This exhibition presents artist's book by American artist Richard Kostelanatz.

What does "Japan" mean to you? Discussions surrounding what "Japan" and "Japanese" should be often take place nowadays. As a part of Asia, and the world, "Japan" or "Japanese" cannot be simply defined by the nationality, language, geography, history, religion or any of those vague conceptions. It is always important that all of us keep questioning what "Japan" means, and its possible answers to ourselves, thinking beyond stereotypes and generalization. "Japan Collage 2008" is an annual exhibition organized by Gallery K, aiming to create an occasion for people to be engaged in thinking, feeling, and expressing "Japan". Fourteen artists' works are collaged in the gallery space, revealing their own standpoints and complex nature of "Japaneseness". Gallery Live & Talk July 12th (Sat) 15:00-16:00 Live (video by Nobuhiko Uchiumi x sax by Teru Uchida) 16:00-17:30 Talk by Sociologist Kensuke Suzuki x Artist Nobuhiko Uchiumi

Exhibition of work by current students at the Asagaya Art School Recurrent course that includes sketching and painting classes, promoting a deeper familiarity with art in everyday life and the connection between the two.

Naohiro Ukawa is a rare artist working with perhaps the most freedom anywhere in Japan, erasing the existing frameworks dividing fine art from mass culture. Any object or phenomenon is fair game and potential subject for his work, which crosses genres and freestyles in all directions. This "Extremely Best" of Ukawa's work, "Ukawartchives #1" exhibition showcases this talented artist's artistic libido, crossing national boundaries and attracting admirers everywhere. This exhibition is not just a retrospective snapshot of Ukawa's work, but a living, writhing vivisection of the fresh blood of this artist!!! (Text by Dario Argento, film director) Opening Reception: June 21st (Sat) 19:00-21:00

[Image: "Will be Able to Meet Someday (detail)" (2007), oil on canvas, 1 × 3m]

"Kirakira Attack" is a talk event inviting Hiroshi Ito of Groovisions and interior stylist Tomomi Nagayama.

Yamada's work is also shown at Nihonbashi Takashimaya Bijutsu Gallery X Period: June 25th (Wed) - July 15th (Tue) [Image: "(08-8) Deep Forest" 30 x 30cm]

Kazushige Higuchi traveled throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Bangladesh, India, and Japan, looking for spiritual existences in Asia. The notion of modernity is not within his vision. Stepping into the hidden territories of Asian villages and towns, Higuchi looks into the lives of people. (comment by the exhibition curator Akihiko Okada)

This exhibition is also held in the gallery space on the basement floor.

[Image: "Knotting the Earth 08-1" (2008) earthen sculpture 47 × 58 × 28cm]

Namekawa has been depicting cats for 27 years using various types of media such as paintings, prints, illustrations, poetry books and more. This year, Namekawa's work adorned the cover of yearbook of the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the most prestigious association for cats in the U.S. Upon the meeting with CFA, Namekawa visited New York. It was when he exposed himself to bustle of the city that his "Cats in New York" series came about. This exhibition showcases about 30 works, centering on 3D work called "box" on which one-frame comic strip is depicted. We hope you'll enjoy Namekawa's 3D pop art.

Showcasing new work by Maiko Omura, a Paris-based artist.

Installation in the interior of Morioka Shoten by Mari Kashiwagi to commemorate the publication of her volume of poetry, "As Long as the Root of the Honey Resounds" (Shichosha, April 2008). With the cooperation of Shichosha Publishing, copies of the book will also be on sale there. Performance: Reflections of Sound vol. 7, "As Long as the Root of the Honey Resounds" Date and Time: July 6th (Sun), 19th (Sun), doors open 19:00, starts at 19:30 Reservation required, ¥1500. Limited to 25 persons per performance. Featuring soprano Masumi Yoshikawa (http://music.geocities.jp/yoshikawa_m_sop/) and Keiko Sato on viola. Composer Toshiya Watanabe's new work based on Kashiwagi's poetry will be performed for the first time in the poetry exhibition space, allowing for the fruitful intersection of music and words within the same space. Please make reservations through the website.

