The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how many people live their lives, with fewer and fewer people venturing outdoors. Now, Japanese creative company NAKED has announced a Night Walk at the picturesque Katayamazu Hot Springs in Kaga, Ishikawa. While practicing social distancing, visitors can explore an illuminated wonderland from December 17, 2021, until January 16, 2022.
Lights of the Dragon God: Ukimidou
Sunny Spot Baths: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza
NAKED Distanced Lanterns: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza
NAKED Flower Cleansing: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza
The Halo of Life: Aizenji Temple
Crystal-Dyed Paper Lanterns: Aizenji Temple
Guests will be invited to explore the grounds while carrying a NAKED Distanced Lantern–both an art piece, and a way to illuminate your steps. With safety in mind, there will be plenty of space between visitors, so people can enjoy the event with peace of mind.
The location for the event, Katayamazu Onsen, was recently a runner-up in the Onsen General Election 2018 spectacular scenery category. Surrounded by crystal blue waters and with a beautiful view of Mt. Haku, the location will have guests feeling completely calm by the time their visit comes to an end.
Information
NAKED Night Walk -Katayamazu Hot Springs-
Running: December 17, 2021 – January 16, 2022
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Address: Katayamazu Hot Springs (Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza, Yonomoto Park, Aizenji Temple)
Admission: Free
Official Site: https://yoru-sanpo.naked.works/katayamazu/
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Ueno’s National Museum of Western Art Celebrates Reopening with Live Commentary for ‘In Dialogue with Nature’ Exhibit
16.June.2022 | SPOT
The National Museum of Western Art, located in Ueno Park, reopened in April 2022 after being closed for renovations for 18 months. The first special exhibition post-reopening will feature Van Gogh’s works in Japan for the first time, along with paintings depicting modern nature from both the National Museum of Western Art and the Museum Folkwang in Essen, Germany.
To commemorate the post-renovation reopening of the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, this exhibition traces the development of modern art born out of the dialogue between nature and humankind.
The event was realized in collaboration with the Museum Folkwang, and both institutions were founded on private collections: that of Karl Ernst Osthaus (1874–1921) in Germany and Matsukata Kojiro (1866–1950) in Japan.
The exhibition will feature over 100 paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs from both museums, spanning from German Romanticism to the art of the twentieth century, ranging from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism.
Guests can enjoy all aspects of the infinite expanse of nature as shown in both collections, from the smallest roadside flowers to the vast universe and all humanity contained within. Would you like to come and experience this unique exhibition?
Information
The National Museum of Western Art Reopening Event
In Dialogue with Nature: From Friedrich, Monet and Van Gogh to RichterRunning: June 4 – September 11, 2022
Closed Mondays, July 19 (*Open July 18 and August 15)
Venue: The National Museum of Western Art (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Open until 20:00 on Fridays, Saturdays)
Niconico Museum Homepage: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/niconicomuseum
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Next-Generation Town-Walking Project NAKED GARDEN -ONE KYOTO- to Begin this Fall
The creative team at NAKED is teaming up with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture for a one-of-a-kind project. This fall, guests will be able to experience NAKED GARDEN -ONE KYOTO, a next-generation town-walking project blending the real world and the Metaverse together. Visitors will be able to experience Kyoto’s shrines, temples, and history in a whole new way.
NAKED has been working with the city of Kyoto since 2017, creating new cultural outreach and tourism programs. A number of nighttime events have taken place at Nijo Castle, including ‘virtual flower viewing’ in the midst of the pandemic. Last year, the DANDELION PROJECT began at Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site. The project brings guests around the world together virtually to pray for peace. Events have also taken place at Kiyomizu-dera, Heian Shrine, and Ninna-ji.
In 2022, NAKED will collaborate with Kyoto City, Uji City, Otsu City, and their respective tourism associations to create a Metaverse where visitors can enjoy Kyoto not only in the real world but also virtually. Art being experienced by visitors in real life can be reflected in the Metaverse, and experiences in the Metaverse can be enjoyed in a way that is unique to real events. As hard to describe as it may be, more details will be available on the NAKED GARDEN website when it opens this summer.
