#Japan #Tokyo #THE LIVELY #ikasu #Lena Okamoto

Ikasu to Hold Kimono Upcycle Art Exhibition at THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban

A unique collaboration has emerged between bonobo LLC’s ikasu project and the lifestyle hotel THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban. From May 1 to May 31, 2026, the hotel's second-floor communal lounge, known as "LIVERALLY," will host a Kimono Upcycle Art Exhibition featuring a remarkable collection of 53 pieces, including 44 new works.

The exhibition's theme, "Light and Color Bleeding into the Urban Night," is beautifully brought to life by textile artist Lena Okamoto. Drawing inspiration from the lounge's ambiance, Okamoto has created a series of artworks that harmoniously blend materials and colors to evoke a sense of elegance within tranquility. Some of the pieces utilize antique kiri (paulownia) chests as frames, reflecting ikasu's commitment to an "all-upcycled" philosophy that breathes new life into discarded textiles.

During this exhibition, the LIVERALLY lounge will be open to the public, allowing anyone to enjoy the artworks free of charge without prior reservation. In addition to the kimono art, the hotel will feature vibrant spring-themed flower art displays, inviting visitors to experience "Art encountered on a journey," transcending the boundaries of mere hospitality.

Reviving Kimonos with New Stories

Ikasu aims to infuse new narratives and value into kimonos that have traditionally reached the end of their wearable life. Many Japanese households possess antique kimonos and sashes (obi) that, due to reduced wearing occasions and preservation challenges, end up discarded rather than passed down. Ikasu seeks to address this by utilizing these vintage textiles, along with other materials, to create contemporary textile art that pays homage to their history and memories.

About the Venue: THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban

THE LIVELY brand represents lifestyle hotels redefined as places where people, information, and opportunities converge. The Azabujuban location embodies this vision, offering a space for cross-cultural interaction within an urban setting. The exhibited artworks are aligned with the ambience of the urban night, aiming to resonate with both local residents and visitors intrigued by hotel and kimono arts.

Exhibition Details

Dates: May 1 to May 31, 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban, 2nd Floor Lounge "LIVERALLY"
Address: 1-5-23 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
Access: 3-minute walk from Azabu-juban Station (Namboku/Oedo Lines); 10-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Hibiya/Oedo Lines)
Admission: Free
Purchasing: Works can be bought starting from ¥40,000 (tax included); please note that these unique pieces may sell quickly.

Meet the Artist: Lena Okamoto

Lena Okamoto is a textile artist with a unique background. She hails from Russia and has studied Japanese cultural studies at the University of Tokyo after graduating from a Russian art school. As a certified "Kimono Meister," Lena merges traditional craftsmanship with modern design to create captivating pieces using antique and vintage kimonos. She has showcased her work at international venues, including World Art Dubai and exhibitions at Four Seasons Resort Dubai.

Lena reflects on her artistic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of accessing an intangible sense of "enough" in our fast-paced society. She aspouses the idea that upcycling is not merely decorative but is rooted in a deeper understanding of sustainability and reverence for what materials hold.

This exhibition at THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban is not just about viewing art; it is about engaging with the stories embedded within each piece, fostering a renewed appreciation for the beauty of upcycled textiles. We encourage everyone to visit and experience this cultural offering in the heart of Tokyo.