[Image: "Innocent Town" (2008) acrylic, oil, paper, canvas 182 × 182cm]

Opening Reception: June 20th 18:00-20:00

Opening Friday June 13, 2008, Wako Works of Art is very pleased to present a new exhibition of Danish London-based artist duo Nina Beier and Marie Lund, curated by Mami Kataoka of Mori Art Museum, Tokyo and The Hayward Gallery, London. This will be the artists' first show in Japan, and the second time the gallery will be working with a museum curator to organize an exhibition with up-and-coming artists based outside of Japan. Educated at London's Royal College of Art, Nina Beier and Marie Lund have been working together since 2003. Their work derives from a shared fascination with group dynamics and the relations between people, be they awkward, fervent, polite or tender. Through creating situations with a simple set of instructions, the artists play with social customs and allow instinctive human reactions to be observed in their plainest form. The artists have held regular solo shows at M+R Gallery in London and in V1 Gallery in Copenhagen, and have made larger solo shows at art spaces such as Spacex Gallery in Exeter, Aarhus Center for Contemporary Art and Overgaden - Institute of Contemporary Art in Denmark. Recent group shows include "From a Distance" at Wallspace, New York, "This is a gettogether" at Skuc Gallery, Ljubljana, "Abstract Things" at Laura Bartlett Gallery, London and "Collectivity" at YBCA, San Francisco. New works by Beier and Lund made during and after their residency in Japan at Tokyo Wonder Site - Institute of Contemporary Art and International Cultural Exchange from February 1 to March 31, 2008 will be on display in the two rooms at Wako Works of Art. The artists are currently working on a series of new works, which deal with the writing of collective history with a focus on the dynamics between the shared and the individual identity, and examine how history is assembled in memory, recording, restaging and retelling. On exhibit will be: "The Archives (World Peace)", a series of framed second-hand peace posters folded over themselves inside the frames; "History Makes a Young Man Old", a crystal ball carrying the markings of having been rolled to its final destination (the gallery space), and a number of other new works of video and installation. Reception for the Artists: June 13th (Fri) 18:00-20:00

Lighting is a constant and familiar presence in our daily lives. Choosing lighting fixtures for interiors, just like paying attention to how the quality of our water and air affects our health, has a marked effect on our well-being. This seminar will discuss in a simple, accessible way the various applications of light, basic information about the influence and economy of lighting fixtures, how it affects things like a good night's sleep, relaxation and even crime prevention. Please see website for reservations.

[Image: "Kei P.08-1" (2008) acrylic on canvas, 162 x 130cm (F100)]

[Image: Ota's previous exhibition]

Tatsuo Ikeda celebrates his 80th birthday this year, on the anniversary of the end of WWII. This exhibition centers on his new paintings, as well as valuable drawings and etchings from 1949-50 (during his student days at Tama Zokei Art College), and previously unexhibited pen drawings from the 1950s. Talk show Date and time: July 12th (Sat) 17:00-18:30 Topic: "Overview of postwar Japanese art history" Speakers: Tatsuo Ikeda (artist), Yoshio Ko (producer) Venue: Gallery 58 Free entry, reservation not required [Image: "Eye Within The Eye" (1974) etching in acrylic and pen, 200 x 65mm]

Koinuma's thickly-daubed oil paintings are inspired by focal incidents in contemporary society that have stirred up controversy in recent years. His works are rendered in dark colors with unusually bright highlights in certain portions of the canvas, provoking a sense of pain and disillusionment in the viewer, and creating an overall sense of unease. Koinuma's work is remarkable for channeling the deaths of others in incidents seemingly unrelated to oneself, drawing them uncomfortably near and rendering them somewhat familiar and impossible to ignore, stirring up inner emotions such as terror, agony and hopelessness. Also depicted is the irremediable sense of being unable to recover what has been lost felt by the perpetrator of the incident, an awareness of unpardonable wrong, an awareness that is paradoxically connected to an intense and renewed awareness of life precisely through that brush with death. The fact that any pronounced sense of danger is felt to be lacking in these works is testament to Koinuma's gift for depicting the flipside of the equation, an enhanced appreciation of life. Opening Reception: June 21st (Sat) 17:00-19:00

