WHAT CAFE to Host Exhibition Featuring Emerging Artists Under 40

WHAT CAFE to Present 'U40: Emerging Directors & Curators Under 40'

WHAT CAFE, an innovative art gallery cafe run by Terada Warehouse Co., Ltd., will host its latest exhibition titled 'U40: Emerging Directors & Curators Under 40' from July 4 to July 20, 2026. This exciting group exhibition will showcase the selected works of artists chosen by 14 dynamic gallery directors and curators who are all under the age of 40. Each director will spotlight one artist, thereby creating a diverse and compelling display of contemporary art that reflects modern issues such as digital culture, globalization, diversity, and environmental concerns.

This exhibition follows on from the previous 'WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.39: Emerging Directors & Curators U40', which took place in December 2024, and serves to continue the mission of WHAT CAFE since its opening in 2020: to provide a platform for emerging artists to present and sell their work while fostering collaboration among the next generation of directors, curators, and artists, ultimately invigorating the art industry.

Event Details

- Title: WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.46: U40: Emerging Directors & Curators Under 40
- Dates: July 4 (Saturday) to July 20 (Monday, holiday), 2026
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closing at 5:00 PM on the final day)
- Location: WHAT CAFE, 2-1-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-0002, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: WHAT CAFE Exhibition

Please note that the gallery may close for installation or rental events during the exhibition period. Detailed operating days can be found on the official website.

Participating Directors, Curators, and Artists

10 of the talented directors, curators, and their selected artists include:

- Ginga Ogijima (FOAM CONTEMPORARY) × Hayato Isozaki
- Mariko Hosoki (YUGEN Gallery) × Megumi Imai
- Jingwen Li (Curator) × Zi Yu He
- Kishi (Eunoia) × Akika Kano
- Kohei Yamada (AWASE gallery) × Dahee Kim
- Junpei Kuroda (keshik.jp) × Kuwabara
- Nanami Sudō (Producer) × Kentaro Shimoayama
- Kosuke Hayashi (GALLERY HAYASHI + ART BRIDGE) × Yuki Shinkai
- Ao Tanaka (GALLERY SCENA.) × Aotak Atsuka
- Toshi Imada (Marco Gallery) × Kotaro Tsuda and Hiroshi Suzuki.

(The list continues with other esteemed participants.)

Related Events

On July 4, 2026, in conjunction with the exhibition, a talk event entitled 'EDC Talk Event' will take place, designed to deepen understanding of contemporary art and enhance the exhibition experience.

- Title: EDC Talk Event
- Date: July 4 (Saturday) 14:00 to 16:00
- Admission: Free (No prior registration required)
- Venue: WHAT CAFE
- Official Website: EDC Talk Event

For the first hour, guest Shinya Obata, an Associate Professor at Kyoto University, will discuss how to support young artists and modern collectors, providing examples that illustrate how the art experience can evolve in today's society.

The second hour will feature a cross-talk session with participating directors and curators discussing exhibition highlights and the current state of both domestic and international art scenes.

About WHAT CAFE

WHAT CAFE is a space dedicated to showcasing and selling contemporary artworks by artists who represent the future of Japan’s art scene. Boasting a spacious 800 square meters of bright exhibition space, the gallery frequently rotates its displayed artworks, providing numerous opportunities for artists while ensuring visitors encounter fresh art during each visit. Various workshops, events, and networking opportunities for art enthusiasts are also held, encouraging a sensory exploration of art. Additionally, the cafe area allows guests to enjoy light meals and drinks amidst an art-centric atmosphere.