#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #WHAT CAFE #Noboru Tsubaki

WHAT CAFE to Host Special Joint Curation Exhibition with Noboru Tsubaki

From September 4 to September 27, 2026, WHAT CAFE situated in Shinagawa, Tokyo will host a unique exhibition named "WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.47: u.n.l.o.c.k. tube++" in collaboration with renowned contemporary artist Noboru Tsubaki. This exhibition is part of the larger program for "TENNOZ ART WEEK 2026".

Guest Curator and Vision

Noboru Tsubaki, known for his role as a professor at Kyoto University of the Arts and his leadership of initiatives such as the "ARTISTS' FAIR KYOTO," will serve as the guest curator. His approach towards art emphasizes its relationship with society, exploring the flow of artworks and engaging in meaningful dialogues about the art market. Tsubaki has dedicated his career to discovering and nurturing the talents of the next generation of artists, making him a perfect fit for WHAT CAFE, which has been pivotal in providing a platform for young artists to both showcase and sell their works.

The exhibition will feature a wide array of artworks from 37 promising artists carefully chosen by Tsubaki and the WHAT CAFE team. Visitors will find pieces across various mediums including Japanese painting, oil painting, photography, ceramics, glassworks, and installations. This selective variety is intended to facilitate encounters with first-time art buyers, assisting them in welcoming art into their everyday lives and reshaping their outlook on the future of art in society.

Exhibition Concept

Exhibition Statement by Noboru Tsubaki

"Images consume themselves. Survivors become symbols. We find joy in either reveling in endless distortions of images or spreading symbols that imprint society. Artists face the dilemma of accepting or rejecting images and narratives, merging with the pure abstraction that time represents. Regardless, suffering persists, and the future remains obscured. This uncertainty is precisely why we are born as artists."

More About Noboru Tsubaki

Noboru Tsubaki was born in Kyoto in 1953 and has been a significant figure in the contemporary art scene. Apart from his teaching roles, he participated in the 1989 national exhibition "AGAINST NATURE" and was showcased in the Aperto section of the Venice Biennale in 1993. He founded the "ARTISTS’ FAIR KYOTO" in 2018 and has since driven the development of modern art platforms in Japan. Tsubaki also contributes to various corporate collections like those of Universal Music Japan and DMG Mori Seiki.

Event Details

• - Title: WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.47: u.n.l.o.c.k. tube++
• - Dates: September 4 - September 27, 2026
• - Hours: Open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closes at 5:00 PM on the last day)
• - Venue: WHAT CAFE (2-1-11 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-0002)
• - Admission: Free
• - Guest Curator: Noboru Tsubaki
• - Featured Artist: Tohru Kamiya
• - Participating Artists: A diverse group including Ikkena, xorium, Masamitsu Okada (OMD), and many others

This exhibition is not only a showcase but also a celebration of the joy of encountering art and the possibility of a future where people and art coexist harmoniously.

About WHAT CAFE

WHAT CAFE aims to support artists shaping the future of Japan's art scene by providing a space for the exhibition and sale of contemporary artworks. The café boasts a spacious 800 square meter area designed to frequently refresh its collection, offering visitors continuous encounters with new art, complemented by workshops, events, and a cozy café experience amidst the artworks.

Conclusion

The collaboration between WHAT CAFE and Noboru Tsubaki highlights an essential movement in contemporary art that fosters community connections and elevates emerging talents. The exhibition promises to be a remarkable event worth attending during the bustling art week in Tokyo.