#Japan #Kyoto #Contemporary Art #Haruna Hijikata

Haruna Hijikata's Solo Exhibition: '▶CONTINUE'

Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Bookstore, located in the heart of Kyoto, will host the solo exhibition '▶CONTINUE' featuring the work of contemporary artist Haruna Hijikata from November 22 to December 16, 2025. This exhibition will take place in the GALLERY EN space of the bookstore, bringing attention to Hijikata's compelling new ceramic and painting works that draw inspiration from the world of gaming.

The Concept Behind the Exhibition

Haruna Hijikata’s latest work delves into the complexities of personal experience, memory, and attachment—aspects that she crystallizes through her art. The phrase “unresettable life” resonates heavily within her pieces. While players can reset their progress in games, real life doesn’t provide such options. Hijikata encourages viewers to reflect on the fragility of existence and the possibility of rebirth as they engage with her creations, which serve as a narrative and emotional guide through the twists and turns of life.

For instance, pieces like 'Out of Control' (dimensions: H100×W175×D40mm) and 'Game Over' (dimensions: H105×W190×D10mm) not only display impeccable craftsmanship using ceramic, glazes, and intricate gold and silver embellishments but also provoke thoughtful contemplation about the nature of life’s battles and the seemingly elusive quest for meaningful conclusions.

Hijikata's profound engagement with the player’s perspective gives her audience a unique lens through which to explore the weighty themes she addresses. Her work invites thought on whether the journey will ultimately lead to a satisfying ending or remain a perpetual cycle of trials.

Artistic Evolution

Since commencing her journey in doll-making in 2008, Hijikata has evolved from creating delicate ball-jointed dolls to venturing into ceramic sculptures and oil paintings starting in 2024. This transition signifies her expanded artistic expression influenced by Japanese subculture, literature, and animation. Hijikata actively integrates character-driven stylizations into her works, resulting in engaging three-dimensional pieces that capture the imagination.

Her recent creativity reflects the repetitive exploration of a single game theme throughout the summer, where each replay led her to contemplate the fixed nature of human life. This exploration manifests not just in her works but also in the experience she creates for her audience, allowing for moments of reflection on life's inherent unpredictability and the beauty that might lie within it.

Art for Sale

Visitors to the exhibition on November 22, starting at 10:00 AM, will have the opportunity to purchase pieces on display. Additional artworks will also be available online on the art marketplace 'OIL' from November 25 at 11:00 AM until December 16 at 23:59 PM. This dual approach enhances accessibility, allowing art enthusiasts both at the venue and online to engage with Hijikata’s work.

About Haruna Hijikata

Haruna Hijikata is a contemporary artist based in Japan, noted for her intricate creations that reflect profound philosophical themes. She began her journey with doll-making, establishing herself as a ball-jointed doll artist before transitioning to sculptural ceramics and oil painting. Her works capture the essence of outsider art while delving into deeper questions regarding individual existence. With numerous solo and group exhibitions under her belt, including notable displays in Tokyo and beyond, Hijikata continues to explore and represent the intersection of the personal and universal through her art.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: '▶CONTINUE'
• - Dates: November 22 - December 16, 2025
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• - Location: Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Bookstore, GALLERY EN
• - Contact: Tel. 075-754-0008
• - Official Website: Tsutaya

Located in a cultural space adjacent to theaters and museums, the Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Bookstore blends literature, art, and gastronomy, offering a unique experience that cannot be missed by anyone exploring the cultural landscape of Kyoto.