eplus LIVING ROOM CAFE＆DINING

Location: eplus LIVING ROOM CAFE & DINING, Tokyo, Japan

At eplus LIVING ROOM CAFE & DINING in Shibuya, I have had the opportunity to present multiple exhibitions and live painting sessions over the years.

The relationship began with a simple moment. When I first visited the space, another artist’s exhibition was on view. I felt an immediate connection to the environment and asked the staff if I could exhibit there as well. At the time, I was told that the schedule was already fully booked.

Months later, toward the end of the year, I received an unexpected phone call. A scheduled exhibition had been canceled, and they asked if I would be interested in taking the slot—starting the following week.

With only seven days until installation, I accepted immediately.

I had originally planned to visit my grandparents during the New Year holidays, but instead, I brought materials with me and spent the entire time producing work.

Opportunities often arrive suddenly, and rarely under ideal conditions. But those are the moments that push me the most.

Determined to make it work, I completed the exhibition in time.

The staff responded positively to the work, and that moment became the starting point of an ongoing relationship that continues to this day.

The mural in the smoking area developed from a casual conversation.

While spending time there with fellow artist Daisuke Inomoto, who works with language as a medium, I mentioned how the space felt like it invited drawing—“Even just the ashtray would be enough,” I said half-jokingly.

He replied, “Let me talk to them.”

Thanks to his connection with the venue, what started as a small idea expanded into permission to paint not only the ashtray, but also the surrounding walls.

We decided to start painting from opposite sides and meet in the center.

I painted flowing lines representing the crossing of people and movement, while Inomoto added greetings and city names from around the world in various languages.

The work reflects a simple intention—that people from different places and backgrounds might gather, connect, and exchange within this space in the heart of Shibuya.