#Japan #Tokyo #Happoen #Kobayashi Touun #Kumiko Craftsmen

A New Artistic Collaboration at Happoen

In an unprecedented initiative, the renowned ink wash painter Kobayashi Touun has created an original artwork that will make its debut as part of a redevelopment project at Happoen, Tokyo's elite event venue. This collaboration with Kumiko craftsmen is designed to encapsulate the beauty and essence of Japanese aesthetics.

Starting in February 2025, Happoen will temporarily close for renovations that will culminate in a grand reopening planned for October of the same year. The main lobby of this esteemed venue is set to be transformed into a new space that embodies the concept of 'Condensing Japanese Aesthetics.' The prominently featured artwork, done in ink wash technique and supported by intricate Kumiko woodwork, will be a centerpiece that reflects the history and beauty of the traditional Japanese garden surrounding it.

Inspiration Behind the Artwork

Kobayashi Touun, a leading figure in contemporary ink wash painting, found his muse in the grounds of Happoen's historic Japanese garden, which boasts a legacy of over 400 years. The four-panel ink painting will showcase motifs significant to Japanese tradition—sun, moon, pine trees, and bamboo forests—all masterfully crafted with gold and platinum leaf to symbolize the passage of time.

The detailed execution includes delicate brushwork that captures the nuances of nature and embodies the spirit of the garden. Kobayashi stated, "I wanted to encapsulate the essence of nature and its spiritual presence, which I experienced firsthand while walking through the garden."

The Collaboration Process

The unique collaboration between Kobayashi and the Kumiko craftsmen aims to seamlessly blend their respective skills and artistic insights. Initially, Kobayashi envisioned the painting as a mosaic-like composition to ease the craftsmanship of Kumiko. However, in response to the request from Happoen’s president, Yoshinori Inoue, to maintain the essence of ink wash painting, Kobayashi decided to implement traditional techniques thoroughly in his work. This choice led to a fully realized ink wash artwork that is now in the stages of being transformed into a tangible Kumiko installation by Vaeco Kinoshita from Okawa City in Fukuoka.

Kobayashi reflected on the joy of seeing his painting translated into a physical form, remarking, "I am genuinely excited about how the professional craftsmen interpret and recreate the emotions encapsulated in my artwork."

Future Developments

After the grand opening on October 1, 2025, the Kumiko wall will grace the entrance of the newly refreshed lobby at Happoen, welcoming visitors into a space that embodies Japanese tradition, natural beauty, and innovative artistry. This new venue will serve as an ambassador of Japan’s aesthetic values, blending diverse elements of art and craftsmanship into a unified experience.

In addition to the artwork itself, Happoen plans to share the creative journey of this renovation through videos and stories on its official YouTube channel and note platform, allowing the public exclusive insight into the artistic process.

Stay tuned for more updates on the progress through Happoen Note and the official Happoen YouTube channel. As we count down to the grand reopening, enthusiasts of Japanese culture and art are encouraged to follow the artistic journey leading to this exciting, new chapter at Happoen.

About Happoen

Happoen, located in Tokyo's Shirokanedai area, has been a significant venue since the Edo period, featuring an expansive Japanese garden. The company, under the mission statement 'Beautiful Japan,' aims to share Japan’s cultural richness globally, offering a venue for weddings, banquets, and regional promotion.