#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Design School #ADF Art Gallery #GARDE Gallery

Unveiling Creativity: Tokyo Design School Graduation Exhibition

The ADF (Aoyama Design Forum) is thrilled to announce the 42nd installment of its celebrated ADF Art Gallery Project, featuring the 2026 Graduation Exhibition from Tokyo Design School. This exciting event will run from May 8 to May 28, 2026, at the GARDE Gallery, located in Omotesando, Tokyo.

For over 60 years, Tokyo Design School has been at the forefront of higher education in design, nurturing creative talents in various fields such as graphic design, art, illustration, animation, interior design, display, and jewelry. Nestled in vibrant Harajuku—a hub of trends and culture—this institution is dedicated to imparting cutting-edge design knowledge to its students. The exhibition will spotlight outstanding works from the 2026 graduating class, reflecting the innovative spirit and artistic visions of the future generation.

Featured Works

The exhibition highlights several remarkable pieces recognized with prestigious awards:

• - Grand Prize: ‘Imaginary Robotics’ by Woelle Luna from the Graphic Design Department. This 3D object represents a robot shape that lacks functionality, visualizing the transformative impact of technology dependence on human life.

• - Chairman’s Award: ‘Dreams Scattered’ by Matsumoto Suminofu from the Fashion Accessory Department. This artwork transcends a nightmarish vision the artist experienced, creating a whimsical world that stirs the imagination.

• - Principal’s Award: ‘Stories Born in the Night Sky’ by Ito Yua from the Spatial Display Design Department. Focusing on 'the beginning of a story,' this piece expresses an overflow of stories from a book, using white wooden forms to evoke imagery.

• - Alumni Association Award: ‘Artificial Future’ by Tan Chee Yuen from the Visual Design Department. This work vividly depicts the emptiness hidden within a technology-dependent daily life and the declining authenticity of conversations.

• - Special Awards: Various other noteworthy submissions include ‘Reawakening’ by Nishitani Norika, exploring inner turmoil and liberation; ‘Mountain Encounters’ by Zhou Mingze, a captivating narrative about a cat leading one into a mystical mountain; and ‘Hunger’ by Li Xisui, a horror-themed piece depicting a protagonist who encounters a goldfish that consumes human desires.

Educational Philosophy

Tokyo Design School emphasizes collaboration with industry, striving to bridge education with practical application. Students partake in various projects within the bustling streets of Harajuku, contributing designs for commercial displays, character designs for train stations, and more—a testament to the school’s commitment to experiential learning.

The disciplines available at Tokyo Design School include:

• - Visual Design: Comprehensive training across advertising, magazines, web, and film media.
• - Creative Arts: Nurturing artists who connect deeply with their communities through original expressions.
• - Graphic Design: Equipping students with specialized knowledge across four focus areas.
• - Illustration: Balancing traditional and digital methods to hone diverse artistic skills.
• - Manga: Comprehensive learning of character and story creation.
• - Animation: Practical training under industry professionals known for popular works.
• - Interior Design: Broad education on spaces, furniture, and accessory design aimed at professional qualifications.
• - Spatial Display Design: Fostering the next generation of producers with specialized expertise.
• - Fashion Accessories: Immersive experiences in creating accessories and understanding technical skills.

Exhibition Details

• - Dates: May 8 (Friday) - May 28 (Thursday), 2026
• - Hours: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Final day until 3:00 PM)
• - Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
• - Location: GARDE Gallery, Minato-ku, Aoyama 5-2-1, NBF Alliance Building 4F, Tokyo

Precaution: Visitors are advised not to inquire about the exhibition venue at the first-floor store.

Join us in celebrating the creativity and talents of the next wave of designers and artists at this remarkable exhibition, and witness firsthand the innovative works that challenge perceptions and showcase the potential of future design.