Contemporary artist isayamax's solo exhibition "MIYABISM KYOTO" to be held at Kyoto gallery cafe "Art Cafe Ito-yu"

Art Cafe Ito-yu (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City), operated by Entame Inc. (Head Office: Tokyo, Representative Director: Juroo Matsuzaki), will host a solo exhibition titled "MIYABISM KYOTO" by contemporary artist isayamax, who is based in Fukuoka, from July 11 (Sat) to July 20 (Mon), 2026.

This exhibition will feature a collection of works that explore isayamax's unique concept of "MIYABISM," bridging the spirit of "Miyabi" (elegance) inherited in Japanese art with the sensibility of "Kawaii" (cuteness) found in contemporary pop culture.

In commemoration of this exhibition, there will be a sale of the collaborative work "Uguisu -UGUISU- Yugi" with craft brand QUTOTEN., and original collaboration coasters from Ito-yu will be distributed.

A New Expression of "Miyabi" Tracing Japanese Aesthetics

Japan has a long-standing culture of beautifully decorating and expressing people, nature, and stories.

The courtly culture and seasonal scenery depicted in Yamato-e during the Heian period were passed down to the ornate designs of the Rinpa school, and blossomed into sophisticated visual expressions within commoner culture in Ukiyo-e.

This aesthetic sensibility crossed the seas, influencing Western Impressionism and Art Nouveau, and then flowed back to Japan.

It eventually developed into lyrical paintings and illustrations for girls' magazines, and into shojo manga in the 1970s, forming a unique visual culture centered around "girls" and "kawaii."

Furthermore, this lineage expanded to Sanrio characters and idol culture, and continues to evolve today as the KAWAII culture shared worldwide through social media.

isayamax's "MIYABISM" is an attempt to reinterpret this flow of uniquely Japanese aesthetics, viewing "Miyabi" and "Kawaii" as a single continuous culture.

Motifs such as flowers, animals, women, and characters have reflected people's aspirations, emotions, and ideal worlds, while changing their forms with each era.

This exhibition traces how uniquely Japanese aesthetics have been passed down to the present day, crossing boundaries between tradition and pop, painting and design, and stories and characters.

It presents new forms of "Miyabi" and "Kawaii" at the end of this long lineage.

Original Works and Original Goods on Display and for Sale

Water Lily Sunflower

This exhibition will feature original and print works by isayamax, as well as original goods using their artwork, which will be on display and for sale.

At the venue, you can see a variety of items including skateboard decks, art books, risograph posters, gold leaf cards, stickers, and T-shirts.

In addition to being able to closely appreciate the "MIYABISM" worldview expressed in the works, we also offer collection items that allow you to enjoy the charm of the works at home.

Please enjoy isayamax's unique expression, which fuses Japanese traditional beauty and contemporary pop culture, not only through viewing the works but also as a collection.

[Planned for Exhibition and Sale] ・Original works ・Print works ・Skateboard decks ・Art books ・Risograph posters ・Gold leaf cards ・Stickers ・T-shirts

*Exhibition contents are subject to change. *Works and goods are limited in quantity and may sell out during the exhibition period.

Limited Collaboration Project to Commemorate the Exhibition

Limited Edition Ito-yu Original Collaboration Coasters to be Distributed

During the exhibition period, customers who order a drink at Art Cafe Ito-yu will receive a limited number of original collaboration coasters featuring artwork by isayamax.

This is a special project that allows you to enjoy art in your daily life alongside the exhibited works.

*Distribution will end when supplies run out.

Collaboration Work with Craft Brand "QUTOTEN." to be Sold

In conjunction with this exhibition, we will also announce a collaboration work with the Japanese craft brand "QUTOTEN."

A special collaborative model based on QUTOTEN.'s representative work, the water basin "Uguisu -UGUISU-", with isayamax's artwork applied, will be produced and sold.

The work is titled, Water Basin "Uguisu -UGUISU- Yugi (isayamax)".

This work, which fuses traditional Japanese crafts and contemporary art, is also an initiative to express new possibilities in crafts and pop culture.

Please take a look at this special work where QUTOTEN.'s pursuit of Japanese aesthetics intersects with the world of "Kawaii" depicted by isayamax in "MIYABISM."

*Limited quantity sale.

About the Water Basin "Uguisu -UGUISU- Yugi"

Concept: "Chōjū-giga x Kawaii."