Reception Party: July 19th (Sat) 18:00-20:00

These three artists deal with physical and philosophical themes in their paintings. Ideas contained in their paintings are limitless as the universe. Gallery Talk by Artists: June 28th (Sat) 14:00 Symposium: July 12th (Sat) 13:00 [Image: Rieko Koyama "Night of Amethyst" (2008)]

It's the season for uchiwa, rounded paper fans. There's no air conditioner at Flew Gallery and these will come in handy. Come and join the uchiwa exhibition and create your own uchiwa. You can join in while the exhibition is going on, but reserve in advance to make things easier. Contact: info@flewgallery.jp

This exhibition is curated by the Video Art Center Tokyo with an attempt to introduce video art from all over the world. This edition features Carlo Sansolo from Rio de Janeiro. While dealing with self-referential nature of mass media and criticism raised in society, he never forgets to insert a sense of humor in his work.

Opening Party: July 8th (Tue) 18:00 Mini Live Party: July 15th (Sun) 19:00

[Image: "Untitled" (2007) Enamel on aluminum 121.9 x 177.8cm]

Hard-edged geometric abstraction (Otani) and organic abstract work rendered in sumi ink (Tatsuruhama).

5F Entertainment Exhibition "Tent 4" Dates: July 16th (Wed)-July 19th (Sat) Times: July 16th 15:00-19:00, July 17th & 18th 11:00-19:00, July 19th 11:00-15:30 & 16:00-19:00 (Tent 4 ending parade) Fee: ¥500 Genre: 2D, 3D, Spatial Representation HP: Exhibition Website 6F Toshiyuki Furuya "Inner Sight" Dates & Times: July 15th (Tue)-July 20th (Sun) 11:00-19:00 (last day until 17:00) Genre: Photography

48th Harbor Artists Exhibition -Gallery 1F & 2F -Oil, watercolor painting, print. -80 works -Opens at 13:00 on the first day. 29th "Photo 2008" -Gallery 3F A, B -Photography -330 works -Opens at 13:00 on the first day. 37th Kanagawa Creation Exhibition -Gallery 3F C -Oil, watercolor, nihonga paintings, sculpture, crafts, etc. -80 works -Opens at 13:00 on the first day

Photography Exhibition "Lights, Shadows and Memories Crossing Each Other" Featuring works by 15 artists including Erika Yoshino's new photo works and slide show "Party of Light". Approximately 450 works. -Location: Exhibition Rooms on 1F & 2F -Times: 10:00-19:00. -Contact: Lights, Shadows and Memories Crossing Each Other Exhibition Executive Committee 045-563-3077

Opening Party: June 21st (Sat) 17:00-19:00

"Graphic Design in Japan" is the yearbook first published in 1981 by Japan Graphic Designer Association, consisting of 2500 professional members. Ever since, this heavily-illustrated yearbook has annually introduced selected works from stringent screening process. Celebrating the publication of 2008 edition at the end of this month, this exhibition showcases about 300 design works (both life and video screening), which cover all sorts of media: sundries, books, product packages, symbol logos, posters, advertisement, websites, videos and spatial design among others. There will also be talk shows by graphic designers and art directors during the exhibition. Please visit the exhibition website for more details.

1F -"History Road - Tracing Generations of Iron Horses" Looks back on the 105 year-old history of Harley Davidson, with a variety of exhibited works such as Haley bikes, video, advertisements and painting. 3F -"Memorial Road -Rushing Through Showa Era" Iron horses were introduced full-scale to Japan at the beginning of the Showa era. This exhibition will bring back memories of the time with a presentation of photographs capturing these historic moments.

Location: Exhibition Room 3 Contact: Shogakukan Production Sales & Production Division 03-3515-6905

Northern European style sun umbrellas produced by Konst are on display and for sale. Using textiles such as Marimekko, Almedahls, and Jobs from northern Europe, the umbrellas have unique patterns of plants and geometric shapes.

12 person group exhibition of media art students from Women's Art University. This is the 4th installment of the exhibition, taking the theme "Rouge".

Exhibition and sale of works by 40 artists from the Tohoku University of Art and Design.

Celebrating the grand opening of online gallery and select shop, Salone Aoyama, limited one-week real shop event will be held at Gallery Dojunkai.