Information
NAKED GARDEN -ONE KYOTO-
Coming Fall 2022
NAKED, INC. Official Site: https://naked.co.jp
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NAKED’s Popular Night Walk Returns to Illuminate Jozankei Onsen in Hokkaido
30.May.2022 | SPOT
The JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE -WATER LIGHT VALLEY- event is coming back in 2022! The event, which shows off the natural beauty of Jozankei’s rivers, valleys, and forests, from June to October. Guests can enjoy an illuminated walk along the Toyohira River in the Jozankei area of Hokkaido and wander across the picturesque Futami Suspension Bridge.
This year, the park area at the entrance to the event has been redesigned with new lights. A 2.5-meter-high blue dome will welcome guests with an image of water, and the trees and wisteria trellises will be decorated with twinkling golden lights.
Welcome Light Lake *Image from 2021
River Road
Forest Water Ripple
Nature Projection
Futami Valley
Visitors will encounter a variety of unique light art as they stroll through the rich nature of Jozankei guided by the elusive kappa, known to be the guardian Gods of the region. As visitors approach, the river begins to glow while flowers bloom in this interactive art experience. By using projection mapping across the Futami Suspension Bridge and an all-encompassing light show within the canyon, the event hopes to remind visitors that nature is important and worth preserving.
How would you like to spend your summer deep in the illuminated nature of Hokkaido?
Information
JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE – WATER LIGHT VALLEY
Address: Jozankei Futami Park – Futami Suspension Bridge
(Jozankei Onsen Nishi 4-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido)Running: June 1 – October 23, 2022
Hours:
June – August: 19:00-21:00
September – October: 18:00-21:00
*Tickets available for guests of Jozankei Onsen only
Official Site: https://jozankei.jp/jozankei-nature-luminarie -
NAKED’s Projection Mapping Show at Tokyo Tower Illuminates the City at Night
26.May.2022 | SPOT
Digital art collective NAKED has announced a new projection mapping show taking place at Tokyo Tower starting May 24! Welcome summer with the ‘Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2022~ event on the second floor of the 150-meter-high main deck of the classic landmark.
In 2019, the company introduced the ‘Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Cool Japanese Summer~ event, which has now been upgraded to a new version. Guests will now be treated to a colorful show highlighting the transition of the seasons in Japan from the rainy season to early summer to midsummer, filled with hydrangeas, sunflowers, and fireworks. Colorful flowers bloom in the rain giving way to a bright summer day complete with the sound of cicadas and bright white clouds in the sky. After the sun sets over the sunflower fields, fireworks light up the Tokyo sky.
The ‘Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia’ nightscape event was planned, directed, and produced by NAKED, and began in 2014. By combining the night view from the observatory with projection mapping, guests can experience something one-of-a-kind.
Following the original launch of the event, it has traveled to towers and observatories around Japan including Abeno Harukas and the Nagoya TV Tower, playing off the particular characteristics of each locale.
This event isn’t the only thing going on at Tokyo Tower this summer. Guests can also enjoy the DANDELION PROJECT by NAKED and Ryotaro Muramatsu in the northwest section of the second floor of Tokyo Tower’s main deck. The project is based on the concept of world peace and harmony and was unveiled at Miyashita Park, Tokyo Tower, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, and Nijo Castle in Kyoto in 2020. The networked art project invites guests to send their wishes for world peace on digital dandelion fluff to other locations where DANDELIONs are planted around the world, and these messages are delivered in real-time.
Come enjoy this incredible night view while you can!
Information
CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Eternal Lights in TOKYO~
Venue: Tokyo Tower Main Deck (Height: 150m) 2F Facing North
Running: May 24 – September 4, 2022
Periods:
May 24 – June 5, 19:00 – Close
June 6 – July 18, 19:30 – CloseJuly 19 – August 21, 19:00 – Close
August 22 – September 4, 18:30 – Close
Fee: The event is included in the price of observation deck admission.Official Site: https://naked.co.jp
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Toyokawa Inari to Bring Back Popular Naked YORU MO-DE Event in 2022
24.May.2022 | SPOT
One of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines, Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture, will be decorated in summer-themed lights from July 22 until August 8! The popular Naked YORU MO-DE event is coming back for 2022 after attracting over 40,000 visitors last year.
Starting in 2021, Toyokawa Inari has held the Naked YORU MO-DE event monthly on the 22nd, the founding date of the shrine’s founding. Using technology, Naked’s artwork is updating the worship experience to fit into the ‘new normal,’ keeping social distancing in mind.
