Kawabe Shihou's Torikawaii Festival Comes to Takasaki This Winter Season!

The Torikawaii Festival Arrives in Takasaki!

This winter, Takasaki will welcome an exciting event that bird lovers and art enthusiasts won’t want to miss: the Torikawaii Festival. Running from December 17 to January 5, 2026, at the Takasaki Takashimaya, this festival promises a showcase of captivating artworks and products from renowned creators and manufacturers across the country.

Operating under the theme of "Enjoying Coffee While Observing Little Birds", Torikafe (http://kotoricafe.jp/) was established by Kawabe Shihou, CEO of Kotorikafe Co., Ltd., based in Taito-ku, Tokyo. This delightful concept comes to life during the festival at the 6th-floor exhibition hall of Takasaki Takashimaya, located at Asahimachi 45, Takasaki City, where visitors can admire and purchase various bird-themed items.

Special Exhibition: The Penguins of Sakazaki Chiharu

One of the festival’s highlights is a special exhibition by artist Sakazaki Chiharu, showcasing original penguin-themed artwork under the title "Connecting with Penguins 2026". This unique collection features original pieces borrowed from the Penguin Museum, located in Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture. Notably, this marks the first time these cherished original artworks are displayed in the Kita-Kanto region.

The exhibition will also feature a variety of merchandise, including catalogs, postcards, and two limited-supply silkscreen prints, allowing fans to take a piece of the art home with them.

Daily Creator Events and Limited Edition Sales

Adding to the excitement, the festival will host different creators each day who will perform live demonstrations, ensuring that every visit offers something new to experience. As a special treat, 30 limited edition Shima-enaga fukubukuro (lucky bags) will go on sale starting January 3rd, making an excellent gift or keepsake for attendees.

Here are the details you won’t want to miss:

- Location: 6th floor, Takasaki Takashimaya
- Dates: December 17 (Wednesday) to January 5 (Monday), 2026
- Special Notes: The event will close early at 6 PM on December 31 and will be closed on January 1 and 2 for the New Year holidays. The final day of the festival will conclude at 5 PM.

As you explore the exhibition space, be sure to check out the original piece titled "Penguin and the Rainbow Feather" (55cm square, not for sale) as well as "Penguin and Shima-enaga" (15cm square, not for sale). The artists can’t wait to share their passion for birds through their artworks at this lively winter festival!

Whether you're a birdwatching veteran or a casual admirer, the Torikawaii Festival offers a charming escape and a chance to indulge in the creativity brought to life by nature’s beloved creatures. Don’t miss this unique cultural event in Takasaki this winter!

For more details about the festival, visit the Takashimaya website here.