Exploring Cultural Heritage through Noritaka Tatehana's Exhibition 'Sacred Reflections'

Noritaka Tatehana's Solo Exhibition: 'Sacred Reflections'

Noritaka Tatehana, renowned for integrating traditional Japanese aesthetics into contemporary art, will showcase his latest works at KOSAKU KANECHIKA, Tennoz, from October 4 to November 15, 2025. Titled 'Sacred Reflections', this exhibition focuses on cultural heritage, particularly through the themes of 'waka' (traditional Japanese poetry) and mirrors.

The exhibition aims to delve into the concept of cultural succession. The tradition of waka, which has been passed down through the generations by being both recited and written, plays a crucial role in this exploration. Throughout the exhibit, Tatehana will personally write selected poems from the 'Kokin Wakashu', reflecting the beauty of the Japanese language and its spiritual significance. Each act of writing serves not merely as an artistic endeavor, but as a means to convey the essence of 'inheritance' within his works.

In addition, mirrors serve as a crucial motif in his art, reflecting not only cultural memories but also encouraging viewers to engage in a personal dialogue about heritage through the lens of his creation. Tatehana explains,

'Mirrors become vessels of memory, quietly engraving poetic thoughts through time. Through the act of writing, past cultures begin to narrate afresh, revealing that traditions are not stagnant but live on through repetition.'

This notion suggests that what was once viewed solely as a tool for self-examination transforms into a medium for cultural discourse, prompting individuals to reconsider their own cultural memories — a practice he refers to as 'Rethink.'

The Waka Selected by Tatehana

As part of the exhibit, Tatehana has chosen and transcribed five significant waka poems from the 'Kokin Wakashu'. This collection represents the first official anthologization of Japanese poetry and remains a cornerstone of Japanese artistic identity. The selections encapsulate various elements of Japanese aesthetics — the appreciation of seasonal beauty, compassion, and the temporal nature of existence. Tatehana's dedication to these themes is interwoven into his creative process, acknowledging the unique cultural attitudes embedded within these classic verses:

1. ちはやぶる神代も聞かず竜田川からくれなゐに水くくるとは在原業平
2. 花の色はうつりにけりないたづらにわが身世にふるながめせしまに小野小町
3. ひとはいさ心も知らずふるさとは花ぞ昔の香ににほひける紀貫之
4. 今来むといひしばかりに長月の有明の月を待ち出でつるかな素性法師
5. 久方の光のどけき春の日にしづ心なく花の散るらむ紀友則

The Artwork

The pieces displayed in 'Sacred Reflections' will feature innovative techniques and materials. Utilizing high-performance metallic inks developed through collaboration with Fujifilm, Tatehana's works achieve striking brightness and varied textures, creating a multi-dimensional appearance not previously attainable in printed art. The imagery within these works includes photographs of clouds captured during his travels, paired with his handwritten waka, culminating in a tactile experience of both visual art and literary tradition.

This exhibition follows Tatehana’s previous collaborations with Fujifilm, including works showcased in the 2022 exhibition 'PRIMARY COLORS'.

Exhibition Details

- Exhibition Title: Noritaka Tatehana 'Sacred Reflections'
- Exhibition Dates: October 4 – November 15, 2025
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays
- Venue: KOSAKU KANECHIKA, 5F TERRADA ART COMPLEX, 1-33-10 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, 140-0002, Japan
- Admission: Free

Artist Profile

Noritaka Tatehana, born in 1985 in Tokyo, comes from a family that runs a traditional bathhouse in Kabukicho. His upbringing in Kamakura and influences from his mother, a doll maker grounded in Steiner education, sparked his creativity. Graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2010, Tatehana has since explored the intersection of traditional culture and modernity through various exhibitions locally and internationally, including notable presentations in New York, Paris, and Belgium. His works are part of prestigious collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Explore more about Noritaka Tatehana at his official website: Noritaka Tatehana Official and stay updated on his latest works on Instagram: @noritaka_tatehana.