‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

The Ways of Telling Exhibition is now open at the Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery in Tokyo. The focus of the gallery is to closely inspect how people ‘tell,’ or communicate with others. Human beings often depend on hearing or seeing as ways to get information, but there are many other ways to express thoughts and emotions, from paintings and photography to video creation. The exhibition highlights different attempts to receive and express invisible ‘narratives,’ and visitors will have to rely on their imagination to understand each piece.

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

Exhibition Space Design – Hideyuki Nakayama Architecture / Photo: Takashi Kato

Eight artists have contributed to the exhibition, each utilizing a wide variety of mediums. Hideyuki Nakayama, the architect behind the exhibition space, wanted to encourage visitors to use their imagination. “A building is a place that has been given a name and a fixed purpose, but I tried not to see it that way. I wanted it to feel like a different place for each guest. I hope that the space will overlap with the underlying purpose of the exhibition, in a way,” he explains. 

Bringing together both the seeing and the blind, a special book club was established as a place to discuss each person’s ‘way of seeing’ when it comes to art. In the exhibition space, Rinko Kawauchi’s book Hajimari no Hi, containing images and thoughts captured by blind individuals during the book club, will be displayed in both words and other mediums. 

UMEZZ ART PROJECT logo featuring self-portrait by Kazuo Umezu ©Kazuo Umezu

The UMEZZ ART PROJECT, focusing on the works of manga artist Kazuo Umezu, is coming to Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills in Tokyo from January 28 until March 25, 2022. The artist is widely known for his work on a number of horror series including Cat Eyed Boy and The Drifting Classroom, Working in the industry since 1962, his works have inspired a number of other manga creators, with Urusei Yatsura and Inuyasha creator Rumiko Takahashi once serving as Umezu’s assistant.

Orochi（1969-1970）

The Drifting Classroom（1972-1974）

My Name is Shingo（1982-1986）

*Dates of serialization in parentheses.

©楳図かずお/小学館

The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts in Machida, Tokyo, is currently holding the Looking at Prints: Techniques, Expressions, and History exhibition until December 5, 2021. Featuring over 130 prints created with a large variety of techniques, guests can take a deep dive into how each piece of art was made. 

An Up-to-Date Parody of the Four Classes – Utagawa Kunisada. 1857. Letterpress, wood, multi-color printing. 

Artists featured in the exhibition have used many different techniques to create their masterpieces, including woodblocks, copper plates, lithographs, and stencils. The main exhibit introduces famous printmakers such as Albrecht Durer, Pablo Picasso, and Shiko Munakata, but also a number of lesser-known artists who utilized less traditional techniques. All explanations are in an easy-to-understand manner, so why not come learn about art in Tokyo? 

The Awa Washi Traditional Industry Center, a foundation which strives to inform and preserve the Awa Washi paper’s 1,300 years of history, will be holding the ‘International Mini Print Exhibition 2021’ between October 9 and November 7. The event will exhibit over 1,800 prints from 58 countries. 

This international print exhibition will be displaying works from both domestic and overseas artists, all printed on A4 Wagami, or Japanese Paper. The exhibition is being held to increase the amount of artists displaying their works, while allowing local residents to feel an international connection through Awa Washi culture. This is the fifth instalment of the exhibition, which is held once every two years. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the organizers experienced some troubles such as shipping delays, but despite this, a total of 1,375 domestic and international artists applied to display their works. Each print has been carefully created by the artist, and will be displayed in one place to encourage not only those familiar with Awa Washi, but also introducing the culture to general art fans.

Why not immerse yourself amongst Japanese and International artwork at this unique paper event?

Yuki Suetsugu’s manga series Chihayafuru continues to be a massively popular series in Japan and abroad since its start in 2007. Now, the largest-ever collection of the artist’s original drawings will be on display at Matsuya Ginza from December 27, 2021, until January 17, 2022. 