Opening Party: July 16th (Wed) 18:00-20:00

Works by emerging artists are on display. vol.145 April 28th (Mon) - May 11th (Sun) Chisato Fujita (Ceramic) vol.146 March 13th (Tue) - March 25th (Sun) Iracu (Bag, small works) vol.147 March 26th (Mon) - June 8th (Sun) Tomomi Kawakami (Glass) vol.148 June 9th (Mon) - June 22nd (Sun) Salon de Pink (Bag) vol.149 June 23rd (Mon) - July 6th (Sun) Miki Inoue (Glass) vol.150 July 7th (Mon) - July 21st (Sun) Kazumi Yoshimura (Ceramic)

Group cat-themed exhibition.

Photographer Eikoh Hosoe's life is a reflection of the path taken by postwar Japanese photographic history. Hosoe has consistently made work that channels artistic concepts originating in Europe and America and bringing a certain intensity of expression and strength of vision to Japanese photography. Hosoe bought his first camera when he was 15, in 1948. While still a teenager, he mingled with artists like Eikyu, Masuo Ikeda, Masa Kato, Toru Takemitsu and On Kawara, while being strongly influenced by the work of Teijiro Kubo, Shuzo Takiguchi and Shikanosuke Oka. Upon graduation from the photography department of the Tokyo Photography College (now Tokyo Polytechnic University) at 21, Hosoe decided to work as a freelance photographer right away. In 1959, Hosoe formed the Vivo group (disbanded in 1961) along with Kikuji Kawada, Akira Sato, Akira Tanno, Shomei Tomatsu and Ikko Narahara, producing their own work and establishing an economic base for their activities. The same year that Vivo was founded, Hosoe became friends with Anraku Butoh founder Tatsumi Hijikata and saw the "Kinshoku" performance at the Dai-ichi Seimei Hall in Tokyo which left a deep impression on him. Like Hosoe, Hijikata was born in Akita in the Tohoku region of Japan. At the age of 21, when Hosoe decided to become a photographer, Hijikata was inspired by Kazuo Ono's butoh performance in Kanda, Tokyo and entered the world of life as a butoh performer. The encounter between these two artists flowered forth after the photo collection "Kamaitachi" was published in 1969 by Gendai Shisousha. Although Hijikata passed away in 1986 at the age of 57, his spirit seems to live on in Hosoe, who produced an Eros-inspired color work entitled "Shunpon: Ukiyo-e Urushi," shot at HIjikata's former training ground, the Asbestos-kan in Meguro, Tokyo (closed 2003), where Hosoe shot photographs of butoh artists (and Hijikata disciples) whose bodies had been painted white and on whom images of ukiyo-e were projected. Following this, Hosoe used digital technology in conjunction with Japanese folding screens, hanging scrolls and other traditional arts in pursuit of a new photographic style. This solo exhibition by Hosoe at Epsite is a manifestation of this fusion of the fundamental components of both technology and Japanese culture. Gallery Talk by the artist July 5th (Sat) 15:00-16:00

Kazumi Yoshimura visualizes colors seen in nature through her ceramic works. The forms of these vessels fit nicely in your hand, bringing a sort of everyday contentment to the user.

Nude, tropical plants, and still life paintings by Kotaro Sonoe are on display. Carefully composing shapes, colors, and lines, he explores possibilities of painting. This is his first exhibition. Reception: July 19th (Sat) 18:00

In this first solo exhibition by the artist, 100 drawings depicting archetypal scenes from everyday life will be on display.

Dates & Times July 16th (Wed) 16:00-18:00 July 17th (Thur)-20th (Sun) 12:00-18:00 July 21st (Mon) 12:00-16:00

