Tokyo’s Historic Railway Hubs Become Vibrant Public Art Galleries
Art Arcade Tokyo is an autumn public art event running from September 26 to November 30, across three distinct commercial venues in Tokyo: Hibiya Okuroji, Edo Noren and 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan. During the two-month event, three contemporary Japanese artists will set up temporary studios inside these locations to create original artwork on-site and host live painting sessions. Visitors can walk through each venue to watch the artists work, shop at local boutiques and dine at each venue’s eateries.
Each location features a different iconic artist. Seiji Matsumoto, known for his clean graphic style and popular character designs, works under the century-old brick railway arches at Hibiya Okuroji. Mameko Maeda, whose expressive pink figures draw inspiration from anime and Buddhist art, paints inside the former Ryogoku Station building at Edo Noren. Artist Emu showcases his nuanced colors and sleek, yet whimsical graphic works under the elevated tracks at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, a space themed around Japanese craftsmanship. In addition to their individual displays, the three artists will gather on September 30, October 5 and 7 to create large collaborative paintings in front of live audiences.
Emu
The event also includes interactive activities for visitors traveling between the sites. Attendees can collect stamps at each location to build a free commemorative art poster, or receive free artist-designed stickers when buying items from participating shops. On November 3 — Japan’s Culture Day — all three artists will hold a public panel discussion at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan to explain how they adapted their artwork for these historic spaces.
Read more about the event details here.
