Weird buddies!
Exhibition Period: February 1 (Sunday) to February 15 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Bunkamura Gallery 8/ (8th Floor, Shibuya Hikarie, directly connected to Shibuya Station)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Open every day during the exhibition period / Free admission
An Era of Explosive Individuality in the Plush World!
This exhibition introduces five artists who create stuffed creatures that are not just cute, but packed with personality and charm.
Mai Ohara transforms everyday scenery and plants into works bursting with vitality and a punk-ish edge. Yuzuki Shirota brings to life characters with humorous forms and rich personalities, each capable of becoming whatever their owner imagines. Sayaka Tsuchiya expresses letters and numbers through soft, dynamic poses with her unique artistic touch. Yuri Hasegawa creates relaxed plushies inspired by familiar characters that make you want to unwind. group chupi? breathes life into mysterious intelligent beings called "chupi" through an innovative combination of ceramics and fluffiness.
These uniquely spiced plushies, crafted for modern adults, bring healing, relaxation, and excitement to our daily lives. This Valentine's season, treat yourself to a loving gift! Find your perfectly weird buddy!
Featured Artist Profiles
Mai Ohara
Creates works using various techniques with motifs from everyday scenery and plants.
Works that connect fragments of scenes encountered daily express what is "special" to Ohara, and each piece consistently conveys the unique atmosphere she exudes, captivating viewers across genres of technique and form.
Yuzuki Shirota
Fourth-year student at Joshibi University of Art and Design. Began creating sewn plushies during the pandemic. Hopes each piece becomes a transformative presence for those who welcome them home.
Major Exhibitions:
2024: Solo exhibition "Look Me" (CAFE COYOI)
2025: Solo exhibition "Unknown friends" (Yochodo)
Sayaka Tsuchiya
Born in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture in 1980. Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design in 2005.
Major Exhibitions:
2024: "Sayaka Tsuchiya Sculpture Exhibition - Dancing Rongo Rongo"
2025: "Sayaka Tsuchiya Sculpture Exhibition - LUCKY NUMBER" (STRIPED HOUSE GALLERY, Roppongi, Tokyo)
Yuri Hasegawa
Born in Mie Prefecture in 1978.
Recently creates exhibitions and installations using plushies in Tokyo.
Major Exhibitions:
2023: Solo exhibition "This Is Not What I Thought" (UTRECHT, Tokyo)
2024: Solo exhibition "It's not big deal" (Kameido Art Center, Tokyo)
group chupi?
Art unit consisting of "Meme Kira" and "Junichi Sugihara" from Hokkaido. They create fictional creatures called "chupi." In the chupi language, "chupi" means "human."
Major Exhibitions:
2024: Solo exhibition "WHAT'S CHUPI?" (Gallery Inukai, Sapporo)
2025: Solo exhibition "WHAT'S CHUPI? vol.2 Poi Poi Work"
