Upcoming Tokyo International Gallery Exhibition: AUN – Reflections of the Past

Upcoming Exhibition: AUN – Reflections of the Past

Tokyo International Gallery, located in Tennozu, Shinagawa, is set to host a stunning group exhibition titled AUN – Reflections of the Past from July 4 to August 8, 2026. The exhibition, which is part of an ongoing project known as AUN, will showcase the works of twin artists Banri and Yuuta Takada. This marks the second installment of the AUN project, originally launched in 2022, aimed at rethinking the concept of a traditional exhibition format.

Initially focused on fostering collaboration among artists, this project now aspires to serve as an entry point into the art world for emerging talents. With a broader vision, the exhibition aims to expand beyond the collaborative nature, bridging individual artistic expressions with the wider art landscape.

Banri Takada, whose artwork is often inspired by the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji, captures the mountain’s ever-changing visage through her paintings. She shares her feelings about seeing the mountain daily, emphasizing that it looks “always different” depending on the season, time of day, and her personal emotional state. This notion of subjective experience is central to Banri's artistic approach, where the viewer's feelings influence their perception of the landscape.

In contrast, Yuuta Takada focuses his artistic lens on the intimate moments shared among people close to him. His works evoke the spontaneity of candid snapshots typically captured with smartphones, yet they transcend the transient nature of digital images, embedding those moments onto canvas for a more enduring presence. Yuuta’s artistic endeavor highlights the contrast between ephemeral memories and permanent impressions, emphasizing the significance of those fleeting experiences.

In today's world, documenting encounters and emotions through photographs has become routine. The act of clicking a picture on a smartphone and posting it on social media is commonplace. However, these images often fade into the vast digital sea and are quickly forgotten. By employing the time-consuming medium of oil painting, both artists resist the cycles of rapid consumption and forgetfulness, encouraging viewers to reflect on the essence of those captured moments rather than merely glancing at them and moving on.

Artist Profiles

Banri Takada

- Biography: Graduated from Hawaiian Mission Academy in 2022 and currently a student at Otis College of Art and Design.
- Profile: Born in the United States, Banri was exposed to art from a young age while playing at the garden of the Hara Museum in Tokyo. She had the chance to study under sculptor and art therapist Karen Lucas in Hawaii. Banri expresses a deep connection to Mount Fuji, treating it as a mirror reflecting her inner self through its various appearances.

Yuuta Takada

- Biography: Graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy in 2022 and at present is a student at Otis College of Art and Design.
- Profile: Having spent his childhood in Japan and later developing an interest in art during high school in Hawaii, Yuuta focuses on the unique moments and emotions generated between people. His works aim to delve into the essence of human existence, while also exploring the relationships between inner worlds and external experiences.

Exhibition Details

- Title: AUN – Reflections of the Past
- Artists: Banri Takada, Yuuta Takada
- Venue: Tokyo International Gallery
- Address: 1-32-8 Higashi Shinagawa, TERRAADA ART COMPLEX II 2F, Shinagawa, Tokyo
- Dates: July 4 – August 8, 2026
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays; reservation required on Tuesdays)

Opening Reception

- Date: July 4, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (No reservation required)
- Venue: Tokyo International Gallery

Note on Gallery Hours

Starting July 2026, Tokyo International Gallery will extend its hours to better accommodate visitors, allowing more opportunities to experience the rich artistry on display.