Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a hotel and museum celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The hotel is home to the Hyakudan Kaidan, or 100 Steps Staircase, where the Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan art exhibition will take place from June 7 to September 2. This marks the 4th run of the event, which will put on a fantastic display of lights and installations celebrating Japanese summer and its events.
The 100 Steps Staircase was built in 1935 and has been a place of meeting for many people over the course of Gajoen’s history. It was registered by Tokyo Prefecture as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2009 for its exceptional architecture and artistic beauty.
During the exhibition’s first run in 2015, the Hyakudan Kaidan was celebrated in collaboration with the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, a registered Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The ideas and concepts surrounding the exhibition have changed each year. The second run saw a boost in popularity with over 90,000 attendees, more than the prior year.
This year, 63 exhibitors will participate in the event, close to double the amount than last time. It will be a celebration of everything from the giant Aomori Nebuta Matsuri to Edo Kiriko glassware that you can hold in the palm of your hand. An amalgamation of festivities, art, design, craftsmanship and technology, attendees are permitted to take photos of anything there.
This year’s exhibition will see a huge range of content, including art installations by MIRRORBOWLER, three new works completed by Majima Hidenori at the end of last year that took him 6 years to complete, a light-up byobu folding screen that people can draw on, products by body care brand SABON who originate from Israel and are celebrating 10 years since arriving in Japan, and much more.
There will be a bunch of collaborative projects too. Full details can be found on the event website.
Get up close with Japanese art and culture at this year’s exhibition.
■Information
Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2018
Location: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Running: July 7, 2018 – September 2, 2018 (*No Holidays)
Time: [Monday-Thursday] 10am-5pm (Last Entries 4:30pm) / [Friday, Weekends, Holidays & August 13-17] 10am-8pm (Last Entries 7:30pm)
*Photography allowed. However, tripods and flash photography are prohibited.
Entry Price: Same Day – ¥1,500 / Advance – ¥1,200 (¥1,000 until July 6 at entrance) / Students – ¥800 (ID Required) / Children – Free
TEL: 03-5434-3140 (10am-6pm)
Official Page: http://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/event/wanoakari2018
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Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a museum and hotel that underwent revamp last April and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The establishment opened its new Gajoen Art Tour for guests on June 18.
The tour will take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 9am for an hour and a half. Guests staying at the hotel will be guided through the myriad of marvelous art displays on show at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The hotel is known for hosting wedding ceremonies and opened as Japan’s first wedding complex. Weddings take place at the Oumi-den which is home to colourful wooden carvings of cranes and deer, which are divine messengers, as well as the auspicious plum blossom. There’s also folding fans spread out on the ceiling as a good omen. The tour will also introduce people to the many special rooms in the hotel, including the Gyokujo, a striking Japanese style banquet room with beautiful mother-of-pearl inlays and artwork by Japanese painter Gyokujo Masuda. There’s also the Hyakudan Kaidan, or 100 Steps Staircase, which was registered by Tokyo Prefecture as a Tangible Cultural Property. Guests can look forward to commentary of the artwork on display in the hotel. There’s also the temple and shrine walking tour that began on June 19 which will take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am. People will be guided around the temples and shrines near the hotel including Daienji, Gohyaku Rakanji, Ryusenji, and more. Get involved with the Hotel Gajoen Tokyo art exhibition. ■Information Gajoen Art Tour Start Date: June 18, 2018 Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9am-10:30am Shrine & Temple Walking Tour Start Date: June 19, 2018 Schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9am-10:30am Reservations for either tour must be made by 5pm the previous day. Places are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Address: 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro, Tokyo TEL: 03-3491-4111 Website:http://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/ -
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a gorgeous comprehensive hotel and museum which rebranded itself in April 2017 and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
The establishment has prepared a special selection of two delicious gifts which are sold at the hotel's patisserie Lien 1928 and have been officially recognised by Secretary of Dining which is managed by Gurunavi.
The first treat is the Chikurin ('bamboo thicket') chocolates made to look like decorative ceiling paintings. These are popular chocolates made by pastry chef Takeya Shono which are served at the hotel's patisserie Lien 1928 on the first floor where they sell sweets and other foods.
Ever since it was established in 1928, it has recreated decorative ceiling art found at Japanese museums and also in hotels, as well as intricate designs and patterns seen in Japanese paintings.
The second gift snack is baked and is called Iro-Dori. It includes three popular powdered cakes which have been made with hard-to-get premium matcha from Ome in Tokyo. It also includes a variety of baked biscuits and other sweets.
This selection of snacks is a showcase by Secretary of Dining, one of Japan's biggest secretary service support sites managed by Gurunavi. Their products have received much praise especially amongst secretaries as their gift snacks cater towards the business scene.
Lien 1928 offers unique sweets inspired by the beauty of Japan. Why not pick some up yourself?
