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Upcoming Exhibition: Shunji Okuda's 'Grounded Yet Floating'

In an exciting development for art lovers and photography enthusiasts, Canon Marketing Japan will host a remarkable exhibition by Shunji Okuda at the Canon S Tower Gallery in Minato, Tokyo. Titled 'Grounded Yet Floating,' this exhibition will run from November 13 to December 15, 2026, showcasing the poignant works of one of Japan's emerging voices in photography and videography.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Dates: November 13, 2026 (Friday) – December 15, 2026 (Tuesday)
• - Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
• - Closed on: Sundays and Public Holidays
• - Venue: Canon S Tower Gallery, 1st Floor, 2-16-6 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Access: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from JR Shinagawa Station, Konan Exit; about 10 minutes from Keikyu Shinagawa Station
• - Entry Fee: Free

This exhibition celebrates Shunji Okuda, who won the grand prize in the 2025 'GRAPHGATE' audition, an initiative by Canon Marketing Japan aimed at discovering new talent in photography and videography. Okuda has dedicated his work to exploring the essence of human existence through the lens of both personal and familial experiences. His profound engagement with the subjects he captures speaks to the universality of living with weight, vulnerability, and the search for significance in everyday life.

The Essence of the Exhibition

'Grounded Yet Floating' presents four series of works, including video pieces such as 'Digging into Ku' and 'Burning Hunger,' along with photographic works entitled 'Appetite Awakens While Eating' and 'Buoyance.' These works delve into the concept of existence through the themes of nourishment, breath, and bodily impulses—capturing life's inherent buoyancy even in its most challenging moments.

In his art, Okuda focuses on the struggles and triumphs of individuals grappling with their physical limitations, particularly viewed through the lens of his grandparent's battle with terminal illness and his interactions with his wife. The exhibition thus becomes a powerful narrative of solidarity, remembrance, and the affirmation of existence. Okuda's photographs highlight the delicate dance of life—how individuals navigate their realities while grappling with the gravity of their circumstances.

A Personal Reflection

In an intimate message from the artist, Okuda reflects on his journey, expressing a longing for freedom from bodily constraints while simultaneously recognizing how this weight connects him to the intimate lives of those he loves. His poignant words resonate deeply as he shares how his camera has been a tool for not only artistic expression but also for confronting life's fragility. The act of photographing his loved ones, particularly during their most vulnerable stages, reveals the radiant essence of life that persists amid pain and uncertainty.

This exhibition, therefore, does much more than display art; it invites viewers to engage in a broader conversation about the nature of existence and the quiet, yet profound, moments of connection we share with one another. Every piece is printed using Canon's imagePROGRAF PRO series, ensuring the highest quality reproduction of Okuda's vision.

Meet the Artist

Shunji Okuda, born in Nara Prefecture in 1999, began his journey into photography and videography as a high school student, documenting the stories of friends and strangers he encountered. Since then, he has cultivated his craft through self-directed study, and his work focuses on the fundamental energies within humans and our interconnections with the world around us.

For more information or inquiries, please contact Canon Gallery at 0570-07-9264 or visit their official website. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Shunji Okuda's moving exploration of presence, perspective, and human intimacy in 'Grounded Yet Floating.'