Jihoukan Projection-Mapping – Summer Festival ver.
Socially Distanced Art – Naked Distanced Lanterns, Summer Festival ver.
Naked Tsukubai – Summer Festival ver.
The theme for this new event is ‘a summer festival for a new era.’ Many of Toyokawa City’s annual festivals, such as the Oiden Festival and the Mitama Festival, have been canceled since the spread of the coronavirus. This new kind of festival will pull inspiration from other local events and will feature handheld firework displays, a collection of gorgeous wind chimes, and tons of night stalls for guests to enjoy alongside Naked’s digital artwork. The local handheld fireworks will be shown using projection mapping, and all of the fan-favorite Naked social distancing art projects will be transformed to suit the summer festival theme. The Naked Tsukubai hand sanitizing art project will show goldfish and fireworks in the palm of your hand, and the Naked Distanced Lanterns will be decorated with a summer firework pattern.
Information
Toyokawa Inari, One of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines x Naked YORU MO-DE
Venue: Toyokawa Inari (1 Toyokawacho, Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture)
Running: July 22 – August 6, 2022
*Held throughout the year starting on the 22nd of every month
Hours: 19:00-22:00
Official Site: https://event.naked.works/yoru-mo-de/ -
Limited Edition Sake Released Alongside NFT Art to Share the Value of Japanese Spirits with the World
Two incredible new Junmai Daiginjo bottles, the highest-quality sake, have been released in limited quantities. Hitou ASCENDING and Touka ILLUMINATING were made by sustainable means and incorporate NFT art to share the process of sake creation with the world.
While sake companies keep traditional Japanese production methods alive, some are seeking to solve problems in the sake industry by turning to current technology, like the blockchain and NFTs. In this age of convenience and automation, this particular sake maker is aiming to show the true value and authenticity of Japanese craftsmanship to the rest of the world.
Certain types of sake can only be made and enjoyed at certain times of the year, as they are not suitable for storage at room temperature and can only be consumed for a brief period to get the best taste. Many sake fans around the world might not be aware of this, so the new NFT collaboration aims to educate!
The bottles contain unique ukiyo-e NFT art prints of a dragon and phoenix on the bottle, respectively. Those who purchase a bottle will also find the year of production and bottle number etched onto the glass with lacquer. Be sure to keep the bottle even after the delicious sake is gone!
Story
Rice / Tobe Rice
In Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, farmers have been cultivating this unique brand of Koshihikari rice without the help of pesticides or fertilizers for over two decades. The rice is called the best in all of Japan, and one-third of its yield is used to make sake.Water / Pure Groundwater
The Japan Median Tectonic Line, also known as the ‘Dragon’s Vein,’ is a massive fault line that is home to numerous sacred sites, including Suwa Grand Shrine, Toyokawa Inari Shrine, Tenkawa Benzaiten Shrine, Ise Grand Shrine, and the Koyasan Mountain. The groundwater found here is some of the purest found in Japan and flows from the Bungui Pass in Ina, Nagano Prefecture. The pass has been featured in many publications as one of the most famous power spots in Japan.
Brewing / Ono Brewery
While dealing with some of the harshest winter weather in Japan, the brewery has continued to create sake the old-fashioned way–with human hands. For the creation of these two bottles, the brewers took on the challenge of making a very small amount of sake, something they had never done before. Based on the concept of “making the most of the environment,” the rice was prepared in a special room with no air conditioning under the watchful eye of the master brewer.
Bottle Art/ Ukiyo-e Artist, Shun
The art displayed on the bottle is printed in a unique way, allowing it to be put on display separately. The Japanese-style art is perfect for the collaboration and was inspired by one specific hope: that a new path will open to those who work hard after the many difficulties and troubles caused by the pandemic.Bottle Making / Maruyoshi Kosaka Wood & Urushi Works
The circular label symbolizes the moon (water) and the sun (fire), each representing a world where different values are not only accepted but welcomed. Hand-painted and made with pure platinum and gold leaf by the talented craftsman at Maruyoshi Kosaka Wood & Urushi Works in Shiojiri, Nagano, these advanced painting techniques are sure to impress.