■Information
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Address: 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3491-4111
"Secretary of Dining" Officially Recognised 2018 Gift Snack Collection
Chikurin Decorative Ceiling Chocolates
Quantity: 5
Price: ¥2,376 (Tax-Included)
Iro-Dori Baked Snacks
Price: ¥3,240 (Tax-Included)
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A new patisserie by the name of "Lien 1928" will be opening in Hotel Gajoen Tokyo on September 1st. The name "Lien" originates from the French word "Lien" to mean "bond" and "connect" and the "1928" signifies the date at which Gaojen was established.
The patisserie will house chocolate delicacies made by pastry chef Takeya Shouno, as well as a host of other luxurious, hotel original treats
The hotel is going into its 90th anniversary, and since it's a place that upholds many festivals and celebrations, they are introduction a line of delectable goodies intended as a gift for that special someone.
The line-up features a long list of delicious treats that you can only find at the hotel, including chocolate bon bons created around the design of the hotel's gorgeous ceiling painting, temari ball shaped chocolates that were sold as limited edition Valentines Day gifts, and more. They also offer the standard pound cake and a range of baked sweets which are perfect as gifts.
The elegant patisserie is designed using 'kumiko,' a traditional Japanese style of woodwork, and boasts a wide range of sumptuous original sweets for you to enjoy either for yourself or as a gift to someone dear to you.
It overflows with the kind of traditional Japaneseness you want to be surrounded by, so be sure to head on over to check our their collection of treats you can only find there.
■Information
Patisserie "Lien 1928" (栞杏1928)
Address: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo 1F, 1-8-1 Shitameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Open: 10am-8pm
Enquiries: Restaurant Desk
TEL: 050-3188-7570 Service Hours: 9am-8pm
Patisserie "Lien 1928"
TEL: 03-5434-5230 *Available from September 1st
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Model, DJ, and photographer Hikari Shibata will hold her first photo exhibition in five years, THROUGH THE WINDOW, at the FLOAT Gallery in Tokyo for four days starting September 8, 2023.
The exhibition’s title was inspired by Shibata’s shyness, which has always led her to photograph landscapes rather than people. Many photos were taken through windows, and both the view and reflections are meaningful and personal to Shibata herself.
This year’s exhibition features photos of daily life taken in Copenhagen, Denmark’s largest city, where Shibata stayed for a total of three weeks in March 2023. It will also feature photographs snapped in Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Shibata will visit the gallery in person to present her creations. In addition to the sale of exhibited photographs, guests will also be able to purchase T-shirts, hats, and Shibata’s first photobook, the latter of which is available in limited quantities. The self-published 112-page hardcover book was entirely designed by Shibata herself. T-shirts will be available in two colors and feature the title of the exhibition, while hats will come in three colors with an embroidered graphic image of the sun reflected in a window.
Information
THROUGH THE WINDOW (Hikari Shibata Photo Exhibition)
Running: September 8-11, 2023 / 13:00-20:00
Venue: FLOAT (3-1-9 Megurohoncho, Meguro-ku, Tokyo)
*Please be aware that admission may be restricted in the event of crowding.[Profile]
Hikari Shibata
Born in Kanagawa in 1997, Shibata is a model, DJ, and fashion director, known for sharing her life and unique fashion sense on social media. Her interest in photography dates to her high school days, and along with her work in Japan and abroad, she’s handled visuals for apparel brands and CD jackets. This will be her fourth photo exhibition.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peepinsidehead5862
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibatahikari/
PEEP INSIDE HEAD: https://peepinsidehead.com/ -
Starting March 4, the permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka will transform its artwork into a stunning spring theme. Guests will be able to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms for a limited time, and starting March 24, the Catching and Collecting Forest will also be transformed in the same way.
TeamLab’s works are created in real time by procedural generation, meaning that they are always changing and evolving. Each work changes depending on the season.
▼Starting March 4
Both Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year and Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year are only available to see during spring. Come and see animals made entirely of cherry blossoms as they roam through the museum!
The work titled Soft Terrain in Granular Topography shows multicolored grains of light pouring from the sky, while Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life surrounds visitors with brightly colored butterflies
▼Starting March 24
In the Catching and Collecting Forest, visitors can explore with their smartphones and catch various animals made entirely of cherry blossoms.
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome
Address: 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: http://forest.teamlab.art -
The Tokyo-based girl artists and creators' collective bala has finally launched for real! The group will release its first single barla on March 8. bala consists of MANON, SUNNY ONLY 1, DAN, and KANO, each with their own global background. The project aims to resonate with Gen Z youth culture and to be a collective of artists that connects hybrid Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. The debut song barla was produced by Shinichi Osawa, who has numerous hits under the name Mondo Grosso. It was co-written by Kenmochi Hidefumi from Wednesday Campanella. With Y2K culture making a comeback around the world, the track features the house sound popular in the late 90s which is showing signs of becoming the next musical trend yet again. The groovy dance tune is a perfect theme song for these girls who will lead the next generation of pop culture. <Comment from Shinichi Osawa> “I’m honored to be involved in bala’s debut. The members are super unique, and collaborating with Kenmochi-san for the first time was a dream come true.” <Comment from Kenmochi Hidefumi> “I’m happy to be able to work with the members of bala and Shinichi Osawa. Everyone is so uniquely talented, and this song is filled with everyone's energy and excitement inspired by their long-awaited debut!”
