The Goldfish Whisperer Returns: Riusuke Fukahori’s “Kingyo eshi” Exhibition at Hanshin Umeda Main Store
Prepare to be mesmerized as the renowned contemporary artist Riusuke Fukahori, affectionately known as the “Kingyo eshi” (Goldfish Artist), brings his latest exhibition, “Kingyo eshi,” to the Hanshin Umeda Main Store’s 8th floor ART GALLERY. Running from January 3rd to January 13th, 2026, this exhibition celebrates a significant milestone: eight years since Fukahori first declared himself the “Kingyo eshi,” a testament to his profound connection and dedication to the aquatic muse.
Fukahori’s distinctive artistic journey began in 2000, when a moment of creative stagnation was broken by the captivating presence of goldfish he kept. This pivotal experience, which he calls his “goldfish rescue,” inspired him to pioneer a groundbreaking new painting technique in 2002: “2.5D Painting.” This method involves meticulously painting layers of acrylic onto transparent resin, creating a stunning three-dimensional illusion of goldfish swimming with lifelike depth and movement.
At the “Kingyo eshi” exhibition, visitors will encounter a diverse collection of Fukahori’s works, each imbued with his continuing passion for goldfish. Highlights include collaborative pieces with Living National Treasure Seiji Nakagawa, featuring Fukahori’s goldfish within Nakagawa’s exquisite wooden crafts, as well as his signature 2.5D “goldfish sake” pieces. The exhibition also offers a selection of his direct flat paintings for sale. For those who have followed Fukahori’s journey or are new to his captivating world, this exhibition offers a truly immersive experience, inviting contemplation of beauty and life.
One of the exhibition’s standout features is a collection of art pieces that appear to preserve goldfish as if in a delicate specimen box, evoking a sense of serene contemplation.
Special Events and Opportunities
Visitors will have unique opportunities to engage directly with the artist:
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Public Art Creation: On January 3rd, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM, Fukahori will conduct a live art creation session within the exhibition venue. He will paint on a large wooden panel, which will then be displayed and later offered for lottery sale. Applications for the lottery sale will open on January 5th via the department store’s web reservation site and close on January 15th.
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Autograph Session: Also on January 3rd, two autograph sessions will be held at 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, each accommodating 30 participants. Attendees can have a printed shikishi (decorative paper board) signed by the artist. Reservations for the autograph session can be made via the department store’s web reservation site starting December 20th, 2025, until 5:00 PM on December 31st.
About the Artist: Riusuke Fukahori
Riusuke Fukahori, born in Aichi Prefecture in 1973, graduated from Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts in 1995. His innovative “2.5D Painting” technique has garnered international acclaim, leading to solo exhibitions in New York, London, and Taiwan since 2009. His works have been featured in major exhibitions across Japan and internationally, including “Goldfish Beauty Exhibition” and “The Art of Super Craftsmanship in Japan.” In 2025, Harry Winston will release a limited-edition timepiece collection featuring his art, further cementing his global presence. Fukahori currently serves as a visiting professor at Yokohama College of Art and a public relations ambassador for Yatomi City, Aichi Prefecture.
This exhibition is a chance to witness the evolution of a unique artistic vision that began with a simple goldfish and has blossomed into a globally recognized phenomenon. Fukahori’s work transcends traditional painting, offering a meditative and beautiful exploration of life’s fleeting moments, perfectly embodying the delicate balance of nature and art that resonates deeply within Japanese culture and increasingly, abroad.
Exhibition Details:
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Location: Hanshin Umeda Main Store, 8th floor ART GALLERY
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Dates: January 3rd (Saturday) → 13th (Tuesday), 2026 (Closes at 5:00 PM on the final day)
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