The 31st Izukogen Gogatsusai will include a major art exhibition at MIZU NO IE, a hot spring spa and aquatic sports facility set within the lush forests of Izu Kogen. Artist MireyHIROKI will present an exhibition titled "Connections: Environment and Life," running from April 29 to May 31, 2026.
- Event: 31st Izukogen Gogatsusai
- Exhibition Title: Connections: Environment and Life
- Dates: April 29 (Wed/Public Holiday) – May 31 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: MIZU NO IE (614-188 Ike, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Featured Artist: MireyHIROKI
- Cooperation: Gallery Ogino
The exhibition is inspired by Shizuoka Prefecture's policy concept "The Century of Environment and Life," exploring themes of nature and humanity through MireyHIROKI's distinctive visual language.
About MireyHIROKI
An Artist Duo Working as One
Since presenting their first works in France in 1996, MireyHIROKI has consistently focused on flowers as a central motif. Their projects have included a commemorative work for Mickey Mouse's birthday anniversary, a collaboration with Isamu Noguchi's "AKARI" lanterns, and large-scale installations at Omotesando Hills, Shibuya Crossing, and in front of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (A-bomb Dome), among many other locations across Japan.
MireyHIROKI has also been involved in raising awareness about disposable vinyl umbrellas in Japan, was selected as an official artist for New York's Central Park, and has been featured in NHK documentaries including "Flowers Will Bloom" and "Bi no Tsubo." In 2025, they completed fusuma (sliding door panel) paintings at the head temple Guhoji, demonstrating a continued expansion of their creative range.
Exhibition Highlights
"Flowers of Love and Life" Across Forest and Water
MireyHIROKI's practice centers on flowers, with environment and life as ongoing themes. The exhibition at MIZU NO IE will take advantage of the facility's distinctive setting across multiple types of displays.
Outdoor Installation
MireyHIROKI's iconic "flower umbrellas" will fill the grounds of the facility, adding color to the fresh greenery of the surrounding forest.
"Moving Water Paintings" in the Dive Pool
The windows looking into the diving pool will serve as frames for "moving water paintings," with works from the "Flowers of Love and Life" series displayed alongside them.
Art and Wellness Experience
After enjoying the sauna or natural hot spring bath, visitors can relax in the outdoor space surrounded by vibrant artwork.
Limited-Time Campaign During the Exhibition Period
During the exhibition period, MIZU NO IE is offering special benefits for new members and artwork purchases.
New Member Campaign
Special benefits are available for those inspired to join through the art experience.
- Benefits: First month membership fee and administrative fee waived
- Additional benefit: A private lesson ticket (20 minutes) with a professional swimming instructor
Artwork Purchase Benefits
Those who purchase a work on display will receive a special gift to help them enjoy the full range of the facility.
- Benefits: A 10-session ticket booklet (valued at ¥30,000)
About MIZU NO IE
MIZU NO IE is an aquatic activity facility surrounded by beautiful forest, located about 9 minutes by car from Izukogen Station. The facility features a swimming pool available for use with mask, snorkel, and fins, as well as a diving pool with an 8-meter depth — rare even on a national scale. It serves as a hub for water sports and various experiences connecting visitors with the sea and nature.
- Website: https://mizunoie.jp/
- Instagram: @mizu.noie
- Phone: 0557-52-6357
- Address: 614-188 Ike, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 9 minutes by car from Izukogen Station
