Nori Okawa’s “Shokutaku” Exhibition Invites Reflection on Identity in Fukuoka
Fukuoka, Japan – Renowned contemporary artist Nori Okawa is set to captivate audiences in Fukuoka with her solo exhibition, “Shokutaku” (The Dining Table), opening tomorrow, November 29th, at YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA. This highly anticipated show, a touring exhibition that garnered significant acclaim in Tokyo, delves into the profound theme of self-formation through encounters with elements that lie outside established norms.
Okawa, a graduate of Tama Art University’s graphic design department, transitioned to an artistic career in 2019 after a period in video production. Her distinctive style has since graced numerous commercial works, including magazines, advertisements, and visuals for high-end brands. Notably, she contributed to the global event “Miu Miu Club Tokyo” for the Italian brand Miu Miu and created a mural for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Her diverse background informs a unique artistic voice that resonates with a broad audience.
Embracing the ‘Other’ at the Dining Table of Self
The core concept of “Shokutaku” explores how individuals forge their identities by encountering and internalizing “foreign substances”—values and perspectives different from their own. Okawa’s new series of works visually articulates this process, likening it to chewing, swallowing, and digesting disparate elements until the contours of one’s identity emerge. The exhibition posits that true self-affirmation comes from embracing these varied influences, much like a diverse array of dishes on a dining table.
The Tokyo exhibition saw overwhelming attendance and brisk sales, signaling Okawa’s growing prominence in the art world. The Fukuoka iteration promises to build on this momentum, featuring additional new works that further explore this compelling theme. “Nori Okawa’s work challenges us to embrace the ‘foreign substances’ within our own identities, much like a vibrant, unexpected flavor on a familiar dinner table. It’s a profound, yet playful exploration,” a gallerist commented on the artist’s unique approach.
Exclusive Merchandise and Commemorative Gifts
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to acquire original merchandise that captures the essence of Nori Okawa’s artistic vision. The collection includes canvas tote bags with limited-edition can badges, a 52-page full-color ZINE, and unique stickers, all designed to offer a tangible piece of her vibrant world. These items are available in limited quantities, so early arrival is recommended for those wishing to collect them.
As a special thank-you, attendees who complete a questionnaire will receive an exclusive original coaster, a unique memento of their visit to this significant exhibition. This limited-edition item is only available at the venue.
A Glimpse into Okawa’s Creative Universe
Okawa’s artwork is characterized by its dynamic use of color and form, often blending abstract elements with evocative imagery. Her pieces invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of existence and the continuous evolution of self.
This Fukuoka exhibition represents a rare opportunity to engage directly with the latest works of one of Japan’s most talked-about contemporary artists. It’s an invitation to experience a world that wholeheartedly affirms both self and other.
Exhibition Details
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Title: Shokutaku
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Period: November 29, 2025 (Saturday) – December 11, 2025 (Thursday)
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Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closing at 5:00 PM on the final day)
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Closed: Tuesdays
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Artist in Attendance: November 29, 2025 (Saturday) 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Reception: November 29, 2025 (Saturday) 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Venue: YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA
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Address: Stage 1 Nishidori 4F, 2-1-4 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
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Admission: Free
For the latest information on artist attendance, please check the gallery’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yugengallery.jp/
About the Artist: Nori Okawa
Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1991, Nori Okawa is an artist who actively presents her work both domestically and internationally. She has collaborated across various fields, including advertising and apparel. Her accolades include the HB File Vol.30 Junichi Kusaka Special Award and the 22nd Graphic 1_WALL Yuri Jonishi Encouragement Award (both 2020). Her notable artwork clients include Miu Miu, HERMES, and TENGA.
Follow Nori Okawa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nori_okawa/
YUGEN Gallery: A Hub for Contemporary Japanese Art
YUGEN Gallery, established in February 2022, specializes in contemporary Japanese art with locations in Tokyo (Minami-Aoyama) and Fukuoka (Tenjin). The gallery’s name, “YUGEN,” derives from the unique Japanese aesthetic concept of “Yūgen,” embodying depth, sublimity, elegance, and grace. The gallery aims to share the allure of Japanese art with a global audience, showcasing emerging contemporary artists and offering online sales in both Japanese and English.
Explore Nori Okawa’s works for purchase at the YUGEN Gallery Official Online Store: https://yugen-gallery.com/collections/nori-okawa
For more details, visit the YUGEN Gallery official website: https://yugen-gallery.com/blogs/exhibitions/noriokawa-shokutaku-fukuoka
Follow YUGEN Gallery on social media:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yugengallery.jp/
The Future of Kawaii Culture Abroad
Nori Okawa’s exhibition, with its compelling themes of identity and cultural integration, reflects a broader trend in Japanese contemporary art that resonates globally. By exploring universal human experiences through a distinctly Japanese artistic lens, artists like Okawa contribute to the evolving definition of ‘Kawaii’—not merely as cute, but as a nuanced aesthetic that embraces complexity, introspection, and the beauty found in diverse perspectives. This kind of introspective yet accessible art has the power to transcend borders, fostering a deeper appreciation for Japanese creativity and its subtle impact on global cultural dialogues. The success of “Shokutaku” in both Tokyo and Fukuoka suggests a strong international appetite for art that challenges, comforts, and connects on a deeply human level, further solidifying Japan’s influence on the global art scene.