July 13th (Sun)-July 17th (Thu) [W:1-A] Teketekebia "Kijinhenjin Daikyouun" Illustration July 15th (Tue)-July 18th (Fri)[E:201 202] Magnet "2008 A/W" Fashion July 16th (Wed)-July 18th (Fri) [W:2-C] Deekei & Wacwac "Perorinpoi" 2 Artists: Painting and 3D object July 17th (Thu)-July 19th (Sat) [W:2-A] International Culture School Fashion Course "Nothing" Makeup July 18th (Fri)-July 20th (Sun) [W:1-A] Tomomi Miyahara "Anoko wo Umeta Atode.." Illustration July 18th (Fri)-July 20th (Sun) [E:102] Piroko Univers Fashion July 19th (Sat)-July 20th (Sun) [W:1-C] Will Send Later Painting, Multimedia and Installation July 19th (Sat)-July 20th (Sun) [E:301] Gas "Summer Exhibition 2008 -Mix Colors" Group: Illustration and Graphic Design July 19th (Sat)-July 21st (Mon) [W:1-B] Yuko "Kawaii" Illustration July 19th (Sat)-July 21st (Mon) [W:1-F] Love Chookje Group: Photography, Film Screening, DJ and Sweets July 19th (Sat)-July 21st (Mon) [W:1-G] Kodachi Miroku Illustration, Photography and Graphic Design July 19th (Sat)-July 21st (Mon) [W:2-B] Analog Complex "Bamboo Princess" Group: Space Art [Image: Gas "Summer Exhibition 2008 -Mix Colors"]

Tokusen Gallery -Minori Yoshita ceramics exhibition -Mitsuo Masuda and 24 craftsmen exhibition (goldsmithery) -Wood sculptures Bijutsu Salon -19th century European woodblock prints exhibition Art Square -Hideaki Suzuki exhibition Craft Salon -Satsuma-yaki ceramics exhibition

Ikuta has been based himself in the San-in region of Japan, taking photographs of environment around him. In November 2006, upon the opening of Yamaguchi Prefecture National Cultural Festival, Ikuta happened to visit Yashiro Island (Suo Oshima Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture) and Kurahashi Island (Kurahashi Town, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture), both located in the Seto Inland Sea region. There, he was striken a chord with residents' daily life and the islands' seasonal traditions. Since then, he traveled through these islands for 6 times in total, capturing sculptural elements he found in the scenery. While Ikuta's photographs on view don't necessarily portray beautiful sceneries of the islands, they captivate viewers with a sense of nostalgia, relief and surprise. 45 color photographs are on display.

Yuji Nishijima is a sculptor in search of his own notion of the medium, creating works using materials such as iron, concrete and wire. His interest lies not only in the works themselves, but also with his relationship to the audiences that come to his exhibitions. He defines this relationship as a part of his work. At this exhibition entitled "An Indication of Existence", Nishijima will create his sculptures in the form of his own body using numerous coils of copper wire. Opening reception, viola performance by Nao Kaneko, public demonstration July 3rd (Thu) 19:00-21:00

Asada creates situational self-portraits of his own family, confronting new possibilities in photography by looking at the interrelationships between performance roles and actual positions and configurations that dictate family life. In these works, his father plays yakuza boss while Asada and his brother are his underlings. Or else they become an entire family of firemen, or then again pose as a family business. In this way, Asada reexamines the power of the "souvenir photo". This exhibition features the Asada family series with the artist's 4 family members acting out comical portraits as firemen, ramen shop owners and members of a criminal underworld. Through humor, this series of 40 color photographs hopes to prompt discussion about actual familial roles.

Exhibition of numerous handmade objects made of wood, brass and stain paints taking as their motifs the things that surround us. The theme of the exhibition is "happy stories between people and things". About 50 items, accessories for living, industrial products like machines and typewriters, along with organs, robots, toasters, instruments, toys and so on, are on display.

Takehiko Sanada was born in Tokyo in 1962. After graduating from the Kuwazawa Design Research Institute, he worked as a fashion designer. In search of more free modes of expression, Sanada then spent time in England working as assistant to sculptor Richard Deacon. After studying sculpture, Sanada experienced communal living with Eskimos in Greenland in the Arctic Circle, learning about the indigenous culture of the Inuits. After returning to Japan in 1995, Sanada exhibited his installation and sculptural work using goat and other animal hair and vegetal fibers at various venues, such as the Roppongi Crossing exhibition at the Mori Art Museum and Maison Hermes. In addition, he also organized numerous projects held to reconsider the place of traditional local Japanese textile cultures in places like Koiwai farm in Iwate prefecture and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. Sanada, who has in recent years conducted fieldwork projects and organized group exhibitions to involve local areas with a relationship to the ground, will show new works at this exhibition, his first solo show in 6 years, featuring 3D works spun out of the animal and plant materials that were his starting point for sculpture. The result is work that enables viewers to actually feel the palpable sense of "life" that is at the origin of these materials. [Image: "Transition No.1" (2008) wool, alpaca, mohair]

This is the third edition of the exhibition series, "Colors", taking monochrome as the theme. For this exhibition, 25 illustrators created works using black on white background.

