Autumn of the Arts 2024: 5 Selected Art Events in Tokyo to Nurture Your Sensibilities

The peak of the heat has passed, and autumn is in the air. 🍂

In the spirit of the “Autumn of the Arts,” various art-related events are being held throughout Tokyo from September to November. Among them, we would like to introduce several art events that SUNNY SIDE UP is assisting with PR.

The world of art encompasses many genres, including fine art, fashion, and film. We hope you find an event that interests you!

Akihito Okunaka: “Synesthesia — Where the Five Senses Meet through Art” Exhibition

The exhibition “Synesthesia — Where the Five Senses Meet through Art” by artist Akihito Okunaka will be held at WHAT MUSEUM, a collector’s museum of contemporary art.

Mr. Okunaka creates massive works based on the themes of “air, water, and light,” producing experiences that stir the senses of the viewer. In this exhibition, he will unveil a balloon-like installation reaching up to 12 meters in diameter, created specifically for this occasion!

INTER-WORLD/SPHERE: Relation of Air, Water, Light and Us z
2022 ©️ Akihito Okunaka

By interacting with works based on things that have no physical form—such as air, water, light, and relationships with others—you can confirm their existence.

Furthermore, by actually touching the works or stepping inside them, you can enjoy an experience that utilizes not only sight but all five senses.

Another great point is that the exhibition runs for a long period, from October 4 to March 16! Please be sure to visit and see it for yourself.

T2 Collection “Collecting? Connecting?” Exhibition

WHAT MUSEUM will also host the T2 Collection “Collecting? Connecting?” exhibition.

This exhibition introduces approximately 35 works, centered on the first pieces purchased by entrepreneur and contemporary art collector Fumio Takahashi, as well as conceptual works he has been drawn to in recent years.

Mr. Takahashi reportedly began collecting contemporary art after finding commonalities between artists and entrepreneurs in the way they present concepts and visions to the world.

Etsu Egami, “Rainbow — Kusano Takafumi,” 2021 © Etsu Egami

Even conceptual art, which may seem difficult at first, often uses materials found in our daily lives or draws inspiration from unexpected places. By engaging with the works, you will surely discover the fascination of the artist’s perspective and ideas.

Tomokazu Matsuyama, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” 2017 © Tomokazu Matsuyama
Photographer: Yojiro Imasaka

By utilizing the free audio guide, you can listen to details about the exhibited works and the highlights of the exhibition, allowing for an even deeper enjoyment of the display.

Please enjoy this alongside the Akihito Okunaka “Synesthesia” exhibition being held in the same facility!

KEITA MARUYAMA 30th Anniversary: Maruyama Hyakkei “KEITA MARUYAMA Yurankai”

To celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, the world-renowned fashion brand “KEITAMARUYAMA” is holding the “KEITA MARUYAMA Yurankai” event simultaneously at Omotesando Hills and Laforet Harajuku!

The Omotesando venue, themed around “Fashion,” features a collection of never-before-seen original textile drawings and highly artistic embroidery works that Keita Maruyama has meticulously designed over the years.

“Omotesando Hills Main Building B3F Space O ‘FASHION'”

Meanwhile, the Laforet Harajuku venue, themed around “COSTUME,” showcases a lineup of costumes for famous artists designed by Mr. Maruyama, including DREAMS COME TRUE (celebrating their 35th anniversary this year), Ayumi Hamasaki, and “Uta no Prince-sama”!

“Laforet Harajuku 6F Laforet Museum Harajuku ‘COSTUME'”

“From the 20th Anniversary Maruyama Keikan: Ayumi Hamasaki ’62nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen'”

Furthermore, unreleased design sketches for the “NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” and stage costumes for the Shiki Theatre Company are also on display. The exhibition is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the creative process behind each work, making it a truly substantial display. This is a rare chance to see costumes up close that you may have only ever seen on TV or social media…?!

Shibuya Scramble Square: Morning Activity SKY SOUND MEDITATION

Did you know that SHIBUYA SKY, the observation facility located on the 14th, 45th, 46th, and rooftop floors of Shibuya Scramble Square, plans various “Morning Activities” under the theme of “A day starting from 229m above Shibuya”?

Workshops are held throughout the year, and this autumn, they have prepared a morning activity event where you can start your day under a clear sky with an overwhelming sense of liberation high above Shibuya.

One of the most notable programs is the “360-degree Meditation Experience” to be held on October 13 and November 10.

This unique meditation program is a collaboration between meditator Eri Sasaki and sound designer Setsuya Kurotaki, combining a 360-degree panoramic view with 360-degree immersive sound. You can enjoy a special experience of liberating your consciousness while immersing yourself in a quiet world as you move around freely.

Meditating in the morning is sure to lead to a great day! It will sharpen your five senses and surely enhance your sensibility for appreciating art. If you are looking to try something new or want to start a morning routine, why not join us?

Kineko International Children’s Film Festival

The Kineko International Children’s Film Festival, Japan’s largest international film festival for children, will be held again this year!

This is a film festival where the “Kineko Jury,” composed of children’s film festival professionals from around the world and children selected through a domestic open call, work together to select the Grand Prix for the International Category.

From October 31 to November 5, the town of Futako-Tamagawa will transform into a movie theater, screening a wide range of films from memorable shorts to feature-length movies that will move both adults and children!

Various locations will also host a wealth of content for enjoying movies, making it an event where both children and adults can find fun and learning.

Even if you usually watch movies at the cinema or at home, why not enjoy films in Futako-Tamagawa this autumn?

In this article, we introduced several art-related events being held in Tokyo this autumn. There is much to be felt by seeing actual works of art with your own eyes.

Why not experience and enjoy various forms of art this autumn?

In addition to these, there are many more events that SUNNY SIDE UP handles PR for! They are introduced on SUNNY DAYS, so please check them out as well.