#Japan #Sumida #KAIKA TOKYO #Yuki Nagatomo #Ayuko Yoshiyuki

KAIKA Tokyo by THE SHARE HOTELS Unveils Award Winners

KAIKA Tokyo, a unique blend of an art storage facility and hotel, has recently announced the winners of the KAIKA TOKYO AWARD 2026, aimed at discovering talented artists. This initiative is part of Revita Inc., a company dedicated to renovating society and daily life to create a sustainable future.

Located in the heart of Asakusa, KAIKA Tokyo serves as a contemporary art hub where artwork is not only stored but also exhibited. From March 2026, the award-winning pieces and twelve selected works from a total of 353 submissions will be showcased for approximately two years within the facility.

Award Winners and Their Works

The jury for this year's awards included esteemed figures like Akimoto Yuji, honorary professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, and Kurosawa Hiromi, a specially appointed professor at the same university. The top award went to Yuki Nagatomo for the piece titled "Seisei Ruten", which reflects her experiences with breast cancer treatment.

Jurors' Comments

• - Akimoto Yuji: "Nagato's work invites a deep reflection on existence and mortality, capturing the human body through a lens of atomic connectivity and the acceptance of death as a return to nature. Unlike traditional patterns seen in yuzen dyeing, her work utilizes a restrained color palette of black and gray, accentuating the lines that define the figures, creating an impactful presence."

• - Kurosawa Hiromi: "The tranquil blues in Nagatomo's piece create a stark contrast with the bold black outlines, giving rise to a world of spiritual contemplation reminiscent of Buddhist paintings. The thoughtful structure elevates personal experiences into universal themes of life and death."

Ayuko Yoshiyuki was awarded the Akimoto Yuji Prize for her work "HOPE", which encapsulates everyday emotions and aims to inspire a sense of lightness in viewers.

• - Akimoto Yuji: "Yoshiyuki's portrayal captures the unexplainable inner feelings that reside within us, urging viewers to look at life from a fresh perspective and encouraging a positive outlook."

The Kuroiwa Hiromi Prize was given to Miho Masaki for her piece titled "Quilted Composition".

• - Kurosawa Hiromi: "Masaki's work innovatively reinterprets the meaning of the support surface, transforming it into a sensory membrane rather than a traditional plane. The stitched patterns serve as traces of movement, inviting viewers to engage with the tactile quality of the artwork."

Selected Works for Exhibition

In addition to the three major award winners, twelve other works were also selected for exhibition. These will be displayed in various areas of the facility and some guest rooms, contributing to an engaging art experience for visitors.

1. "Flowing Shape" by Maki Ooi
2. "Melody of the Forest" by Kenta Okawara
3. "Finally Able to Meet" by Noriko Katsura
4. "No.0054" by Shoto Kohagura
5. "Regardless of Fortune or Misfortune, Let's Ensure a Satisfying Finale" by Nanari Sakamoto
6. "Line" by Koharu Takahashi
7. "Garden Until the Day of Return" by Miko Terauchi
8. "Black/Mist and White/Trace of Rain" by Toon
9. "Lost Scenery No.243" by Saori Hasegawa
10. "Revealed Sculpture" by Naoki Murakami
11. "Flickering Bottle" by Emimi Yamamoto
12. "Place of Comfort" by Hitoho Yomitsu

These artworks will undoubtedly enrich the cultural tapestry of the KAIKA Tokyo experience, allowing guests to interact with art in a meaningful way as they navigate through the hotel.

The KAIKA TOKYO AWARD

Held biannually, the KAIKA TOKYO AWARD is part of a broader effort to support rich cultural activities and the arts. The next call for submissions is expected to commence in December 2025, with a goal to identify and promote emerging artists.

Adding to the uniqueness of this award, the selected pieces will have a public display for two years, giving artists prolonged engagement with a diverse audience. KAIKA Tokyo welcomed over 50,000 visitors in 2023, emphasizing its role as a significant cultural venue in Japan.

About KAIKA Tokyo

KAIKA Tokyo opened on July 15, 2020, and is located in Sumida, Tokyo. Originally transformed from a warehouse, it combines an art storage facility and hotel, making it a distinct spot for contemporary art enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The hotel has 73 guest rooms and accommodates a total of 239 guests, making it an ideal location for both local and international visitors, further reinforcing the area's rich artistic heritage.

Conclusion

With programs such as the KAIKA TOKYO AWARD, KAIKA Tokyo continues to strive not just as a hospitality venue but as a vital contributor to the art world, fostering new artistic expressions and connecting a variety of cultures and communities through the universal language of art.