#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #IMU #Mitsuru Sakurai

Mitsuru Sakurai's Unique Art Exhibition 'Imu'

Starting on July 10, 2026, the renowned artist Mitsuru Sakurai will unveil his latest solo exhibition titled 'Imu' (イム) at two locations: BAU SHIBUYA and Sho+1 in Ueno, Tokyo. This exhibition offers an innovative exploration of fundamental questions regarding perception and existence, framed through the lens of self-portraiture.


Exhibition Overview
In this compelling series, Sakurai grapples with concepts such as 'seeing and being seen' and 'being and not being.' Drawing inspiration from the Buddhist philosophy of 'hidden deities,' he scrutinizes the nature of existence that transforms when observed. Through layered photographic expressions that superimpose multiple perspectives over time, Sakurai seeks to illustrate the elusive nature of the self, which cannot be fully captured in a static image.

The exhibition will be presented across two distinct venues, inviting visitors to rethink their own process of 'seeing.' This approach aims to create a thought-provoking experience that encourages introspection and dialogue with the artwork.

Artist's Reflection

Sakurai remarked, "After exploring my early works, such as 'Fe' and the family-themed 'BP', I returned my attention to 'self.' In this piece, I reflect on the fluidity of existence through the lens of perception, pondering on how we cannot encapsulate a fixed identity."

About the Artist

Mitsuru Sakurai, born in Tokyo, graduated from Tokyo Zokei University in 2003 and joined Amana Inc. that same year. As a retoucher affiliated with Aura, he became independent in 2011. His work mainly includes advertising, architecture, and product photography, establishing his studio, MSPG, in Bunkyo, Tokyo, in 2014. Since 2023, he has been a part-time lecturer at Tokyo Zokei University. Throughout his artistic journey, he continuously questions the essence of 'existence' and 'self'.

Sakurai has held several solo exhibitions, including 'Fe' at Arts Chiyoda 3331 in 2020 and 2021, and 'BP' at Sho+1 in 2022, as well as participating in group exhibitions like ART FAIR TOKYO 2022 and the 'Illusion of Reality' at Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore. His accolades include the Konica Minolta Photo Premio Winner in 2002, PX3 Photo Competition (Gold Medal in Nature/Wildlife in 2014), and a spot in the shortlist for the Sony World Photography Awards 2023 in Professional Architecture & Design.

Event Details

Part One

• - Date: July 10, 2026 – July 19, 2026
• - Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Last day until 4:00 PM)
• - Venue: BAU SHIBUYA
• - Address: 1-4-22 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0041
• - Access: 13 minutes walk from JR Shibuya Station, 9 minutes from JR Harajuku or Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingu-Mae Station
• - Contact: BAU SHIBUYA

Part Two

• - Date: July 24, 2026 – August 29, 2026
• - Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays; Summer closure from August 9 to August 17)
• - Venue: Sho+1
• - Address: 1-4-8 Ueno, Taito, Tokyo 110-0005
• - Access: 1 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Yushima Station (Exit 6), 5 minutes from Tokyo Metro Suehirocho Station (Exit 4)
• - Contact: Sho+1

Opening Reception

• - Date: July 23, 2026
• - Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• - Venue: Sho+1

About Plan Inc.

Plana Inc., the organizing company, operates under the philosophy of 'Reflecting Unspeakable Values.' They specialize in creative productions centered around photography, video, and editing, while also engaging in branding and public relations for businesses, cultural projects, and independent publications related to artists and local culture. Founded in February 2022, the company is led by Yuki Oshima and is located in Bunkyo, Tokyo.

For more details, visit Plana's website.