Exhibition "Gashin - Eshin Kasanaru -" Featuring Illustrations and Photos Overlaid, Held at Shinjuku Kitamura Camera

Shinjuku Kitamura Camera, operated by Camera no Kitamura Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kazuhiro Fukumoto), will hold the exhibition "Gashin - Eshin Kasanaru -" in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Media Arts Education and Development Tokyo (TMACT) of Takarazuka University and UKIYO Inc. (Headquarters: Musashino-shi, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yutaka Kashiwagi). "Gashin" is a coined term combining the characters for "illustration" (画) and "photograph" (真), allowing visitors to experience a new form of expression where attractive characters are overlaid onto photographic scenes. The exhibition will be held from Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the "Basement Gallery" on the B1 floor.

An Exhibition of "Gashin," a New Expression Combining Illustrations and Photographs

The exhibition title, "Gashin - Eshin Kasanaru -," is a coined term that merges the characters for "illustration" (画) and "photograph" (真). It was named with the aim of capturing and expressing the layering of artistic sensibility (画心) and true feelings (真心). Five creators – Kou Inada, Ichiso Kujo, NILIOTSU, Mishioka, and refeia – are participating, with Ryo Hiiragi contributing to the logo design. The exhibition will feature works that make captivating characters appear as if they exist in the real world.

Exhibition Overview

Dates: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - Sunday, June 28, 2026

Hours: 10:00 - 21:00

Organizer: Center for Advanced Media Arts Education and Development Tokyo (TMACT), Takarazuka University

Curators: Jo Nakagawa (Specially Appointed Professor, Takarazuka University), Yutaka Kashiwagi (President and CEO, UKIYO Inc.)

About TMACT

The Center for Advanced Media Arts Education and Development Tokyo (TMACT) at Takarazuka University aims to strengthen and promote activities ranging from the development, verification, practice, and social implementation of educational programs and curricula related to nurturing "media arts talent," which has been the core of education and research at Takarazuka University's Tokyo Shinjuku Campus. In fiscal year 2025, the Center received a grant from the "Creator Support Fund" (Cultural and Arts Activities Foundation Strengthening Fund - FY2024 Supplementary Budget Project), established by the Japan Arts Council with subsidies from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and is currently developing the "Next-Generation Media Arts Talent Development Project."

Official Website: https://tmact.jp/

About Basement Gallery

A photography gallery located on the B1 floor of Shinjuku Kitamura Camera. It reopened after relocation from the 6th floor in June 2024. Born with the concept of "Disseminating Photography Culture from the Basement," Basement Gallery is a space that continues to convey the charm of photography to all photography lovers. Visitors can enjoy photography exhibitions by photographers active in various fields, as well as collaborative projects with manufacturers and other events related to photography and cameras.

About Shinjuku Kitamura Camera

Opened in July 2020 as a new specialty store in the mecca of cameras, Shinjuku, proposing a lifestyle related to photography and cameras. The store, spanning all floors from basement to the top, offers a wide range of content to meet various photographic needs, including new and used camera sales floors, a vintage salon centered around Leica, a service counter supporting repairs and daily maintenance, and event spaces for photo exhibitions. In June 2024, a Leica boutique also opened on the 6th floor, offering a rich photo and life experience to everyone, from photography and camera enthusiasts to beginners.