This is the 19th edition of "A Trip to the History of Modern Architecture Sketch Exhibition", which started in 1993 with the aim to send hearty cheers to historical buildings located in various places by sketching them. The first stage of the exhibition is held at Ayumi Gallery in Kagurazaka. -Opening Party Date & Time: July 18th (Fri) 18:00 Fee: ¥1000 *Reservation not required.

Glass artist Akira Watanabe has a studio in an artist village located on top of a 430-meter mountain in Rakusai, Kyoto. Various artists hold their studios there, engaging in their artistic activities in such a creative environment surrounded by nature. Watanabe has a unique career as a craft artist. He first studied philosophy at a university, where he was introduced to the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, captured by the beauty of glass art. He worked for a glass-related company, while studying cutting techniques. Then he became an independent glass artist 10 years ago. This is Watanabe's first solo exhibition at Wako Hall showcasing a total of 80 glass plates, bowls, vessels, and glasses. He mainly incorporates glass-sheet layering technique creating a group of glittering-star-like glassware. [Image: "Seiyu" 29.5 x 31.5 x 4.5cm]

In this 4th solo exhibition by the artist, her Japanese paper work as well as collage work will be on display.

This exhibition features sci-fi and fantasy illustrations with bold colors. Postcards and other accessories are also on display and for sale.

Opening Party: July 18th (Fri) 18:00-20:00

Paper-made cobweb-like laces will envelope exhibition space. Party: July 21st (Mon/ National Holiday) 18:00

Around 100 works by the members of the Japan-China cultural exchange group. Jin Xingshi's most recent works dealing with the Sichuan earthquake are on display also.

Ichikawa started working with delusionary "sub-erotic" themes and Hokusai-influenced motifs and styles last year, giving them a contemporary treatment. 10 new works of "neo-japonisme" are on display. A party for the artist will be held on June 25th. All are invited to attend.

This is the inaugural edition of the "Shape of Today" exhibition at Galerie Nichido. 30 contemporary sculptors at the forefront of their discipline have been selected to exhibit their work at this exhibition organized by the Showa-kai, who also run the gallery. [Image: Yuji Banura, "Red Eagle", lacquered wood, H.28×W.26×D.30]

Gallery Side 2 is pleased to present "Transaction," a two-person exhibition by Yumiko Furukawa and Yasuko Watanabe. Yumiko Furukawa creates sculptural works that question the gap in perception between oneself and others by quoting popular novels. In this exhibition, she captures scenery intuitively in the form of sculpture. Yasuko Watanabe, a young and emerging female artist who held her debut solo exhibition in January this year, has produced works by utilizing various media such as photography, drawing and sculpture. Her works make free associations with the world outside the frame, dancing lightly at the boundary between the usual and the unusual.

1968 marked a transition point in Japanese political history. Radical political views and activities, experimental mentalities, and rebellion against traditional social models came into the cultural foreground. This third Art Archive Exhibition analyzes the year 1968, focusing on Tatsumi Hijikata's performance, "Rebellion of the Body". This exhibition also includes documents from Shuzo Takiguchi and Shoichi Yui from the same period, presenting the idea of the "rebellion of the body" seen within the context of the year 1968.

[Image: "Mountain at the Center of the Earth's Surface" (2008) oil on canvas, 130 × 160cm]

A collaboration between Japanese illustrator Manabu Iguchi and Australian photographer Reuben Stanton of illustrated and photographic dreamscapes including (among other things) girls riding on fish, frightened ghosts and flying cats.

An artist's talk will be held Wednesday, July 2nd, 17:30-18:30

Why photography? At a time when digital work is becoming more and more conventional, what is expected of analog photography is that it conveys as realistically as possible memorable moments from the past of the person holding the camera. The seemingly endless blackness and smooth gradations seen in Okabe's work allows viewers to feel the texture, temperature and even moisture content of his subjects. His world, comprised simply of white and black, is in fact a remarkably powerful instrument for communicating effectively with viewers.

