#Japan #Harajuku #tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU #MIO YAMAGUCHI #That Day

MIO YAMAGUCHI SOLO EXHIBITION "That Day"

Starting from January 23, 2026, tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU, managed by Yasumasa Yonehara, will host MIO YAMAGUCHI's first-ever solo exhibition titled "That Day." This exhibition brings forth the artist's signature characters, Shiritori and Guri, as a means to explore and portray fragments of memory.

Artist Statement

In her words, MIO shares a poignant recollection of a dream where she reunites with her younger self and her father from her childhood. They walk hand in hand in a serene scene that, while ordinary, carries profound weight. The monochromatic hues, supplemented by gentle colors, create a world that shines brighter than vibrant reality. Through the loss, MIO confronts overwhelming regret and an even greater sense of love. The exhibition, set in the culturally rich vicinity of Harajuku, embodies her desire to continue creating, inviting viewers to resonate with their own memories of “that day.”

As an emerging artist who began her journey in 2025, MIO YAMAGUCHI actively engages in multiple mediums, including digital art, analog pieces, and murals. You can catch glimpses of her work on her Instagram: @ravenz_mio.

Insights from Curator Yasumasa Yonehara

Upon first encountering MIO YAMAGUCHI's artwork, Yasumasa noted the emotional depth that resonates even before any explanation is offered. Her depictions of skeletons and birds go beyond mere symbols; they embody her personal time and memories, intertwining emotions that refuse to be left behind. The portrayal of her father as a skeleton, connected to her own reflection as a bird, unveils layers of nostalgia and untold warmth.

This exhibition does not simply delve into the theme of death; instead, it poses a powerful question about how we continue to navigate life with the weight of loss. The imagery of a young MIO and her father sharing a quiet moment encapsulates a universal experience. What makes her work compelling is how it avoids excessive dramatization. The gentle color palette does not seek to provoke torn feelings but rather presents the tranquility inherent in personal memories.

The event marks not just MIO’s inaugural exhibition but serves as a pivotal moment for the audience too, as they are transported to their own 'that day.' These intimate memories shared through her art will subtly intertwine with others' experiences, making the exhibition a community touchpoint.

Exhibition Details

• - Location: tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU
• - Dates: January 23 (Friday) to February 1 (Sunday)
• - Closed on: Mondays and Tuesdays
• - Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Opening Reception

• - Date: January 23 (Friday) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• - Location: tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU

About tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU

For Yasumasa, tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU serves as a crucial first step for artists aiming to sell their work. He diligently engages with emerging talent without criteria on follower counts or exhibition history. His genuine desire to see an artist’s work is the cornerstone of his selection process. He refers to this space as a “zero to one starting point” for aspiring artists.

Address:
1F-C, Bellwood Harajuku, 3-20-21 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan

• - 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station.

Website: thegallery-harajuku.com
Instagram: @the_gallery_harajuku

Curator: Yasumasa Yonehara
Producers: Yasumasa Yonehara, Tomohiro Kukunochi