Launching 'IROHA ART & LIFE'
In October 2025, Island Japan Inc., which has been connecting art and society for 15 years, will introduce a new service called 'IROHA ART & LIFE' to mark its anniversary. This innovative subscription aims to bridge the gap between art and everyday life.
What is IROHA ART & LIFE?
IROHA offers a unique “savings-based art subscription” where users can enjoy high-quality artworks for a monthly fee. The subscription allows users not only to experience various artworks but eventually to own a piece once the accumulated payments meet its price. The philosophy behind IROHA is that “small ripples of art can resonate through life and the mind.” This creates an environment where art becomes an integral part of everyday living.
As the demand for accessible art increases, many potential collectors are often discouraged by the initial costs and the lack of specialized knowledge. IROHA aims to create a more flexible and sustainable relationship with art, addressing these concerns by providing an alternative to traditional purchasing methods.
Unique Features of IROHA ART & LIFE
- - Monthly Subscription: Rent exquisite artworks for a fixed monthly fee, with the option to regularly exchange them.
- - Ownership Opportunities: Once the total payments reach the artwork's price, subscribers can claim ownership, eliminating the frustrations associated with renting.
- - Interactive Communication: Users will be able to interact with artists through planned messages, fostering a community around art.
- - Regular Salon Events: A platform for users to engage and connect with artists through scheduled events.
- - Revenue Opportunities for Artists: This service will provide artists with ongoing exhibition opportunities and a new revenue stream.
Future Expansion Plans
A test rollout will begin in the autumn of 2025, focusing first on a select group of customers, with a broader launch aimed for spring 2026. The initial phase will be concentrated in metropolitan areas, with plans to expand to regional cities and corporate clients in the future.
Vision from the CEO
Yuu Ito, the representative of Island Japan, shares, “For the past 15 years, through gallery exhibitions and conversations, I have realized that while the artworks are phenomenal, the high costs often serve as a barrier to purchasing. I also sensed an existing audience that desires to integrate art into their lives more easily. In addition, feedback from businesses highlighted concerns about the wastage associated with rental models. Artists find joy in having their works displayed and sold to a larger audience. IROHA is developed from the desire to broaden the options available and increase opportunities for people to discover art.”
Ito invites hotel owners, hospital administrators, and individuals interested in art rental and sales to reach out as the company seeks to engage broader audiences.
Company Overview
- - Name: Island Japan Inc.
- - Location: 6-12-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
- - Established: 2010
- - Business Activities: Gallery operations (HARUKAITO by island), art project planning, and artist support.
- - Contact: [email protected]
About the CEO
Yuu Ito, born in 1979 in Shiga Prefecture, graduated from Kyoto University with a law degree and holds a master’s degree in Human-Environment Studies. He has directed initiatives at the Kyoto University Center for Art Editing and served as director at magical, ARTROOM before founding Island Japan in 2010. Ito has been actively involved in managing galleries, coordinating external projects, and teaching art communication at Waseda University, continually bridging the gap between art and society.