The Art Festival for World Peace is an international event that seeks ways to make contributions to world peace through art. Held once in four years, in Seoul in 2000 and Shanghai in 2004, the festival has come to Japan this year, 2008. Gallery Bijutsu Sekai is proud to hold this preview exhibition that will give visitors a foretaste of the upcoming festival.

Command N celebrates 10 years since its founding this year. Taking inspiration from the activities it has organized so far, this "Secret Auction @ Kandada" event aims to create a prime space and opportunity for audiences to encounter directly the art they love. The auction allows viewers to take in the work on display while taking into consideration the prices that the artists themselves have suggested for each work. Viewers then bid for the works according to their own desired prices, which are not revealed. Only the winning bid will be announced at a later date. Visitors can take their time to enjoy the work on display over 18 days from June 20th to July 19th, getting acquainted with the works and their suggested prices, trying their hand at coming to understand what it means to attach a price to an artwork and thinking about what value a piece of art possesses, monetary or otherwise. This practice, where bonds between artist and artwork, artwork and viewer are constructed, while normally known as a silent auction, is called a "secret auction" at Kandada. In conjunction with the auction, artists who have been involved with Command N projects, as well as next-generation young artists, will exhibit works in a wide variety of media - painting, sculpture, video, fashion, etc. Opening party and artist talk: June 20th (Fri), doors open 18:30, talk starts 19:30 Live performance by Oragan-o-rounge Great opportunity for visitors to meet exhibiting artists directly. Let's shrink the distance between ourselves and the art! Free entry (one drink order) Release of auction prices + closing party: July 26th (Sat) 18:00- 18:00 Release of auction prices 19:30 Closing party There will also be talks with exhibiting artists. Free entry (drink order requested)

As a concurrent project with its New York branch, Gallery Ippodo is hosting "Stylish Japanese Tableware" Exhibition. On view are Japanese tableware now extremely popular in New York. They have also been introduced in various magazines and selected by Japanese Restaurants hard to make reservations at.

The Dentsu Advertising Awards were established in 1947, shortly after the Second World War, for the purpose of contributing to the progress of advertising in Japan. This year marks the 61st installment of the award. This year sees the inauguration of the Direct Advertising Award and the Best Campaign Award. It is often said that the history of the Dentsu Advertising Awards is the history of the flourishing creativity demonstrated through postwar Japanese advertising.

"I want to see the borders of invisible things", says Ai Fujiyoshi (b. 1975). She visualizes this obsession in her work. Two years ago, she made her debut with the large-scale work "Swimming Pool" at Roppongi Weissfeld. The "water" that fills the pool was made of beautiful blue resin, and for the production of this piece, she set up a fund to cover the high cost. The piece actually didn't fit through the stairs of the gallery building because of its size and weight. In order to hold the exhibition, they removed the back wall and used a crane to install it. The tranquil and yet dynamic exhibition was received very well, and after the exhibition the work was included in a group exhibition at the Yokohama Museum of Art. The work is now privately owned. Two years have passed since her previous exhibition, Fujiyoshi found a new motif, "roots". "Roots" are obviously a significant part of any kinds of plant, staying underground and out of sight in oder to play their role. Here again, she was driven by the conflicting idea of visualizing what we can't normally see. This exhibition presents a large resin sculpture of roots hung from the ceiling, and new paintings by Fujiyoshi. Opening Party: July 4th (Fri) 19:00

This exhibition at Gallery Teo is the first gallery show for two young artists who have just completed their graduate studies. Aki Inomata, who is showing in Room One, was born in 1983. She majored in Advanced Arts and graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music this March. In today's media-saturated environment where digital networks have almost completely replaced face-to-face contact and letters as communication tools, and where digitally processed information has become ubiquitous, this digitally-controlled information makes up an entire virtual world that appears to continually displace reality. Inomata ventures to tackle the perfectly ordinary and familiar aspects of life - enjoying the movement of ripples on the surface of water, wiping condensation off car windows, making tracks on fallen snow...Through carefully conceived installations, Inomata allows audie