"Chōjū-giga," passed down from the Heian to the Kamakura periods.

We have overlaid the free and humorous spirit of "Chōjū-giga" with the contemporary sensibility of "Kawaii."

Rabbits, monkeys, frogs, foxes, cats, and marmots,

playing together in one scene, transcending time and boundaries.

Not copying tradition,

but playing with tradition.

We believe that this playfulness is the power to create new culture.

As you slowly turn the vessel,

one by one, small stories appear.

While paying homage to "Chōjū-giga," often called the oldest manga in Japan,

please enjoy a new picture scroll that interweaves the "Kawaii" unique to contemporary artist isayamax.

Exhibition Overview

ISAYAMAX ART EXHIBITION "MIYABISM KYOTO"

Dates: July 11 (Sat) - July 20 (Mon), 2026

Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

Venue: Art Cafe Ito-yu

Address: 396-4 Tenjincho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8184

Admission: Free

*One drink order required.

*Please use nearby parking for cars and bicycles.

Artist Profile

isayamax

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Became independent as a designer and illustrator in 2013, working in a wide range of fields including advertising production for local governments and companies, as well as collaborations with brands and artists.

Began releasing original works on Instagram in 2015, and held solo exhibitions in Harajuku, Tokyo, and Umeda, Osaka in 2019.

In 2021, entered the contemporary art field through "ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA."

Major achievements include participation in Sanrio's "Hello Kitty Exhibition" and "FANCY SANRIO CHARACTERS," production of collaboration goods with AKB48 and Chotokimeki♡Sendenbu, and brand collaborations with new balance, #FR2, and MOONSTAR.

Also designed the Goshuin (temple seals) and fortunes for Konjingu Shrine, which is associated with Empress Jingu.

Instagram: @isayamaxx

About Art Cafe Ito-yu

Art Cafe Ito-yu opened in 2026 as a gallery cafe where you can enjoy traditional Japanese crafts and contemporary art, housed in a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse that was formerly a tobacco shop, located near Kyoto Station.

The name "Ito-yu" (meaning silk thread and drifting) comes from an ancient word signifying a rich time spent contemplating and creating while manipulating threads.

It is a space where you can enjoy new encounters with crafts and art while savoring matcha, Japanese tea, and coffee, and we continuously hold special exhibitions by artists from Japan and abroad.

Art Cafe Ito-yu logo

About Craft Brand QUTOTEN.

QUTOTEN. is a craft brand that re-edits Japanese aesthetics for contemporary living, with the themes of "white space" and "breathing."

The brand name "QUTOTEN." (meaning punctuation marks) signifies the "pause" and "breath" that occur within the flow of text. QUTOTEN. believes that richness resides in these invisible spaces, and expresses the spirituality rooted in Japanese crafts and culture through contemporary products.

Working collaboratively with craft artists from all over Japan, they produce items such as planters, tea ceremony utensils, vases, and tableware, aiming to pass on not only traditional techniques but also the underlying philosophy and aesthetics to future generations.

At the core of the brand are the Japanese people's long-cherished views of nature, the culture of "mitate" (finding resemblances), and the sensibility of savoring lingering impressions.

In this collaboration, QUTOTEN.'s exploration of Japanese aesthetics merges with the contemporary "Miyabi" worldview expressed by isayamax in "MIYABISM." A special collaborative work based on QUTOTEN.'s representative piece, the water basin "Uguisu -UGUISU-", with isayamax's artwork applied, will be presented.

Please enjoy a unique piece for this exhibition, as a new expression connecting traditional crafts, contemporary art, and the past and future of Japanese culture.

Craft Brand QUTOTEN. logo

Entame Inc.

Entame Inc. is a marketing company that builds brands through the power of planning and IT.

[Company Profile] Head Office: Daiwa Shibuya Shinsen Building 9F, 9 Shinsencho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Branch: 396-4 Tenjincho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Established: April 9, 2021 Capital: 3,750,000 yen Representative: Juroo Matsuzaki, Representative Director URL: https://en-tame.jp/

[Business Activities] ◯ Brand marketing support business ◯ Planning and operation of craft brand QUTOTEN. ◯ Planning and operation of Art Cafe Ito-yu

[Contact for this Release] Entame Inc. QUTOTEN. Brand Producer, Juroo Matsuzaki [email protected]