Chihayafuru tells the story of Chihaya, a girl aiming to become the greatest competitive karuta player in Japan. Karuta is a Japanese card game, requiring players to memorize a collection of 100 classical poems in order to play. The Chihayafuru manga series has greatly boosted the popularity of competitive karuta in Japan. Generations of readers have been sucked in by the inspiring and romantic tale, and the series has grown to include an anime adaptation and a live-action film. With the series approaching completion, the three main characters, Chihaya, Arata, and Taichi, will take center stage at this expansive exhibition. 

With more than 500 items on display, guests are invited to take a look back at the story’s origins. Some pieces were created for the exhibition, while others will be shown in color for the first time. While the drawings may be the main focus, the exhibition will also include notes, setting materials, and behind-the-scenes footage. 

©末次由紀／講談社　

Miniature photographer Tanaka Tatsuya, who has garnered attention from all across the world, will be holding the ‘MINIATURE LIFE 2 ~ Tanaka Tetsuya’s Lifelike World~’ exhibition between November 26 and December 13 in the Sougo Hiroshima 9F exhibition hall.

Event Limited Goods

Tote Bag

Mousepad

The popular “MINIATURE LIFE Exhibition” which captured the hearts of 1.5 million people within Japan and overseas, has returned with even more power than before. You’ll find a sushi roll train rolling along the tracks, a clip becoming a waiting room chair, and a hot-air balloon lettuce floating in the sky… Tanaka Tatsuya is a miniature photographer living in Kagoshima, who crafts a tiny and funny world by transforming everyday items.

Their unique and creative works will make you laugh and groan, transcending borders and attracting over 3.2 million followers on Instagram! Tanaka is spreading the joy of miniature art from Kagoshima to the world.

In this long-awaited second exhibition, around 170 works will be displayed, including some brand new pieces. Venue-limited merchandise and miniature dolls that feature in the artworks can be purchased at the event, so don’t miss out!

 Be sure to check out the ‘MINIATURE LIFE 2 ~ Tanaka Tetsuya’s Lifelike World~’ exhibition, where your everyday life will be transformed into a wonderful new world!

Marubeni Corporation will be opening the Marubeni Gallery at their head office building on November 11 2021. 

Marubeni has been collecting and preserving textile-related businesses since 1858, preserving dyed woven products from the Edo period (kimono, obi, fukura etc) and curating the Marubeni Collection, a collection of Western paintings collected from art businesses in 1970-1980, along with modern Japanese paintings which have been collected from artists and their circles, and a selection of weaved designs.

From the left:”Crimped Fiber Tasuki Chrysanthemum & Seigaiha Print Furisode” (Designated as an item of cultural importance in 2020) / “Iso Tsuzure Go” by Takeuchi Seihou / “La Bella Simonetta” by Botticelli (late 15th century).

The Marubeni Collection will be displayed at the Marubeni Gallery, exhibiting a variety of themes under the concept of “a space where the beauty of the East and West resonates.” 

There are plans for special exhibitions to be held three times a year, and the Autumn 2022 event will be showcasing Botticelli’s “La Bella Simonetta,” the representative work of the Marubeni Collection.

Be sure to visit the Marubeni Gallery, where the beautiful of the East and West join together beautifully.

Tsuruoka, Yamagata prefecture is known throughout Japan and the world for its silk production. Beginning on September 18, a new exhibition is inviting guests to see some of the incredibly beautiful fabrics to come out of the area, particularly highlighting Reiko Sudo, an innovative cloth-maker living in the area. These stunning pieces are being displayed at the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site, celebrating 150 years of history in 2021 and known as the birthplace of Tsuruoka silk. In particular, Sudo’s own Kibiso fabrics, created with the intent of blending long-held traditions with modern technologies, will be making an appearance! Kibiso refers to the first silk that comes off the cocoons in industrial silk spinning. 

