#Japan #Tokyo #New Balance #Grey Days #Grey Art Museum

New Balance to Host 'GREY ART MUSEUM 2026'

New Balance, in partnership with Avex Creator Agency, will celebrate its annual 'Grey Days' with an exciting art exhibition titled 'GREY ART MUSEUM 2026 - Sensing Tradition and Innovation with the Five Senses'. This vibrant event will take place from May 16 to May 30, 2026, at WALL_alternative, located in Nishiazabu, Tokyo.

Designed to honor New Balance's timeless signature color, grey, the 'Grey Days' event embodies the brand's philosophy and craftsmanship. This festival will showcase unique products, events, and narratives that highlight grey's enduring appeal through various artistic expressions.

The exhibition will feature collaboration with five notable artists: Kan Izumi, Kasetsu, Rei Kunimoto, Shinnosuke Tojo, and Motoharu Mandai, as part of an art project, 'MEET YOUR ART', aiming to enhance art and artistic possibilities in innovative ways. Inspired by the themes of 'Heritage and Innovation', the creators will explore the rich layers of meaning behind the color grey, reinterpreting it through multisensory experiences that blend space, sound, scent, and taste.

At the center of the exhibition will be two iconic products: the '574' and 'ABZORB 2000', which stand as symbols of New Balance's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and innovative design. Architect Motoharu Mandai will construct the exhibition space, weaving together the narrative of grey with urban aesthetics, symbolizing its significance in city life as the color of concrete and asphalt.

Izumi Kan, known for his scent-based expressions, will create a scent inspired by the hues of the '574' and 'ABZORB 2000', allowing visitors to take a piece of the exhibition home through moire scent cards. He will further enhance the experience by transforming the scent into a drink, bridging the visual with olfactory and gustatory sensations.

Calligrapher Kasetsu will contribute to the exhibition by inscribing characters on large sheets of paper, physically embedding the brand's spirit into the space. Participants will be invited to explore personal imagery through the act of writing, specifically focusing on the character for 'walk' and its meanings.

Rei Kunimoto will create a sound installation that captures the essence of urban breezes, encapsulating the sounds of city environments. Meanwhile, Shinnosuke Tojo will host a workshop exploring the relationship between grey and color, emphasizing that grey serves to enhance individuality rather than diminish it.

The culinary experience at the museum will also celebrate the theme of 'Heritage and Innovation'. Collaborating with the 50-year-old Fuki Soba Museum, the exhibition will present an evolved sesame noodle dish integrating traditional techniques. Furthermore, a gelato infused with smoky kyoto bancha, signature wines from established and emerging wineries, and alternative drinks designed by Kan Izumi's studio will be highlighted for their intricate flavors and connections to the overarching theme.

Join us for this multidimensional journey through the realms of space, sound, scent, touch, and taste, as we invite you to experience 'GREY ART MUSEUM 2026 - Sensing Tradition and Innovation with the Five Senses'.

Event Details

• - Dates: May 16 - May 30, 2026
• - Artists: Kan Izumi, Kasetsu, Rei Kunimoto, Shinnosuke Tojo, Motoharu Mandai
• - Time: 18:00 - 24:00
• - Admission: Free
• - Location: WALL_alternative, 4-2-4 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Official Website: Avex Exhibition

Workshop Program Schedule

1. GREY MAKES YOU
- Date: May 23, 2026, 18:00 - 20:00
- Artist: Shinnosuke Tojo
- Capacity: 10 participants
- Application Link: Workshop Registration

2. Letters and Gaze: 'If asked the path at dawn'
- Date: May 30, 2026, 16:00 - 18:00
- Artist: Kasetsu
- Capacity: 10 participants
- Application Link: Workshop Registration

Special Menu at GREY ART MUSEUM 2026

• - GG Noodles: Traditional noodle dish created with high-quality sesame.
• - Smoky Kyoto Bancha Gelato: A unique take on green tea, embodying the exhibition's theme.
• - Heritage with Innovation Wines: Special labels inspired by the exhibit's artists.
• - Drinking New Balance: A beverage experience designed to enhance scent and flavor, wrapping you in New Balance's essence.

Artist/Creator Profiles

• - Kan Izumi: Focuses on bodily sensations through scent, creating a meaningful interplay between aroma and experience. Instagram
• - Kasetsu: Explores the cultural significance of characters, initiating public engagement through workshops on writing. Instagram
• - Rei Kunimoto: Bridges natural elements and spatial installations, uncovering energy interactions. Instagram
• - Shinnosuke Tojo: Uses personal experiences to inform his artistic creations, questioning existence through his work. Instagram
• - Motoharu Mandai: An architect dedicated to combining aesthetics with functionality. Instagram

About 'Grey Days'

'Grey Days' is an annual celebration by New Balance, showcasing the brand's contributions and the significance of grey through innovative products and narratives. New Balance Shop

About '574' and 'ABZORB2000'

The '574' embodies New Balance's heritage, while the 'ABZORB 2000' highlights innovation in cushioning technology.

For more details about New Balance's offerings, visit: New Balance.