#Japan #Tokyo #The Chain Museum #Aiko Miyanaga #Manjuen

Aiko Miyanaga's Solo Exhibition 'Manjuen'

The renowned contemporary artist Aiko Miyanaga is set to unveil her solo exhibition titled 'Manjuen' at the exquisite Gallery & Restaurant Butaiura, located in Azabudai Hills. The event will commence on August 30, 2025, and will run until October 19, 2025. This much-anticipated exhibition is a collaborative effort by The Chain Museum, led by Masamichi Toyama, and aims to explore the intersection of memory, time, and place through Miyanaga's unique artistic lens.

Miyanaga's creative journey revolves around encapsulating the intricate, shifting nature of time through her delicate artistic techniques. The exhibition space, located in the vibrant Azabudai area, embodies a rich tapestry of historical and contemporary life, which the artist has deeply researched through fieldwork. Miyanaga will present works that reflect the ongoing evolution of the neighborhood, offering visitors a profound visual narrative of its transitions.

A notable feature of the exhibition is the interactive 'Manjuen Post'. Visitors are encouraged to post their discoveries on social media using the hashtags '#ManjuenPost' or '#万寿園ポスト'. This initiative connects the viewer to the stories woven throughout the exhibition, including hints leading to the origin of its title that relates back to a specific post located near the venue.

Artist Statement

In Miyanaga's own words, she reflects on the remarkable transformation of the Kanyamacho district, where the past and present coexist vibrantly. She found that a simple mail post, positioned in front of Azabudai Hills, served as a powerful symbol of nostalgia for long-time residents. Through conversations with locals, Miyanaga learned how this mundane object would trigger vivid memories of the area’s past, such as where a ramen shop or a grocery store once stood. This interaction revealed the rich, untold stories embedded within the community.

The artist has chosen the name 'Manjuen' for her exhibition, signifying eternal life and celebration. Gazing at the ordinary mail post, Miyanaga perceives a multitude of stories waiting to be unraveled, compelling her to explore and express their essence through her artwork.

About Aiko Miyanaga

Born in 1974 in Kyoto, Japan, Miyanaga currently resides in the city, having graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a master’s in Advanced Art Expression. Her innovative works often incorporate everyday objects, shaping them with materials such as naphthalene to visualize the traces of time and depict a world that continues to exist and transform. In recent years, her notable exhibitions include '1900 – 2025: souffle de lumière' at Le Creux de l'Enfer Gallery in France and 'Miyanaga Aiko: Poets Wrapped' at Toyama Glass Art Museum.

Exhibition Information

• - Date: August 30 – October 19, 2025
• - Venue: Gallery & Restaurant Butaiura

Address: 5-8-1 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo, 105-0001

• - Opening Hours:

- Gallery: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 - 20:00
- Restaurant: Tuesday - Friday 13:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:00); Saturday 13:00 - 21:00 (L.O. 20:00); Sunday 13:00 - 17:00 (cafe hours)

• - Closed: Mondays (or the following day when it's a holiday)
• - Admission: Free

Fully accessible via the Hibiya Line at Kamiyacho Station, the venue features elevators and is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

Follow Us

Stay updated by checking out the exhibition page here or following our Instagram for live updates and sneak peeks into Miyanaga’s world of art.