Kibiso Stripes & Streaks: 2018 Photo Sue McNab

Kibiso Zori: Photo Keiko Matsubara

Swinging Cherries: 2021 Photo Keiko Matsubara

An exhibit featuring the production process, original design sketches, and prototypes

Kibiso – Ogarami Choshi Sheets: 2018 Photo Keiko Matsubara

Ogarami Choshi, the byproduct of the silk mill: Photo Keiko Matsubara

The First Cultivation of the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site 

Tsuruoka City is the only region in Japan where the entire silk-making process–from caring for silkworms to dying and wearing–is completed in a single place. Silk production began in 1872 when the former Shonai clam’s samurai warriors began cultivating new lands around the Matsugaoka area. During the Meiji period, a local inventor named Saito Toichi invented the automatic weaving machine, making the production of silk fabrics much quicker and easier. The new fabrics were exported around the country to be used in dresses, and silk production quickly became the area’s main industry. 

Kibiso, a type of thread made from the first silk discharged from a silkworm, has been in production since 2007 and is breathing new life into the area’s industry. The thread is hard and thick, making it very difficult to work with–but once these works are completed, the textile is extremely durable. It holds moisture well, has antibacterial properties, and will help protect the wearer from UV rays. Combining new designs with functionality, Kibiso also cuts down on waste, and museums in the United States and the United Kingdom currently have some of these creations on display, with more requesting installations. 

At the current exhibition, 29 unique textiles, mainly Kibiso, are hung from the ceiling. Visitors are allowed to touch each of these pieces, and can also view the entire creative process from sketches and prototypes to the final product. All pieces were created together with the members of NUNO, a textile design studio directed by Sudo. The designs were decided on through conversations with craftsmen throughout Japan. By reviewing traditional processes and helping them evolve to suit modern needs, Kibiso was born and is helping to revitalize the silk industry in Tsuruoka. 

A highlight of the exhibition is ogarami choshi, a byproduct of silk production often caught in the thin metal tubes of silk mills. These can be torn into sheets and used for new creations, and by doing so, helps reduce waste. 

To celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary, Gucci will be hosting the ‘Gucci Garden Archetypes’ exhibition in Tennozu, Tokyo, between September 23 and October 31. The exhibition reflects the vision, aesthetics, and inclusive philosophies of creative director Alessandro Michele, as shown through advertising campaigns throughout his years in the position.

An Archetype refers to something that many things have been based on, and Gucci’s advertisement campaigns are exactly that – the Archetype to Gucci’s world.

The exhibition features astronauts, aliens, horses, angels, and more motifs that were featured in venues throughout the world, from Tokyo to Los Angeles, and even Paris’ May Revolution in 1968. Visitors are whisked away on a spectacular journey through Alessandro Michele’s kaleidoscopic vision. You will also discover the music, art, journeys, and pop culture that inspired Gucci’s campaigns.

Exhibition director Alessandro Michele spoke, saying “I thought it would be interesting to invite people to join me on this six year journey, experiencing a dazzling world of fantasy and surprises. From there, I decided to create an immersive world that people could jump into through the advertisement campaigns. After all, it is the campaigns that best represent my vision.” 

The exhibition is made up of multiple spaces built using cutting-edge technology, sophisticated craftsmen, and innovative interior design. The studio was designed by Archivio Personale, who has transformed Alessandro Michele’s vision into a narrative space. 

As you enter the venue, you’ll discover a control room, seemingly behind the scenes of the first exhibition as photos of Michele’s campaigns are projected onto screens. Each room is based on a different theme, connected by aisle to recreate the diverse and wonderful world of Gucci’s campaigns.

The Gucci Beauty room is full of screens at different angles, each showing footage from a lipstick collection campaign with the phrase “for the bold, the bright, and the beautiful.” The room dazzles those entering with the smile of punk singer Dani Miller, which is said to have overturned beautify standards in the cosmetics industry.

 The Gucci Bloom room is a floral paradise with its rich, floral scent. This campaign featured actress Dakota Johnson, feminist artist and photographer Petra Collins, and Hari Nef, a transgender actress and model, as the protagonists, each hiding away in an imaginary hidden garden. The three charismatic and unconventional women perfectly reflect Michele’s vision of modern femininity.

