Exploring the Challenges of Love: The 'If This Feeling Had a Name' Exhibition in Shibuya

The 'If This Feeling Had a Name' Exhibition in Shibuya

The 'If This Feeling Had a Name' exhibition is currently taking place at the first floor of Shibuya Modi, managed by Marui Co., Ltd. Based in Nakano, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Masahiro Aono, this limited-time event is an innovative project by 'kotoha', which aims to create entertainment using global languages.

This unique exhibition presents a chance to explore emotions related to love that do not exist in the Japanese language. It allows visitors to experience feelings that are better articulated through diverse languages from around the world. Have you ever felt overwhelmed with emotions you couldn't quite express in words? This exhibition seeks to find that perfect phrase that resonates with your current feelings, showcasing words from various cultures that capture the essence of love.

For instance, the Sundanese word Kasmaran refers to the feeling of becoming enthralled by someone and being unable to stop thinking about them, while the Tagalog term Paasa describes someone who leads others on with suggestive words without any intention. These expressions connect deeply with the intricate feelings of love, often putting into words experiences like waiting for someone to message you without knowing how to say it.

Concept of the Exhibition

The concept behind this experience revolves around sharing love stories through global languages. As Valentine’s Day approaches, this is an ideal opportunity to find that special word or phrase you wish to share with someone or even with yourself. This exhibition encourages visitors to find meaningful expressions that can tap into their inner sentiments, creating a unique destination for love and creativity.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Visitor Benefits: Gift Tags with Global Words

One of the most captivating features of the exhibition is the 'Envelope Wall', which displays gift tags adorned with words from different languages. By opening an envelope, visitors may discover a word that aligns with their current feelings. This tag can be taken home, providing a lovely addition to a Valentine’s Day gift. Even the tiniest emotions that you may have overlooked can be articulated through words from around the world, serving as a heartfelt message to a loved one or even to yourself.

Immersive Experience: Short Film Combining Words, Visuals, and Fragrance

The exhibition features the screening of a short film centered around the Yaghan word Mamihlapinatapai, which translates to 'the shared silence of two people who want something from each other but are hesitant to speak'. This term embodies subtle emotions beautifully. To enrich this experience, visitors can enjoy an original fragrance that expresses the characters' emotions, transporting them into the narrative in a new, sensory way. This merging of sight, sound, and smell promises a one-of-a-kind entertainment encounter.

About the Kotoha Project

The Kotoha project operates with the mission to create entertainment using global languages, highlighting the rich diversity of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken around the world. The initiative brings to life this wealth of emotion through exhibitions, film productions, and collaborations with various companies. Kotoha explores the interplay between words and emotions, aiming to touch hearts and stir feelings through art, encouraging deeper connections through language.