Experience the Unique Artistry of Kohei Komatsu at SHIBUYA SKY Exhibition Vol. 9

Nestled atop the iconic SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE, the observation deck SHIBUYA SKY offers not just breathtaking views of Tokyo but also a platform for creativity and inspiration. The SKY GALLERY EXHIBITION SERIES regularly showcases artistic endeavors aimed at fostering curiosity and imagination. This upcoming exhibition, titled Touching the sky | 空にふれる, will be the ninth installment and run from January 22, 2026, to March 22, 2026.

The title, Touching the sky, reflects the profound connection between the artist and the sky, a theme that resonates deeply with his body of work. Kohei Komatsu’s artistic journey began with a fascination for flight and movement, sparked by an undergraduate project involving floating feathers. Over the past two decades, his themes have expanded to encompass concepts of lightness and shadow, alongside a growing interest in the interplay between nature and human invention. Komatsu shared that his visit to the rooftop stage of SHIBUYA SKY inspired him to create art that embodies the essence of feeling the sky while grounded on the Earth.

Concept and Vision

Komatsu, who often employs elements like birds and feathers in his installations, invites viewers to engage with the delicate characteristics of air and light. His work emphasizes a subtle interplay of movement and stillness, challenging visitors to contemplate the natural phenomena that shape our interactions and experiences. The concept behind Touching the sky centers on the formless quality of the sky coming to life through Komatsu's art, making the ethereal tangible and accessible to all.

During the exhibition, attendees are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with the sky, a complex interplay that Komatsu describes as a device for feeling the sky while being on the ground. The artist’s transition from a personal relationship with the vastness of the sky to a shared public experience encapsulates the spirit of this exhibition, inviting audiences to experience feelings of nostalgia and connection.

Exhibition Details

- Exhibition Title: SKY GALLERY EXHIBITION SERIES Vol. 9 - Kohei Komatsu “Touching the sky | 空にふれる”
- Duration: January 22, 2026 – March 22, 2026
- Location: SHIBUYA SKY 46th Floor Indoor Observation Deck “SKY GALLERY”

Visitors with a general admission ticket or an annual pass to SHIBUYA SKY can experience the exhibition free of charge. Potential attendees are advised to secure their tickets in advance through this link. Ticket availability is limited and recommendations include purchasing tickets up to two weeks in advance.

Kohei Komatsu’s Artistic Journey

Born in 1981 in Tokushima Prefecture, Kohei Komatsu graduated from Musashino Art University in architecture, and later completed his master's degree at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2006. In 2014, he became an independent artist, striving to incorporate elements of flight and lightness into his work. His explorations have led him to showcase installations in major cultural spaces, continuing to challenge the boundaries of how art interacts with its environment.

Komatsu is also an educator, having served as a specially appointed associate professor at Musashino Art University, where he imparts his knowledge to the next generation of artists. His projections of light and shadows often resonate with natural elements, making them relevant to contemporary societal themes.

Collaborations and Sound Art

In a remarkable collaboration for this exhibition, the sound artist evala will create a unique sound environment to accompany Komatsu’s installations. Using a sophisticated spatial sound system, evala’s compositions will enhance the immersive experience of the audience, making interactions with the art multidimensional. This convergence of sound and visual artistry aims to transport visitors beyond mere observation to a deeper, body-felt experience.

The SKY GALLERY EXHIBITION SERIES aims to promote an ongoing dialogue between local culture and innovative artistic expressions, enhancing the reputation of SHIBUYA SKY as a place where intellectual curiosity thrives. It serves as a vivid reminder of the potential for art to inspire, provoke thought, and foster connections among people, spaces, and ideas.

Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience; visit SHIBUYA SKY for a journey that transcends the physical view, venturing into a realm where art, sound, and the sky converge into a single, awe-inspiring moment.