Celebrating Tradition: 'Now Continued' Exhibition at PIX GALLERY

Exhibition Overview: 'Now Continued'

An intriguing exhibition named 'Now Continued' is set to take place at PIX GALLERY in Nakameguro on March 20th and 21st, featuring the collaboration between the rice community BEISUI and bamboo craft artist Hitomi Abe. This event aims to focus on the elements of rice and bamboo, which have been the foundation of Japanese culture for generations, while also questioning what it means to inherit traditions. By exploring these botanical materials, which both belong to the grass family, the exhibition seeks to reinterpret ancient wisdom through a contemporary lens.

Philosophical Foundation

The guiding philosophy of the exhibition, 'Keiko Shokō' (learning from the past to illuminate the present), emphasizes utilizing the wisdom inherited from past generations to enrich our current lives and encourage a connection to the future. This approach helps attendees experience the concept of 'continuation' through expressions of bamboo and sake, bridging historical practices with modern sensibilities.

Launching BEISUI's Original Sake: 'Matofu'

A notable highlight of the exhibition is the debut of BEISUI's very first original sake, 'Matofu'. Crafted using rice from Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, this sake embodies the energy derived from the earth, water, and rice, cultivated through nature-friendly farming methods. The brewing process is overseen by Eiji Maeda, the chief brewer from Kaze no Mori, who has skillfully expressed the essence of the rice and the hopes of the farming community in this exceptional drink. The method employed for brewing is an ancient classical technique established in temples during the Muromachi period, emphasizing an authentic, immersive experience as if one is 'drinking the energy of the rice'. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and purchase this special sake during the exhibition.

Limited Bamboo Craft Collaboration

In conjunction with the launch of 'Matofu', five limited-edition collaboration bottles will be available for sale. These creations are inspired by the theme of 'fermentation', conceived during Abe's shared brewing journey with BEISUI. The bottles feature unique bamboo art designs that encapsulate both the bottle and the traditional craft of bamboo weaving, blending aesthetics with functionality. This artwork, crafted using the traditional technique of Yatara Amigurumi, will be exclusively available at the exhibition, making them a unique collectible for enthusiasts.

Artworks by Hitomi Abe on Display

The exhibition will also showcase distinct artworks created by Hitomi Abe specifically for BEISUI. The one-of-a-kind pieces and BEISUI's original sake cups will be on display and available for purchase. These art pieces invite viewers to enjoy the space between the ordinary and extraordinary, appealing to both those who drink alcohol and those who do not, fostering a desire to integrate art into everyday life. An example includes a striking bamboo and stone object known as the Brim Basket L.

Event Schedule

Dates: March 20th (Friday) and March 21st (Saturday), 2026
March 20th (Two-part event):

- Part 1: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Part 2: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

During this event, BEISUI will host an experiential offering featuring a rice ball stand, various sake, pickled rice, lacto-fermented rice beverages, and sake lees gelato, allowing attendees to physically enjoy the 'cycle of rice'. Entry fee is ¥5,500 (includes BEISUI coins redeemable for sake and rice balls).

March 21st (Saturday):

- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Visitors can purchase Hitomi Abe’s bamboo craft projects and sample or purchase the original sake 'Matofu'. Entry is free.

Location: PIX GALLERY, 1-14-17 Aobadai, Nakameguro, Tokyo
Address: 2F SYT Bldg, Tokyo 107-0061
All are welcome to attend.

About the Organizers

BEISUI is a community founded by chief brewer Eiji Maeda that cherishes rice while interpreting this staple food from diverse perspectives with changing themes. It creates a shared environment connecting both drinkers and non-drinkers through the commonality of rice.
[Instagram: @bei_sui]

Hitomi Abe | Bamboo Craft Artist
Abe creates art pieces that encapsulate the essence of existence between the everyday and the extraordinary, leaving space for playfulness and enjoyment within her works. She utilizes bamboo as a primary material, focusing on traditional basket weaving techniques.
[Instagram: @a__hitomi]