Celebrating 25 Years of AAC: A Showcase of Emerging Artists

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the Art meets Architecture Competition (AAC), organized by Urbanet Corporation, is set to hold a special exhibition. This event will not only reflect on the journey of AAC over the past 25 years but also feature the works of 25 accomplished artists who once began as students involved in this remarkable competition.

The AAC exhibition presents a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of talent transitioning from student to professional. Attendees will be treated to a diverse collection of artworks utilizing a range of materials such as glass, bronze, marble, and aluminum. This initiative highlights Urbanet's commitment to making art more accessible in daily life by showcasing artistic expressions in shared spaces of its developed residences.

What is the Art meets Architecture Competition (AAC)?

The AAC aims to foster the creative talents of students through a dynamic platform where they can exhibit their three-dimensional artworks. The competition invites submissions from art students across the nation, seeking artworks to be displayed in the entrance of Urbanet's developments, providing them with a chance to bring new value to these shared spaces.

The selection process involves a preliminary review where sketches and concept sheets are assessed, leading to the selection of three outstanding works along with a few honorable mentions. The winners of the Excellent Prize receive funding of 200,000 yen to create their artworks, which are later showcased during the final judging, where submissions are installed temporarily in the context of the residential entrance. The finalists present their concepts to a panel of diverse experts in the art world, including museum curators, professors, art coordinators, gallerists, sculptors, and architects, leading to the awarding of the top prize of 1,000,000 yen and a permanent exhibition of the winning piece.

Since its inception in 2001, AAC has consistently provided opportunities for artistic expression, continuing its annual tradition for 25 years. The final jury process not only evaluates the artwork itself but also how well it harmonizes with the surrounding space — an essential aspect of the competition.

Highlights of the Exhibition

The upcoming exhibition at Shibuya Hikarie marks a significant milestone as it opens the doors for broader public engagement with art. Attendees can explore a wide range of three-dimensional artworks crafted from numerous materials. This year, 25 artists, who have previously won AAC awards, will present their latest creations, showcasing their advanced skills and rich expressions that blend traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities.

Located at the heart of Shibuya, near the station, this exhibition encourages art lovers and the general public to discover and enjoy contemporary art. Unlike previous setups restricted to residents, this exhibition allows everyone to appreciate the creative endeavors of upcoming artists. Moreover, the exhibit's structure invites visitors to connect with the artists’ narratives and the inspirations behind their works, fostering a more relatable and enjoyable art experience.

Event Overview

- Exhibition Title: Celebrating Emerging Artists: The AAC 25th Anniversary Exhibition
- Dates: October 17 (Fri) - October 26 (Sun), 2025
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Shibuya Hikarie, 8th Floor, COURT, 8/CUBE 1, 2, 3, Tokyo, 150-8510, Japan
- Entry Fee: Free

Participating Artists (in alphabetical order):

- Amami Manami (Glass Artist)
- Kawai Kusunoki (Urushi Artist)
- Yuan Fangzhou (Artist)
- Ootake Rieko (Sculptor)
- Nakaichi Tezuki (Sculptor)
- Katsukawa Natsuki (Glass Sculptor)
- Kanpo Hiroshi (Urushi Artist)
- Kan Shunrai (Urushi Craftsman)
- Koizumi Satoru (Contemporary Artist)
- Hong Shiraku (Glass Artist)
- Goto Kazu (Artist)
- Sano Keisuke (Urushi Craftsman)
- Shiratani Takuma (Sculptor)
- Doi Mokuren (Sculptor)
- Nakai Mizunako (Urushi Craftsman)
- Hirano Yurina (Metal Sculptor)
- Furukawa Chinatsu (Enamel Artist)
- Hoa Yoshiko (Sculptor)
- Horita Mitsuhiko (Sculptor, Metal Caster)
- Hori Sonomi (Sculptor)
- Hongo Yoshiyasu (Sculptor)
- Matsueda Yuki (Artist)
- Miyahara Takahiro (Sculptor)
- Murakami Hitomi (Ceramic Sculptor)
- Rai Kouning (Artist)

Organizer: Urbanet Corporation
Cooperation: Tomio Koyama Gallery
Planning Cooperation: Mayumi Uchida

For more information about the exhibition, visit the AAC Special Page. Follow AAC on X and Instagram.
For inquiries, please contact the AAC Office at Urbanet Corporation, located at 35F, Kasumigaseki Building, 3-2-5 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.