To commemorate Arts and Culture's second anniversary, limited edition products by Mr. Kawai will also be available.
Wako Co., Ltd. will be holding "About Wood" at the Arts and Culture section in the basement of its flagship store, which is celebrating its second anniversary, from Thursday, July 16th to Wednesday, August 12th.
This exhibition, "About Wood," is a project that re-examines our relationship with forests and wood through a solo exhibition by woodworker Yu Kawai and the activities of the lifestyle brand "SOMA."
Mr. Kawai, who creates his works while cherishing the expression and individuality of the wood itself, launched the lifestyle brand SOMA after an experience that made him re-examine his relationship with nature. SOMA focuses on Japanese cedar and cypress, which have become less used due to excessive afforestation and changes in demand, and is working on creating products that make the most of the natural beauty of the wood.
His artistic expression and his approach as a brand may seem different at first glance, but at their core, both share a common thread: a deep engagement with wood and an exploration of its potential. Kawai hopes to maximize the joy, richness, and beauty that wood possesses and convey that to people, hoping that one day this will contribute to the creation of beautiful forest landscapes.
As Arts & Culture celebrates its second anniversary, the space utilizes reclaimed wood and materials collected from various parts of Japan, including Kirishima cedar, Yanase cedar, and Akita cedar. In this exhibition, while experiencing "the essence of wood" throughout the unique space of Arts & Culture, we offer an opportunity to explore "the charm of wood and the potential of forests." You will be able to interpret the unique characteristics of each piece of wood—its beauty, texture, scent, and background—and feel the connection between these and how they, through human hands, culminate in the rich expression of a work of art.
■Yu Kawai Profile
Woodworker / SOMA Director
Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1979. Grew up running around in the mountains and playing at a construction company run by relatives.
After graduating from the Department of Architecture at Kyoto Seika University in 2001, he trained in woodworking in Hida and furniture making in Kyoto before becoming independent in 2007.
In addition to creating her own artwork, she launched "SOMA" in 2016 and works as the brand's director, connecting forests and people.
Examples of works by Yu Kawai
[Limited product]
For this exhibition, we have prepared a specially made tray inspired by the shape of the "O" used in the WAKO logo. Conscious of the soft expanse and harmony symbolized by the circle, it has been elevated into a form that quietly enhances everyday moments.
■About SOMA
Founded in 2016 by woodworker Yu Kawai, this lifestyle brand designs and produces products using Japanese timber, and also engages in activities that allow people to discover the charm of forests and wood from various angles, such as chair-making workshops and fieldwork walking in the forest. Furthermore, it is involved in forest creation in collaboration with local communities and the utilization of forest resources, conveying the "culture of living with wood" that has been nurtured since ancient times against the backdrop of Japan's geographical characteristics. The brand name SOMA is derived from "soma," a word that has been used in reference to somabito (people who work in the mountains) and soma-shigoto (work in the mountains).
SOMA Work Examples
[Events being held concurrently at Arts and Culture]
■Yosuke Fujii "A Stroll Through the Tea Ceremony, Chapter Two" Exhibition Period: July 9th (Thu) – July 22nd (Wed)
Yosuke Fujii expresses landscapes and flowers with delicate painting techniques.
This exhibition explores the themes of "tea," a traditional Japanese cultural practice, the "time" that underlies it, and Japan's proud "four seasons," adorning various works with flowers of each season. Viewing the changing seasons as a continuum of time, Fujii's unique aesthetic sense and sensibility challenge the creation of a new "visualization of the world of tea."
■ "Sculpture of Everyday Life HORANG" Exhibition Period: July 16th (Thu) – August 12th (Wed)
We would like to introduce HORANG, a cutlery brand from South Korea. HORANG's motto is "Sculpture for everyday life," and they continue to create each piece with meticulous care, working with Korean craftsmen who have been involved in cutlery making for 30 to 40 years or more. Based on inherited techniques and spirit, they create products that have the presence of a sculptural work and blend naturally into everyday life.
This exhibition will feature the new "HORANG Chopsticks Slim." Born from the high level of skill cultivated within Korea's unique stainless steel cutlery culture, these stainless steel chopsticks are crafted to harmonize naturally with Japanese food culture and dining tables.
HORANG cutlery embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of Korean artisans. It is "sculpture for everyday life," possessing a quiet presence.
■ Wako Main Store, Basement Floor, Arts and Culture
The basement of our flagship store was reborn as "Arts and Culture" on July 20, 2024. This floor is not just a place to shop, but a hub that conveys the stories behind the products—the traditions and techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, the Japanese aesthetic sense born from a relationship with nature, and the time spent pursuing creativity. It is a place for cultural exchange between people.
Since its founding as Hattori Watch Shop, Wako has showcased products that embody the finest craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, while also regularly holding art exhibitions. Through interactions with the people who gather there, Wako has fostered diverse perspectives and inspirations. Inheriting the spirit of respecting arts and culture that flows through Wako, we will present works that embody Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and sustainability from a unique perspective only possible in the basement.
Homepage
https://www.wako.co.jp/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wako_ginza_tokyo/
Arts and Culture Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/artsandculture_wako_ginzatokyo/
[From Wako Co., Ltd. press release ]
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