#Japan #Tokyo #Harajuku #Tokyo Weekender #Leslie Kee

A Celebration of Culture: Tokyo Weekender's 55th Anniversary

Today marks the opening of a special exhibition celebrating the 55th anniversary of the iconic English-language lifestyle magazine, Tokyo Weekender. This landmark event is being held at Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku in Tokyo, showcasing a unique collection of artworks, documents, and installations that embody the cultural vibrancy of Tokyo from 1970 to 2025.

A Glimpse into the Exhibition

Titled “Life, Culture, and Creativity in Tokyo 1970–2025”, the exhibition features the stunning work of world-renowned photographer Leslie Kee. One of the highlights is the “TW ICONS” series, a new collection of portraits capturing influential figures across various fields such as art, architecture, fashion, and entertainment.

Among the 15 subjects featured are notable personalities like Tomohiro Makino, Kunihiko Morinaga, and Yuzuha Hikari, who have significantly contributed to Japanese culture over the decades. A striking two-meter tall group portrait showcases these icons together, visually representing the theme of cultural heritage being handed down through generations. In addition, 15 individual portraits allow visitors to experience the unique essence of each figure up close.

The exhibition is further enhanced by a vibrant installation of 55 types of flowers and greenery, courtesy of main sponsor Hibiya Kadan, which adorns the space and creates an inviting atmosphere for all attendees. The flower arrangement reflects the principles of biophilic design, merging nature with artistic expression, thereby enriching the overall experience for visitors.

A Memorable Opening Event

Prior to the public opening, a reception party drew over 200 attendees, including cultural figures, photography enthusiasts, and international tourists. The exhibition commenced with a special talk session featuring Leslie Kee and Hiroaki Miyajima, CEO of Hibiya Kadan. Their discussion focused on merging photography and floral artistry, a theme that resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom expressed their excitement about this innovative blend of art forms.

Special Talk Session: “Voices of Tokyo—Reflecting on 55 Years and the Future”

During the opening day on October 16, Leslie Kee shared insights on his creative process behind the “TW ICONS” series. He described the intention to unite various artists and influencers, illustrating the diverse tapestry of Tokyo’s cultural scene. Miyajima elaborated on the floral installation as a dialogue between photography and nature, creating a resonant experience that celebrates diversity.

Exhibition Highlights

1. Leslie Kee's “TW ICONS”: A must-see collection showcasing the depth of Tokyo's artistic talent through vibrant portraits of 15 influential figures.

2. Floral Photo Spot: A stunning installation by Hibiya Kadan featuring 55 distinct flower types, providing an engaging setting for photographers and visitors alike.

3. Cultural Archives: A rare glimpse into the evolution of Tokyo's culture from 1970 to 2025, displayed through historic covers and articles from the magazine’s archives.

4. Fashion & Media Corner: Presenting items from ANREALAGE, featured in the latest issue of Tokyo Weekender, emphasizing the connection between fashion and culture.

5. Free Distribution of the Latest Issue: On select days of the exhibition, visitors can grab a complimentary copy of the newest edition, Vol. 3: The Icons Issue, which delves deeper into the lives of the iconic figures featured.

Practical Information

• - Exhibition Title: Tokyo Weekender 55th Anniversary Exhibition: “Life, Culture, and Creativity in Tokyo 1970–2025”
• - Dates: October 16, 2023 - October 20, 2025
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (final day closes at 4:00 PM)
• - Venue: Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku, 5-27-7 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• - Access: A short 7-minute walk from Meiji-Jingu-mae station, 8 minutes from Shibuya station, and 12 minutes from Harajuku station. Note: No parking available on-site.
• - Admission: Free of Charge.

About the Sponsors

Hibiya Kadan, established in 1872, is the main sponsor of the exhibition. With a rich history, Hibiya Kadan operates approximately 190 locations nationwide, specializing in floral arrangements for weddings, events, and special occasions. Their commitment extends beyond floral arrangements as they inspire individuals to enhance their lives through the beauty of nature.

For the latest exhibition updates, follow Tokyo Weekender on their Instagram and visit their official website for more insights into Japan's unique culture.

Don't miss this chance to celebrate 55 years of creative expression and cultural richness in Tokyo!