Each Bottle Features the Brewing Year, Number Printed in Lacquer
Marked with a unique serial number, all proceeds from the sales of these special sakes will be used to maintain and promote sustainable agriculture, support sake brewers, and bring traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the world.
Information
Junmai Daiginjo – ‘Hitou ASCENDING,’ ‘Touka ILLUMINATING’
Limited Quantity
Official Site: https://hitoutouka.com/ -
teamLab Opens 8th Annual Art Exhibition at Mifuneyama Rakuen in Saga Prefecture
From July 15 until November 6, 2022, the ‘teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live’ exhibition at Mifuneyama Rakuen, an ancient forest at the Takeo Hot Springs in Saga Prefecture. The massive event is held each summer and fall and was named CNN World’s ‘Best Outdoor Art Exhibition to Visit’ in 2021 and one of the Top 10 Art Installations in the world by DesignboomMagazine in 2017.
Works on Display
Universe of Water Particles on a Sacred Rock, 2017
Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and Boats – Mifuneyama Rakuen Pond, 2015
Ever Blossoming Life Rock, 2017
Life is Continuous Light – Azalea Valley, 2017
Rock Wall Spatial Calligraphy, Continuous Life – Five Hundred Arhats, 2017
Split Rock and Enso, 2017
Resonating Forest – Cherry Blossoms and Maple, 2017
Megaliths in the Bath House Ruins, 2019
Graffiti Nature – Living in the Ruins of a Bathhouse, Red List, 2017-
Resonating Forest in the Ravine, 2019
Abstract and Concrete – Forest Entrance, 2018
Flowers Bloom in an Infinite Universe inside a Teacup, 2016
Forest and Spiral of Resonating Lamps in the Forest – One Stroke, Summer Forest, 2018
Mifuneyama is said to have risen from the Ariake Sea 3 million years ago. The 500,000 square meter Mifuneyama Rakuen Park was created in 1845, at the end of the Edo period. The park is home to megaliths, caves, and forests that have been slowly shaped over thousands of years. teamLab believes that the shapes and textures of these objects are important, serving as traces of ancient people and natural changes over time. The concept of the project is that non-material digital technology can turn nature into art without harming it.
The creative team will be holding a number of other high-profile exhibitions this year, including installations in Paris, Tallinn, Shanghai, and Geneva. Their sauna collaboration with TikTok for teamLab Reconnect in Roppongi made huge waves in 2021–guests would take alternating hot and cold baths to experience intense physical sensations while surrounded by digital art.Information
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live
Running: July 15 – November 6, 2022
Location: Mifuneyama Rakuen (4100 Takeo, Takeocho Oaza Takeo, Takeo City, Saga)
Official Site: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/mifuneyamarakuen/ -
Fendi and Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai Collaborate on #FendiTsunaguOmotesando Art Project
Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai on a new street art project! ‘TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project’ was unveiled on April 29, 2022.
The project, which aims to improve the city’s scenery and share positive messages, is on display in Omotesando, a popular area with young people. The canvas is the formal site of the Oriental Bazaar, an iconic part of Omotesando for over four decades. Under the theme of ‘hope,’ three young artists will be displaying their artwork in a massive temporary enclosure on the site. Hopefully, Japan really will open tourism soon so that guests from around the world can enjoy these inspiring pieces!
The first piece of art was unveiled on April 29 and was drawn by Dai Tamura, a young Japanese artist who has attracted worldwide attention after becoming an illustrator for the NBA. The dynamic and powerful compositions vividly depict endangered animals and plants alongside delicate flowers to symbolize hope for the futures of these beautiful creatures.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the next installation coming soon!Information
TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project
Location: Oriental Bazaar Former Site
Address: 5-9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Official Site: http://www.fendi.com
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Popular illustrator and alcohol ink artist Jiji will release her first artbook in May!
Images
Behind-the-Scenes
This is the first collection of works by Jiji to be compiled and released. ‘Jiji ILLUSTRATION AND MAKING BOOK’ will include around 110 illustrations, including both past creations and new images made exclusively for the book’s release. The compiled illustrations were made in a variety of ways, including with alcohol ink, fountain pens, and by digital means.