Information
bala 1st Single「barla」
配信日:2023年3月8日(水)
配信URL:https://orcd.co/barla
【About bala】
東京を拠点に活動するガールズ・アーティストとクリエイターによるコレクティブ・balaは、MANON、SUNNY ONLY1、DAN、KANOの4人からなるクリエイティブ集団。
世界で同時多発的に進行している様々なZ世代ユースカルチャーと共鳴しながら、DNAに組み込まれた日本発のポップカルチャーと融合させたハイブリッドな表現を目指し、グローバルに発信していくことをコンセプトに活動する。
また3Dアバターキャラクター「Barla」を介し、次世代インターネット「WEB 3.0」など、積極的にエッジテックを活用した次世代のクリエイティブにも取り組んでいく。
ポップミュージックのフィールドに限らず、彼女たちの世界観を共有する様々なアーティスト、クリエイターが集うクリエイティヴ・プラットフォームとして機能することで、ポップカルチャーにおける新たなエコシステムへの発展を目指していく。
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@bala_official_japan
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bala_official_japan/
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©永井豪/ダイナミック企画 ©ダイナミック企画・東映アニメーション ©ダイナミック企画 ©東映アニメーション ©松本零士/零時社・東映アニメーション
From March 21 until April 5, 2023, Matsuzakaya Nagoya will host The World of Super Robot & Hero: Kazuhiro Ochi Art Exhibition, celebrating the creator’s 45th anniversary as an artist. Ochi is well-known for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam and dozens of other popular anime series, from Martian Successor Nadesico to Urusei Yatsura.
Ochi has personally selected over 100 items to be put on display at the exhibition, including illustrations from Mazinger Z and Devilman, both of which are celebrating their 50th anniversaries. Fans can also expect to see illustrations from the newly-announced UFO Robot Grendizer project along with original sketches, promotional materials, and much more.
Available merchandise will include an art book signed by Kazuhiro Ochi himself, prints, and character goods. New Cutie Honey and Cosmic Fantasy products will also be available for purchase.
The animator himself will also be in attendance on select days, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet an anime legend!
Guests spending over ¥5,000 (including tax) at the exhibition during days in which Ochi is in attendance will receive an autographed illustration card only available at the Nagoya venue.
Exhibition Merch at a Glance
©Go Nagai/Dynamic Planning Illustration by K.Ochi
©KAZUHIRO OCHI
イラスト/越智一裕 ©永井豪/ダイナミック企画
Information
The World of Super Robot & Hero: Kazuhiro Ochi Art Exhibition
Running: March 21 – April 5, 2023
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Venue: Matsuzakaya Nagoya Main Buiding 7F, Large Event Hall
Details & Merchandise Information: https://edition-88.com/blogs/blog/ochikazuhiro-ten-nagoya_event-info
Purchase Goods: https://edition-88.com/
Kazuhiro Ochi Attendance Schedule
Appearance Dates: March 21, March 25, March 26, April 1, April 2
Hours: 13:00-16:00
*The event will conclude promptly at the listed time.
*The attendance schedule is subject to be changed or canceled depending on various circumstances. -
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time
From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.
GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)
A LONG VACATION - Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi
Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.
The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi's favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.
During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.
Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!
©2023 Eguchi HisashiInformation
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition ‘Tokyo Girlfriend’
Running: March 14 – April 23, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/ -
From February 11 to February 26, an exhibition inspired by the popular rock band CreepHyp will be held at the PARCO GALLERY on the 6th floor of the Nagoya PARCO West Building. The event is being held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CreepHyp. The exhibition is themed around a ‘Museum of Voices.’
A person’s voice is said to be a true expression of their personality. This exhibition will give fans a new sense of what CreepHyp is and will feature their music, their MC content, and various radio appearances.
Visitors will be able to listen to the member’s voices, but they’ll also be able to step on them, dive into them, look at them, and experience plenty of other ways to enjoy the band’s content. Completely immersed in this world of voices, this experience promises to be like no other. Come experience it while you can!
The exhibition was largely created by CHOCOLATE, the creative team behind CreepHyp’s past exhibitions. Exclusive merchandise will also be available on-site.
Information
Let Creephyp’s Music Rain Down on You like a Shower Exhibition
Running: February 11 – February 26 (15 days) *Closed on February 15
Venue: Nagoya PARCO West Building 6F, PARCO GALLERY
Tickets: https://eplus.jp/creephyp_exhibition/
*Pre-sale ticket lottery begins on January 21 at noon
Details: https://art.parco.jp/parcogallery/detail/?id=1151