HACHI-8 PROJECT Launches to Promote Shibuya's Iconic "Hachiko" to the World! 2026 Debut Theme is "ART"—88 Artists Transform the Entire City into a Stage

The HACHI-8 PROJECT Executive Committee announces the launch of the "HACHI-8 PROJECT," an initiative aimed at passing on the story of Shibuya's iconic symbol "Hachiko" to future generations, centered around August 8, 2026 (8/8/8—"Hachi Hachi Hachi"). The "HACHI-8 PROJECT 2026" will be held over three days from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, 2026.

The theme of this inaugural edition is "ART."

Centered on August 8, 2026 (8/8/8), the project will showcase over 88 artworks created by 88 artists selected by eight curators. This innovative urban cultural project transforms the experience of walking through, exploring, and encountering art across Shibuya into an immersive form of art appreciation.

The main exhibition venue will be the 2nd floor of Seibu Shibuya Store, A Building, with satellite venues planned at eight locations throughout Shibuya Ward. Visitors will traverse these sites, engaging with diverse perspectives and artistic expressions, discovering new charms of the Shibuya district.

Beyond art exhibitions, HACHI-8 PROJECT aims to create spaces where city, culture, and people intersect, generating a uniquely Shibuya-style experience of circulation and connection.

About HACHI-8 PROJECT

Hachiko waited faithfully for years at Shibuya Station's ticket gate, even after the passing of his owner, Professor Ueno. The statue of Hachiko, born from this unwavering loyalty, has long served as a meeting point in Shibuya, becoming deeply woven into the memories and daily lives of countless people.

HACHI-8 PROJECT reinterprets this cultural value of "meeting" and "gathering" for the modern era, creating a project that connects city, people, and culture through art.

The project was initiated with the mission of passing on the story of Hachiko—the symbolic figure of Shibuya—to future generations.

This year's theme, "ART," aims to redefine cultural expression by encouraging not just viewing art, but walking the streets, making chance encounters, and discovering the unexpected—transforming the entire district of Shibuya into an experiential exhibition space.

Event Overview

Event Name

HACHI-8 PROJECT 2026

Dates

Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026

Venues

MAIN VENUE|2nd Floor, Seibu Shibuya Store, A Building SATELLITE VENUES|8 locations in Shibuya Ward (planned)

Organizer

HACHI-8 PROJECT Executive Committee

Co-organizers

The Committee for the Maintenance of the Hachiko Bronze Statue / Shibuya Ward Tourism Association (General Foundation)

Planned Supporters

Shibuya Ward / Shibuya Ward Merchant Association Union / Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shibuya Branch / Shibuya Redevelopment Association (General Incorporated Association) / Shibuya Station Area Management Council

Special Cooperation

Seibu Shibuya Store

Curators

Hiroyo Koike (Director and Secretary-General, Shibuya Ward Tourism Association)

Akiko Miyamoto (Special Director, International Urban Strategy Division, Shibuya Ward)

Mitsuru Kuramoto (Broadcast Writer)

Hiroshi Doji (Senior Creative Director, Executive Officer, BEAMS Co., Ltd.)

Shinichi Mita (Stylist)

Yota Suzuki (CEO, Hopebear Co., Ltd.)

Kunimoto Sakaguchi (Representative Director, Shibuya Pixel Art Executive Committee / thePIXEL Co., Ltd.)

Takayuki Kondo (HACHI-8 PROJECT Secretariat)

※ Participating artists and exhibition details to be announced later

Auction

A selection of exhibited artworks will be offered for sale or auction, at the discretion of the artists. A portion of the proceeds will support preservation efforts in Shibuya, including the Hachiko Bronze Statue, contributing to coexistence with the city and the creation of sustainable culture.

Inquiries

HACHI-8 PROJECT Secretariat

Mail: [email protected]

WEB: https://88project.tokyo