A Cultural Intersection of Shibuya and Honolulu
In an exciting announcement, NAKED, INC., a creative company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is launching a unique cultural exchange program to celebrate the newly formed sister city partnership between Shibuya and Honolulu planned for May 2024. From October 27 to November 3, 2025, the
'SHIBUYA × HONOLULU WAVE RIDE' event will transform the skateboard park at Yoyogi Park into an immersive hub of creativity, free for all attendees.
This innovative event blends Hawaii's surf culture with Shibuya's skate culture, allowing participants to experience the thrill of interactive projection mapping, where digital art responds to the movements of skateboarders. As urban landscapes merge with the beauty of nature, this engaging setup highlights the synergy between skateboarding and surfing, showcasing the artistic expression that defines both cities.
Event Summary
Name: SHIBUYA × HONOLULU WAVE RIDE
Location: Yoyogi Park BE STAGE (Skateboard Park)
Dates: October 27 - November 3, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
Organizer: Tokyu Land Corporation
Concept and Production: NAKED, INC.
Scheduled during the
'SHIBUYA INNOVATION WEEK 2025,' a festival focused on merging culture and technology, the 'WAVE RIDE' offers a vibrant tableau where innovation and creativity are paramount. Visitors can enjoy a fusion of art, music, fashion, tech, and sustainability, cultivating a platform for local and international creators to collaborate and present their work.
Featured Artists
The event showcases the work of prominent Hawaiian artists:
Nick Kuchar
Based in Oahu, Nick Kuchar is renowned for his vintage surf art and travel illustrations, capturing the charm and beauty of the Hawaiian islands. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, his work reflects a profound connection to 'place' and the spirit of 'Aloha.' Kuchar collects sketches and photographs from his adventures to inform his studio creations, where he combines traditional techniques like acrylic wash and silk screen printing with digital illustrations for distinctive artworks.
Kate Wadsworth
Growing up on the stunning eastern shores of Oahu, Kate Wadsworth is an illustrator and graphic designer whose work thrives in the interplay of bold colors and exaggerated forms. After studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, her experiences in the multicultural city of Richmond influenced her focus on urban sketches and character portraits. With a portfolio that includes poster art for events like the 'Vans Triple Crown of Surfing,' she consistently showcases her ability to weave meaningful narratives through her illustrations.
Lauren Trangmar
An artist and illustrator with roots in Hawaii and New Zealand, Lauren Trangmar creates intricate illustrations that blend historical techniques with playful modern elements. She connects her adventures in nature to her creative process, often being inspired by the marine life around her. Her illustrative works have been featured by notable clients and institutions across the United States, enriching public and private collections.
Gary Lee
Known as GaryDrawsFish, Gary Lee is an illustrator and painter who infuses his tropical upbringing with humor and creativity. His whimsical artworks, often featuring fish characters and vibrant murals, celebrate the beauty of marine life through a unique Hawaiian lens, merging storytelling with the essence of 'Aloha.'
What to Expect
Visitors to the 'WAVE RIDE' can look forward to an interactive blend of sculpture, movement, and light that activates the skateboard park space, encouraging both skaters and artists to engage in this dynamic cultural exchange. As skateboarders glide beneath the projected waves, the experience becomes a celebration of community, creativity, and the diverse cultural tapestries of both Shibuya and Honolulu.
This event exemplifies NAKED's commitment to creating transformative cultural experiences. Established in 1997 by Ryotaro Muramatsu, NAKED, INC. is dedicated to producing innovative projects that intersect various realms of culture, art, and technology. For more updates on this event and other upcoming projects, visit their official website.
For more information about the SHIBUYA INNOVATION WEEK, check out
Official Website.