Akane Kikuchi, "Shosa" Designer for Expo's "Future of Life," Holds First Post-Expo Exhibition "Shosa of Life" in Omotesando. Physical AI Works to Be Publicly Unveiled for the First Time.

KiQ Inc. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce the planning and production of the first solo exhibition by artist Akane Kikuchi, titled "Shosa of Life."

This exhibition is an experiential art event that explores new relationships between humans and robots, humans and AI, and humans and the environment, centered on the theme of "Shosa (SHOSA)," a form of embodied knowledge rooted in Japanese culture. "Shosa (SHOSA)" is embodied knowledge inherent in all Japanese culture, representing non-verbal bodily expressions accompanied by a mindful intention to build relationships between people. Akane Kikuchi, who designed the robot's shosa for the Hiroshi Ishiguro Signature Pavilion "Future of Life" at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will re-examine human-ness in the age of AI, drawing on her research and practice.

Why Shosa, Now?

As AI and robotics rapidly permeate society, we must confront the question not only of "how to use AI" but also of "how humans coexist with technology."

Japanese culture possesses "Shosa" as embodied knowledge for building relationships without words. This includes measuring distance, waiting for others, sensing the atmosphere, and synchronizing breaths. This exhibition presents the concept of SHOSA as a perspective for exploring new relationships between humans and robots.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Title

Akane Kikuchi "Shosa of Life" Produced by KiQ

Venue

tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO SIX HARAJUKU TERRACE S Bldg. 2F, 5-16-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

Dates and Times

July 18, 2026 (Sat) - July 26, 2026 (Sun) *Closed Mondays and Tuesdays 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Admission Fee

Free

Program and Content

Approximately 20-30 new artworks created through the collaboration of humans and robots will be presented at the venue.

Additionally,

- An arm robot that responds with beautiful, plant-like shosa - A large-scale installation where the entire space breathes like a living organism - Environmental works created through special polishing of light and metal - Physical AI works themed around Komainu (guardian lion-dogs) that respond to visitors' physical sensations

are scheduled to be exhibited.

Visitors will not only "see" the artworks but also experience them through their relationship with their own bodies and the space.

An arm robot with shosa that coexists with humans, resembling a bonsai

Physical AI with implemented shosa, inspired by ancient Japanese Komainu

A large-scale installation that changes as if breathing

Crowdfunding Campaign

This project aims to support not only the creation of the exhibition but also research and development of physical AI works and the realization of touring exhibitions both domestically and internationally. Simultaneously, it provides a mechanism for supporters to participate as co-creators of this project.

Returns include opportunities to purchase artworks, limited edition pieces, chances to interact with the artist, invitations to member-exclusive events, and special programs sharing the production process.

"Shosa of Life" is not a project that concludes with the exhibition but will unfold as a continuous endeavor to explore new relationships between humans and technology. The crowdfunding campaign is positioned as the first step in building a community to support these activities.

Crowdfunding Page https://for-good.net/project/100364

Comments

Akane Kikuchi

Akane Kikuchi, CEO of KiQ Inc.

Comment

I wanted to deliver the experience of contemplating "Shosa between humans and robots" at Expo's "Future of Life" to society in the form of art this time. Especially in an era where AI is becoming commonplace, I hope this will be an opportunity to re-examine the physical sensations and shosa that only humans possess.

[Contact for Media Inquiries] KiQ Inc. Contact: Takahashi [email protected] https://kiq.ne.jp