Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore (GINZA SIX 6F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will be hosting Yuko Soi's solo exhibition "blue" on its in-store art wall from September 19th (Sat) to October 16th (Fri), 2026.
Special Feature Page | https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/56664-1007260907.html
(Top visual: "Feather," 610 x 500 mm, colored pencil, paper, 2026)
"Feather" 610 x 500 mm, colored pencil, paper, 2026
overview
Yuko Kusai is an artist who continues to express delicate human emotions, the essence of life, and feelings of caring for someone through her unique and meticulous drawing technique using colored pencils and pencils. To eliminate the lightness and paleness characteristic of colored pencils and to create a presence that can stand up to paints and other powerful art materials, she pursues dense drawing with sharpened colored pencils. From more than 70 shades of blue available in her studio, she carefully selects just one shade of blue for each piece, and spends about a month creating multiple layers of expression on a single sheet of paper.
Furthermore, in response to Kusai's exploration of "life," he arrived at his current style of profound abstraction, which also makes use of the black of pencil.
This exhibition, "blue," will feature approximately 15 works, primarily recent abstract paintings, including original drawings from the picture book "Numazu Folktales, Volume 13: The Mejika and Ojika of Ukishima Marsh" (published by e-monogatari on May 10, 2026, illustrated by Yuko Kusai), which is based on a folktale from Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The central work, "Feather," was created by drawing yellow lines, then filling the paper with black pencil, and finally carefully layering blue on top. Through the repetition of simple materials and techniques, the weather, emotions, and fluctuations in brush pressure on the day of creation are directly imprinted on the paper, presenting a depth of color beyond imagination from the familiar material of colored pencils, and the tranquility that resides in the depths of handcrafted work.
"Wishing for Eternity," 730 x 610 mm, colored pencil on paper, 2023.
Artist Statement
I draw pictures with colored pencils. I use sharpened colored pencils and draw meticulously and carefully. It's a simple technique, so the weather of the day and the emotions I feel while drawing are reflected in the pressure of my hand, causing fluctuations on the paper and creating expressions. I believe that colored pencils are an important material for expressing the delicate heart of a person. However, colored pencils can look weak when placed alongside other art materials with stronger colors. I was thinking about how to make the most of the strengths of colored pencils when I came across black pencils. Black has given my work depth. The biggest theme I am working on is life. Another is the feeling of thinking of someone.
Regarding sales
The exhibited artworks will be available for purchase starting at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 19th.
Depending on the pre-sale situation, tickets may sell out before the event begins.
Artist Profile
Yuko Soi
Born in 1985, residing in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Graduated from the Department of Design, Tokyo Polytechnic University in 2007.
● Solo Exhibition
2025 "Exposition Yuko Soi" galerie TOKONOMA (Béziers, France)
2022 "A Time to Pause" Tsukishiro Exhibition Room (Fukuoka)
2021 "For a moment" Kanazawa Suiginkutsu (Kanazawa)
2021 "Time" Nazukari Ware House (Nagareyama)
2016 "Yuko Soi Solo Exhibition" Galerie Tokonoma (Paris, France)
2016 "Yuko Soi Solo Exhibition" Galerie Hayasaki (Paris, France)
2014 "Yuko Kusai Solo Exhibition" GALLERY KOGURE (Tokyo)
2012 "Yuko Kusai Solo Exhibition" LOWER AKIHABARA (Tokyo)
2010 "Yuko Kusai Solo Exhibition" LOWER AKIHABARA (Tokyo)
2008 "Yuko Kusai Solo Exhibition" Aoki Gallery (Tokyo)
Numerous other group exhibitions.
● Major awards and recognition
SHIBUYA AWARDS 2022 Shibuya Award
IAG AWARD 2018 Award Winner, Tokyo Polytechnic University Alumni Association President's Award Recipient
● Art Fair
ART FAIR TOKYO (Tokyo), ART FAIR PHILIPPINES (Philippines), Tobi Art Fair (Tokyo), Enter Art Fair (Denmark), MoCAF (Philippines), Xavier Art Fest (Philippines), ART021 (Shanghai), ART OSAKA (Osaka), Art Central Hong Kong (Hong Kong), and others.
Exhibition details
Yuko Kusai "blue"
Dates｜September 19th (Sat) – October 16th (Fri), 2026
Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Closing at 6:00 PM on the last day) Venue: Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore Art Wall Organizer: Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore Admission: Free Inquiries: info.ginza@ccc.co.jp
Special Feature Page | https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/56664-1007260907.html
Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore
We connect art, Japanese culture, and daily life through books, proposing a lifestyle enriched by art.
Address: GINZA SIX 6F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Opening hours | Please check the store's website.
Homepage |https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/
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CCC Art Lab
CCC Art Lab is a planning group within Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd., a planning company, that proposes "a life with art." Through our proposals for "a life with art," we aim to make art more accessible, make people's lives happier, and contribute to creating a better society. Based on the knowledge we have cultivated through many years of business experience in store planning, art media, product development, and event production, we propose projects with an approach that only we can offer.
https://www.ccc-artlab.jp/
[From a press release by Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. (CCC Art Lab)]
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