An Exhibition Where Words Become Talismans: 'KOTOVA Shibuya Center Street Exhibition' Announced! 46 Creators from Literature and Culture Gather, Including Maho Okamoto, Daisuke Okano, Ayumi Uesaka, Rei Nagai, and Yohei Hihara

What are the words that matter most to you?

What purpose do words serve in your life?

In an age where words are often instantly consumed on social media, we’ve created a space to once again thoughtfully engage with language. Borrowing the familiar format of the 'convenience store'—a constant companion in daily life—we’ve curated a diverse collection of words.

The 'KOTOVA Shibuya Center Street Exhibition' is a curated exhibition gathering various short-form expressions of language. From self-encouragement messages and words left unsaid, to convenience store-themed tanka sequences and horror-themed free-form haiku—discover heartfelt phrases crafted by writers, musicians, and comedians who engage sincerely with words. Let these become gentle talismans you carry home in your heart. The exhibition will be held from Friday, July 31, 2026, to Monday, August 31, at MyLab Shibuya.

Video: Bubble Cigarette 'Secret' Edition | KOTOVA Shibuya Center Street Exhibition

About 'KOTOVA'

'KOTOVA' signifies 'a place where words can be taken home,' 'a space where diverse feelings emerge,' and 'a vacation for words.' It also reflects that this exhibition is a V.A. (Various Artists) project, created by multiple contributors.

A Diverse Collection of Words to Spark Imagination

'Words of Daily Life' At the magazine section, we display 'words of daily life' closely tied to everyday routines—such as social media posts, diary entries, and notes. Words born from three themes: 'If such a message exchange had happened,' 'encouraging words sent from oneself to oneself, traced back from a diary,' and 'words you once spoke.'

'Unspoken Words' We’ve sealed the words you wanted to say but couldn’t—into onigiri (rice balls). Infused with regret, sadness, and even humor.

'Chilling Words' At the ice cream corner, enjoy perfectly refreshing 'chilling words' for summer. Immerse yourself in free-form haiku (haiku without seasonal references or the traditional 5-7-5 structure) themed around 'horror.'

'Convenience Store Tanka' Three renowned tanka poets have contributed five consecutive tanka poems each, themed around 'convenience stores,' transforming personal sensibilities, everyday events, and unique landscapes into poetic expressions.

Participating Writers and Creators

A total of 46 creators—including poets, novelists, essayists, musicians, comedians, playwrights, and manga artists—have contributed their cherished words, illustrations, and in-store music.

Maho Okamoto, Masahiko Katsuse, Kyu Kanai, Yuri Yamada, Yukkyun, Zeroji (Kaname Stone), kiss the gambler, Ao Ohmae, Yuki Ikari, Daiki Shimaguchi, Rei Nagai, Sakura Fukatsu, Yusuke Norishiro, Mana Kureta, Jeronimo Suzuki, Yasuna Yoshida (Triple Fire), Hiroyuki Ohashi, Shihoko Namayu, Monsoon, Ore Tomoda, Kei Ando, Yohei Hihara (Mamatarto), The Woman Who Never Misses the Last Train, Ryuya Kinoshita, Nashi, Seikin (Bermuda 3), Naoko Sato (Bermuda 3), Shoki Nishiyama (Bermuda 3), Daisuke Okano, Ayumi Uesaka, Koudai Yoshida, Naoko Higashi, Shihoko Hashizume, Toriga no Mabuta, Yo Nishimura, Mui Hatsuya, Akiyo Aomatsu, Aoi Shibata, Konomi Kikutake, Budai Hoshizuru, Chieko Kogure, Yuki Nakamura, Sonpon, beco+81, Toyameg, Yusuke Emoto

Words You Can Take Home

'Bubble Cigarette'—the iconic item of KOTOVA

Bubbles and words fly away together

The Bubble Cigarette comes in a cigarette-style package containing soap solution and a cigarette-shaped wand. The cover features artwork by popular illustrators, while the back displays tanka poems by poets. Six varieties are available: 'Secret,' 'Sentimental,' 'Excitement,' 'Hope,' 'Illusion,' and 'Vacation.' Blow gently, and watch the bubbles carry fleeting emotions into the air—just like words that burst unexpectedly and spark new expressions. This item embodies the entire exhibition’s theme.

Tickets with Bubble Cigarette are now on sale!

Ticket sales site: https://eplus.jp/kotova/

VACANCES Special Issue: 'Words Are Born and Burst'

We will release a special issue of VACANCES magazine featuring all the word-based artworks from the 'KOTOVA Shibuya Center Street Exhibition.' It includes unpublished segments from 'If Such a Conversation Happened,' documentation of the horror free-form haiku poetry gatherings, and interviews about 'words.' Revisit the words that touched your heart, now in magazine form.

VACANCES Special Issue 'Words Are Born and Burst' ¥1,200 (tax included)

KOTOVA is a collaborative project with the culture magazine 'VACANCES'

The curation of words and creative direction for this exhibition are led by Haruhei Hara and Shunsuke Uegaki of the VACANCES editorial team.

About 'VACANCES'

A pocket-sized culture magazine. Independently produced by editors Haruhei Hara and Shunsuke Uegaki, published twice a year since 2022. Inspired by French vacation films like 'The Green Ray' and 'A Nos Amours,' each issue explores 'mental vacations' through themed interviews. It features tanka, essays, fiction, and manga by rising writers. https://vacanceszine.theshop.jp/

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Name: KOTOVA Shibuya Center Street Exhibition Period: Friday, July 31, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026 Opening Hours: Weekdays: 13:00–19:30 (Last entry at 19:00) Weekends & Holidays: 11:00–19:30 (Last entry at 19:00) Admission: General Ticket: ¥1,200 (tax included) Ticket with Bubble Cigarette Voucher: ¥2,900 (tax included) Venue: MyLab Shibuya 21-9 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Shibuya Peace Quattro Building mineo Shibuya 1F Organizer: Sony Music Entertainment Planning: Directions, Last Wonder Creative Direction: Haruhei Hara + Shunsuke Uegaki (VACANCES Editorial Team) Art Direction: Hiroyuki Kishida (temporary)

Exhibition Website: kotova.jp Ticket Sales Site: https://eplus.jp/kotova/ X: https://x.com/KOTOVA_ten Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kotova_ten/ Copyright: ©kotova