Man will open at baseyard tokyo from December 9, 2022 until February 15, 2023. 

     

    The pop-up store will feature goods with new illustrations of Denji, Aki Hayakawa, Power, and Makima.

     

    In addition to limited-edition merch, exclusive materials from behind the scenes of the Chainsaw Man anime series will be on display. The space itself is also worth seeing, with figures on sale and a huge monitor showing off the series. 

     

    Round 1: December 9, 2022~

     

    Round 2: January 2, 2023~

    For every ¥2,000 spent on goods (including tax), a bonus item will be handed out. These bonus items will differ during Round 1 and Round 2, so be sure to come back during both periods!

     

    ©藤本タツキ/集英社・ MAPPA

  • Limited Time Shop Inspired by Legendary Anime Series Heidi, Girl of the Alps Opens at EKIHAKO at Eki Marché Shin-Osaka

    24.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    From November 19 to December 6, a limited-time shop inspired by the classic anime series Heidi, Girl of the Alps will open at EKIHAKO at Eki Marché Shin-Osaka at Shin-Osaka Station. Fans will be able to snag a number of exclusive items during this short time!

     

    Heidi Pudding / Heidi Milk Caramels

    Cream Sandwich

    Printed Cookies with Bonus Pin

    Chocolates (9-piece set)

    Acrylic Swizzle Sticks

    Mini Framed Magnets

    Disinfectant Spray / Mini Canvas

    Wooden Keychain

    Wooden Stand with Clip

    Non-woven Fabric Mask

    Neck Strap

    Clear Folder

    Non-woven Tote Bag

    Pullover Hoodie

    Ceramic Mug

    Kutani Ware Dish

    Lottery

    Purchase Bonus: Spend ¥2,200 or more (including tax) and receive an exclusive Osaka sticker (Not for Sale). 

     

    Heidi, Girl of the Alps aired in Japan in 1974 and has remained popular to this day, largely due to the show’s characters often appearing in TV commercials. The goods available at this shop are only available for a short time, and visitors can also participate in a raffle to win some rare items!

     

    ©︎ZUIYO

  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO to be Held at Ninna-ji, a World Heritage Site

    22.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.

     

    This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.

     

    NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
     

     

    NAKED Distanced Lanterns


    NAKED Tsukubai

    Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping


    DANDELION PROJECT

    Virtual Fashion Show


    Limited Edition Paper Goshuin

    This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. 

     

    This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? 

  • monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World

    21.November.2022 | FASHION

    Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!

     

    Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. 

    Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.

    While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!

     

    We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. 

  • Special Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition Highlights Attractions and Products from Kyoto

    16.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition. 

     

    Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto

    *The products shown are under development and may change slightly. 

     

    Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard

    *The postcard’s design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.

    *Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.

    *Postcards will only be available while supplies last.

     

    Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!

     

    ©芥見下々/集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会

  • Kyoto National Museum Decorated by NAKED and Kojima Shouten’s Famous Lanterns for Special Event

    14.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum.

     

    A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive.

     

    NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.

     

    At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event!

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    10.November.2022 | FASHION

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto. 

     

    The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.


    “I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter. 

     

    The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala. 

  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Night Walk Project Invites Guests to Stroll Through the Tale of Genji

    28.October.2022 | SPOT

    From November 11 until December 4, NAKED will hold the unique NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO event in Uji. The one-of-a-kind art project is being produced through a partnership with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Several events and art exhibitions will appear in the Kyoto area until December 25, 2022.

     

    The project first began on September 15 at Kyoto City Hall, and it will move to Uji on November 11. NAKED’s unique digital art will bring color to Uji, a place steeped in Japanese history and the heart of Japanese tea culture. The Asagiri Bridge, appearing in The Tale of Genji, will be illuminated, and the Zen temple Kosho-ji will be offering tea ceremonies and a digital teamaking experience for guests to enjoy. NAKED’s popular Distance Lanterns will return, allowing visitors to explore Uji at night while properly socially distancing. 

     

    At Kosho-ji, guests can enjoy the renewed DANDELION PROJECT. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff with their name on it to the metaverse version of Kosho-ji and beyond, eventually causing a digital flower to bloom. 

     

    Why not come take a quiet walk through the streets of Uji, Kyoto? 

     

     

    Works

     

    Urasenke Tea Ceremony and Digital Teamaking Experience

     

    『DANDELION PROJECT』by RYOTARO MURAMATSU / NAKED

     

    NAKED Distance Lantern®︎

     

    Asagiri Bridge and Kotosaka Interactive Illuminations

     

    NAKED Tsukubai®︎

     

    Chazuna’s New Mobility C⁺walkT Experience

  • Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop to Open in Tokyo

    27.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    A story-based digital GPS rally inspired by Chainsaw Man will be held within Tokyo’s subway system from November 1 until November 28. Fans of the anime series won’t want to miss it!

     

    Participants will be tasked with one vital mission: to find five senior devil hunters who are currently undercover at subway stations around the city.

     

    Participants will download an app from the special website and follow the instructions within to find stamp locations at stations throughout Tokyo. When they reach the designated location, they’ll find a special poster, and they’ll just need to press a button in the app to earn a stamp. By collecting stamps in all six locations, fans will receive a unique key visual which can only be obtained through this event. 

     

    Pop-Up Shop

    During the event period, fans will also find a limited-time pop-up shop inside Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Original collaboration items will be on sale, and a game will be set up with winners able to walk away with unique prizes. From November 1 to November 20, admission to the shop will be by advance reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce crowding. Reservations can be made through the official website.

     

    ©藤本タツキ/集英社・MAPPA

RANKING

  • DAILY
  • MONTHLY

FOLLOW US