Exploring Urban Memories: The Unique Art of KITTYZILLA in Shibuya

Uncovering Urban Stories: KITTYZILLA's 'Where are the Cats?'

From August 15, 2025, Jinny Street Gallery in Shibuya's Jingumae 2-chome will host an enlightening exhibition titled "Where are the Cats?" by the talented artist KITTYZILLA (real name: Naomi Oren). The exhibition offers a fascinating lens on the neighborhood’s past, present, and future while documenting the changes wrought by urban redevelopment.

KITTYZILLA’s artwork draws inspiration from interviews with local residents, weaving their narratives into vivid visual tales that blend her distinctive artistic style with original cat characters. This amalgamation effectively brings into focus the memories of Jingumae 2-chome’s shopping street, gently urging viewers to reflect on the subtle transformations within their reality and contemplate the future of the community.

During the exhibition, a special limited edition label featuring KITTYZILLA’s artwork will grace the Jinny Lemon Sour, the gallery's official drink. Available at select local eateries, this collaboration further links the exhibit to the local culture, reflecting the organic relationship between art and community.

A Journey Through Memories and Change

The upcoming exhibition, 'Where are the Cats?', invites visitors to experience Jingumae 2-chome through the visual narratives that emerge from KITTYZILLA's conversations with locals. Her artworks depict the stories and memories shared during these dialogues, effectively reconstructing the essence of neighborhood life on canvas.

KITTYZILLA emphasizes the significance of these memories, stating, 'This exhibit depicts modest discoveries concerning the past and present of Jingumae 2-chome. Through conversations with local residents, I hope to rekindle recognition of the charm within Tokyo's shopping streets and inspire reflections on the future of our communities.' The artist’s perspective conveys not only nostalgia but also an invitation to construct vibrant spaces where residents, workers, and visitors coexist.

Gazing Through the Eyes of Cats

Nestled near Harajuku, Jingumae 2-chome is a district rich in community-driven shopping culture, maintaining its charm amidst an ever-changing urban landscape. The coexistence of new and old businesses provides a warm tapestry of daily life, reflecting its residents' connections. Over the past decade, new establishments have emerged, with youthful owners breathing new life into the traditional shopping scene. Yet, the quiet disappearance of long-standing businesses is also evident; the intersection of old and new has become a focal point for KITTYZILLA's artistic exploration.

'Watching the transformation of shopping streets built during the Showa era and the gradual disappearance of cats from urban life has resonated with me deeply,' KITTYZILLA shares. 'While it’s clear that keeping the town as it once was is unrealistic due to safety and energy concerns, I wonder how long we will be able to savor the delight of unexpectedly encountering a roaming cat between shops.' These reflective thoughts intertwine with her explorations of the stories behind the vibrancy of community hubs and the resilience of the people who have preserved them.

Through the exhibition, viewers will traverse the past and present of Jingumae 2-chome through KITTYZILLA’s cat-like lens, noticing the unnoticed ordinary moments and pondering how we shape our urban future.

Artistic Reflections on Modernity

The impetus for the 'Where are the Cats?' exhibit stemmed from KITTYZILLA’s reflections on her 2016 Instagram account, 'Tokyo Storefronts.' As she captured the essence of small shops across the city, she witnessed the relentless tide of urban redevelopment replacing unique spaces with faceless office buildings and vacant storefronts.

'Currently, Tokyo is experiencing a wave of redevelopment,' she notes. 'Yet, my focus isn’t on nostalgia but on the essence of shopping streets as the core of community life, where connections are formed, and stories emerge.' Through her fan encounters—from cat cafes to snippets of conversation at local tobacco shops—memories of neighborhood camaraderie between people and cats resonate, providing a foundation for KITTYZILLA's unique depiction of Jingumae 2-chome through a feline perspective.

Opening Event and Special Collaborations

The exhibition will officially kick off on August 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM with a delightful opening event at NININI, an art space and bar adjacent to the gallery. Attendees will have the chance to participate in an 'Artist Walk' led by KITTYZILLA herself, delving deeper into her creative process and inspirations.

Additionally, the limited edition label design for the Jinny Lemon Sour will be unveiled during the event. This special label encapsulates the essence of KITTYZILLA’s cat characters and the neighborhood's charm, creating a unique item that intertwines the exhibition's themes with local history. Available in limited quantities at select eateries, this special edition will also be served at NININI on the opening day.

Discover KITTYZILLA

KITTYZILLA, an artist hailing from Los Angeles, has made Tokyo her home since 2009. Having been immersed in the world of Japanese toy manufacturing by day, she began to express Tokyo's landscapes through the lens of her black cat, Kuro, whom she befriended near her workplace in Asakusa. Since then, she has diligently captured urban shifts and daily humor through the perspectives of her signature cat characters. Today, KITTYZILLA continues her creative journey from her Tokyo base.