Fragrance Brand MCKK and Nara's 'sonatine' Co-host Exhibition 'Walking the Awai' to Experience 'Sensibility of Detours'

MCKK (Slime Co., Ltd.; CEO: Erika Uruma), a lifestyle brand proposing the 'sensibility of taking a detour' through scent and rituals, is co-hosting the exhibition 'Walking the Awai (In-between)' with sonatine, an art space in Naramachi, Nara, marking its first anniversary. The event will run from July 10 (Fri) to July 20 (Mon/Holiday), 2026.

The event focuses on the theme of 'white space and detours,' showcasing fragrance products, ceramic works by artists, and experiential content. It aims to propose the sensations residing in the 'time to pause' and 'purposeless time' that are often overlooked in daily life, through the entire space.

In modern society where efficiency and rationality are demanded, purposeless time and detours are often treated as 'waste.' However, it is within that white space that moving sensations and new perspectives may lie. Through diverse expressions including the land of Nara, scent, tea, ceramics, kintsugi, floral arrangement, and food, this event shares those sensations.

About the Exhibition 'Walking the Awai' 'Walking the Awai' is an exhibition that turns its attention to the time in between reaching objectives and the feeling of savoring something without rushing for meaning—senses often overlooked in daily life. During the exhibition, various expressions and experiences such as MCKK’s fragrance products, artists' ceramic works, floral arrangements, food stalls, tea ceremonies, and kintsugi workshops will overlap in the space.

Special Tea Ceremony 'Taketori Monogatari × Japanese Tea' On July 11 (Sat) and 12 (Sun), tea master Rui Nishi will host the tea ceremony 'Taketori Monogatari.' Based on the 'Taketori Monogatari' (The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter), a tale associated with Nara, the world view will be expressed three-dimensionally through tea, scent, and settings.

- Tea Master: Rui Nishi (Brand Manager, SHIKI JAPANESE TEA) - Fee: 4,000 yen (tax included, includes 6 types of tea and 3 types of sweets) - Capacity: 4 people per session (Reservations prioritized)