#31-Tokyo 202606 End
Exhibition Period: June 2 (Tue) - June 8 (Mon), 2026
*Closed on June 3 due to typhoon, exhibition extended (originally until June 7)
Location: Nine Gallery (Gaienmae)
My first solo exhibition in Kanto in 2026 was at the usual Nine Gallery. What worried me before the exhibition started was a typhoon. My fears came true, as a typhoon was predicted to directly hit Kanto on June 3, so on June 1, the setup day, it was decided that the gallery would be closed all day on June 3. Because of this, the exhibition period was extended until June 8 (Monday), making it a solo exhibition with an unusual schedule.
On the first day of the exhibition (June 2), there are usually many customers, but this exhibition was a bit quiet. Perhaps due to the discontinuation of sending DMs, the number of customers has been decreasing with each exhibition. I felt a sense of urgency during this exhibition that if I don't thoroughly promote on social media and other platforms to attract new customers, the number of visitors will dwindle.
Nevertheless, there were people who came after several years, and people who had always been curious but finally made it to the exhibition this time. My work is reaching the right people, so I felt confident that I should continue to express myself in my own way.
Near the entrance, there was a slightly discounted "Exhibition-Limited Corner (within a large book frame)," postcards that visitors could take freely, and a browsing corner with past DMs filed away. Customers who had hesitated to purchase before found items in the limited corner, those who had displayed past DMs carefully took postcards, and long-time customers reminisced while flipping through the old DM album.
After the Kyoto solo exhibition in March, I passionately created natural stone bead necklaces for the first time in several years. For over 20 years, I had stored stones, thinking "someday I'll string them." With my significantly progressed presbyopia and magnifying glasses, I diligently strung these necklaces, and they were quickly picked up at the online store. At this exhibition, many newly strung pieces were also displayed and sold. Many visitors touched and tried them on.
Glass beads made by refiring scraps from the production process in an electric kiln. It's exciting just to think about which piece each scrap is from, like a miniature version. All visitors to the gallery gladly took them home.
While material and utility costs are soaring, the national income has not increased much. In such a situation, art, which is not a necessity like food, clothing, and shelter, is in a weak position. However, many people seek my work, and I am truly grateful. My way of giving back is to continue creating works that add color to life (and life itself). It's all about bringing joy, and that's my sole pursuit.
Thank you very much to everyone who came. The next Tokyo solo exhibition will be in November. Please come and visit again.