Information
Jiji ILLUSTRATION & MAKING BOOK
Release Date: May 2022
Price: ¥2,530 (Tax Included)
ISBN:978-4-7661-3631-9
https://www.hanmoto.com/bd/isbn/9784766136319 -
NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM -Bring You Happiness- Event Opens at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Tokyo’s Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa has opened its seasonal event NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM -Bring You Happiness- until June 19, 2022.
The aquarium has been continuously developing entertaining exhibits and events based on the beauty of each season. The creative company NAKED uses projection mapping to transform the space with cherry blossoms in spring and fireworks in summer, allowing guests to enjoy a special atmosphere indoors.
Welcome Flower Gate
Marine Forest
Blooming Street
Jellyfish Ramble
Floral Café Bar
For spring, the Aqua Park has been decorated with gorgeous flowers and lush greenery. The new event uses state-of-the-art technology to surround visitors with a spectacular view of early summer. Each area of the aquarium was inspired by the subtheme of ‘bringing happiness,’ with seven different Happiness Experiences for guests to enjoy. These experiences offer things like healing sound effects and scents made to calm the mind and offer additional immersion.
The popular dolphin performance has both a day and night show. The day version offers guest participation, in which the dolphins will show off their choreographed moves. The night version was inspired by the early summer sea and uses projection mapping to bring the underwater world to life in a spectacular way.
Information
NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM-Bring You Happiness-
Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Address: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: www.aqua-park.jp -
Panasonic LUMIX and NAKED Team Up for Exhibition at LUMIX BAE TOKYO in Aoyama, Tokyo
Art collective NAKED is teaming up with Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras for a new version of the NAKED BIG BOOK. The new work is on display at LUMIX BASE TOKYO in Aoyama until May 29, 2022.
LUMIX BASE TOKYO is a gallery inspired by the LUMIX brand of digital cameras. The location is meant to serve as a base for the next generation of creators and strives to bring tons of creative energy to those looking to hit it big as artists in the future.
Naked and LUMIX have come together to make LUMIX BASE TOKYO not only a showroom but also a place where guests can experience creativity in a new way. The NAKED BIG BOOK,” the brand’s most famous work, has been decorated with seasonal flowers and will be exhibited for a limited time.
NAKED BIG BOOK invites visitors to enter a storybook world with each turning page. The work uses projection mapping on a giant book sculpture to inspire audiences and wow guests with the wonders of technology. The book has appeared at FLOWERS BY NAKED and other locations throughout Japan in the past.
The exhibition will also feature original artwork inspired by LUMIX’s marketing campaign for 2022, ‘COLORS OF LUMIX.’
Information
NAKED BIG BOOK – LUMIX Collaboration Version
Venue: LUMIX BASE TOKYO (2-chome-11-17 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Running: April 26 – May 29, 2022
Hours: 11:00-19:00 / Closed on Mondays, New Years holiday
Admission: Free
Official Site: https://lumix-base.jpn.panasonic.com/ -
HERALBONY GALLERY to Hold 8th Original Exhibition Highlighting Artists with Disabilities
16.April.2022 | FASHION / Uncategorized
HERALBONY is currently holding its 8th exhibition of original paintings featuring pieces by Kaoru Iga. The art is available to view at the HERALBONY GALLERY in Iwate Prefecture, which showcases creations made by artists with disabilities.
Kaoru Iga’s colorful artwork features unique textures and an abstract worldview. The works featured will be on sale at the gallery and on the official HERALBONY online store.
Kaoru Iga
Iga’s paintings don’t show any specific objects or people, rather focusing on color, shape, and texture. Some pieces are rough, some pieces are gentle, and some utilize various textures or overlapping lines. Together, the works are like a single piece of music consisting of multiple movements.
Iga, who has played the cello for many years and honed his ability to connect with others without words, reminds viewers of the simpler aspects of life on Earth. Each day, we are met with a barrage of information and chatter–what is it like to cut all of that out?
The artists featured at HERALBONY will continue creating in the hopes of finding worldwide recognition.
Information
HERALBONY GALLERY 8th Exhibition ‘The Art of Kaoru Iga’
Artist: Kaoru Iga
Exhibition Open until May 8, 2022
Hours: 12:00-19:00
Address: HOMEDLUX Building 4F (2-38 Kaiunbashidori, Morioka, Iwate Prefecture)
Admission: FreeHERALBONY Online Store: https://heralbony.com/collections/original-painting