Experience ANI's World: The Solo Exhibition at tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU
From February 13 to 22, 2026, tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU will host a solo exhibition by the renowned artist and member of Schadarapa, ANI. Nestled in the heart of Harajuku, this gallery aims to provide a platform for artists, marking their first steps into the world of commercial art.
The Inspiration Behind the Exhibition
ANI has been an influential figure in Japanese music, not only as an MC but also as an actor and DJ. This exhibition reflects his passion for creative expression and showcases the evolution of his artistic journey over the decades. The statement shared by ANI reveals a deep connection to his creative space, a room filled with age-old recording equipment and vinyl records where he has crafted countless songs.
Shifting from night-time creative sessions due to evolving building regulations, ANI has adapted his working hours but maintains the spirit of creation during the day. This exhibition allows people to peek into his world, capturing the essence of his creative process, which blends nostalgic elements of Japanese pop culture with modern influences, such as K-POP.
The Artistic Process
Throughout the years, ANI has crafted his lyrics and musical pieces in this sacred environment. Despite the changes in how music is composed, ANI's artistic urges remain intact, even shifting toward the medium of collage-making. It's in this playful experimentation that ANI finds joy, often using magazines and promotional flyers as materials, allowing inspiration to strike through unexpected combinations of ideas.
ANI's music is fundamentally about sampling—finding bits and pieces to form something entirely new. This aligns beautifully with his approach to collage, where reimagining and transforming materials fuels his creativity. The blending of past influences with current trends creates a unique art narrative that viewers will witness at this exhibition.
A Personal Reflection
The exhibition also features insights from curator Yasumasa Yoihara, a long-time friend of ANI, who reminisces about their shared past in the creative realm. With over thirty years of friendship, Yoihara reflects on the simplicity of their early days spent indulging in their creative hobbies without the pressure of the commercial art world. The exhibition serves not only as a display of artistic works but also as a testament to the relentless passion ANI has for creating, irrespective of external motivations or validation.
The gallery encourages visitors to see ANI’s work not merely as the byproduct of a musician’s side endeavors but as a genuine representation of a lifetime of hobbyist pursuits involving dedication and unyielding passion.
Event Details
Exhibition:
- - Title: ANI Solo Exhibition 'Schadarapa-ANI'
- - Dates: February 13 (Friday) – February 22 (Sunday), 2026
- - Opening Reception: February 13 (Friday) 18:00 – 20:00
- - Location: tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU, Tokyo
- - Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Venue Information
Located in Shibuya, tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents and promoting their work. The gallery actively searches for new artists to showcase, emphasizing the passion and integrity of the work rather than just past achievements or social media presence.
For those eager to explore ANI's works and celebrate his journey through art, this exhibition is an unmissable event. Don’t miss the chance to experience the heart and soul of one of Japan's beloved cultural figures.
For more details, you can visit the official website of
tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU or check out ANI on
Instagram.