The 2018 pre-fall collection campaign paid homage to the young people who participated in Paris’ May 68 movement to mark the 50th anniversary of the event, using graffiti to add depth to the atmosphere. 

The room featuring the 2018 Spring/Summer campaign features visuals by Ignashi Monreal, who is known for his elaborate and expressive artwork, covering the walls and ceiling with a giant mural.

The room for the 2016 Fall/Winter collection takes you to Tokyo, using thousands of sequins across the walls to recreate Tokyo, a city that shines even at night. Meanwhile, the 2017 Fall/Winter room will take you all the way to space, with otherworldly creatures, aliens, and astronauts, all introduced in a Natural History Museum inspired diorama style.

The 2018 Fall/Winter room reflects the world of an eccentric collector, with shelves covering the walls from floor to ceiling. There are countless collectors items, with cases of butterflies, cuckoo clocks, colorful plushies, and even a number of Gucci GG Marmont bags. There are even set spaces, such as the  2016 Spring/Summer campaign which was set in the toilets of a 1980’s club in Berlin and the luxurious modern villa from the “Party of a Lifetime” cruise collection campaign in 2020. Head behind the scenes and traverse deeper into this maze-like space, riding the Los Angeles subway to return to Alessandro Michele’s very first campaign in 2015 Fall/Winter.

Lose yourself in the world of Gucci’s advertising campaigns with this immersive space!

Images Courtesy of Gucci

The popular four-panel manga series Is the Order a Rabbit? premiered in 2011. Written and illustrated by Koi, the series has been serialized in Manga Time Kirara Max for the past decade and is still ongoing, while three seasons of the anime have been aired starting in 2014. To commemorate the series’ ongoing success, a new exhibition is scheduled to open in both Tokyo and Osaka in October and November. 

Mini-Panels Drawn by Koi (7 varieties)

Tickets for the Tokyo event will go on sale starting at 5:00 PM on October 15. Remember, these tickets are first-come, first-served, and each will feature a specific date and time, so don’t miss out! As a special gift, those buying tickets will receive a random original mini-panel drawn by the series creator upon entry. Head to the official Twitter page to take part in a new campaign to win tickets to the Tokyo exhibition!

(C) Koi／芳文社

Seaside Park Nagoya in Kinjofuto is coming to Makers Pier in Nagoya City on October 16 and 17, as well as October 30 and 31. The event will feature 30 different activities for both parents and children to enjoy, along with workshops where kids can learn new things, such as cardboard crafts and lunch totes. 

For those more adventurous types, bouldering and slacklining will invite guests to stretch and refresh their bodies while enjoying the sea air. Even beginners can safely enjoy some of these more strenuous activities, as instructors will be on site. Plenty of unique experiences will keep little ones busy discovering and exploring. 

When the sun goes down, the Night Cinema will begin, and guests can enjoy a movie beneath the stars. How would you like to come and relax by the seaside? 

An exhibition between the art initiative DANDELION PROJECT, formed by the creative company NAKED, and the TBS drama series Japan Sinks: People of Hope, will be held during the month of October on the first floor of Akasaka Biz Tower in Tokyo. 

The DANDELION PROJECT is inspired by the idea of world peace and hopes to help transcend barriers and connect people in an increasingly divided world. This networked initiative wants to bring this change about by planting (or installing) dandelion-inspired art around the world, while it invites people visiting these dandelion exhibits to send their prayers for peace as a digital flower in real-time. The theme of ‘hope’ found in the new Japan Sinks drama fits perfectly into this exhibition. 

When you see the petals of the dandelion flow through the air after being hit with a gust of wind, that means that someone from around the world caused that to happen. Due to the recent pandemic, rather than blow on cotton wool as is usually done at these exhibits, guests can hold up their smartphones to cause the same thing to happen. The DANDELION PROJECT will also be making an appearance at Tokyo Tower, Saga Prefectural Hall, and other places, so be sure to participate in this unique exhibit!

DANDELION PROJECT Installations Currently Open Around Japan

Saga Prefectural Exhibition Hall

Tokyo Tower Main Deck