Jun Maeda, who runs Kappabashi Maeda, a specialist shop for Japanese tableware and knives located in Tokyo's renowned Kappabashi tool street, held his first solo exhibition as a calligrapher. The exhibition titled "Fuhe" (meaning "unbreakable") took place at Gallery Aviant in Sumida Ward from February 2 to 8, 2026.
The exhibition displayed 22 works in total, four more than originally planned, and attracted 102 visitors over the seven-day period. The collection featured not only calligraphy works mounted with antique textiles, but also pieces incorporating antique fabrics from the Edo to Taisho periods hidden between the paper and wooden frames, as well as prints inspired by sticker remnants on utility poles. The exhibition presented a distinctive body of work that transcends conventional calligraphy boundaries.
Exhibition Concept
Planned as a solo exhibition showcasing calligraphy works themed around "unshakeable spirituality in times of rapid change," the event served as a platform for Maeda to present the fruits of his creative work pursued alongside his daily business operations. Inspired by the beauty of characters engraved on knives, he embarked on his calligraphy journey and has continued creating while managing his shop.
The venue displayed 22 pieces ranging from postcard-sized small works to hanging scrolls. Works were priced from ¥18,000 (tax included) to ¥330,000 (tax included), with the lineup including calligraphy pieces mounted with textiles such as antique fabrics from the Edo to Taisho periods, Indian chintz, and vintage European clothing.
During the exhibition period, diverse visitors attended, including artists, neighborhood residents, tourists visiting the Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree areas, food service professionals, and enthusiasts of tableware and knives. Visitors offered feedback such as "the variations in ink colors are fascinating," "I received inspiration," and "the space itself is a work of art."
Exhibition Venue Overview
Featured Works (Selection)
Fuhe (Unbreakable)
Work Title: Fuhe
Size: 60cm × 104cm
Price: ¥330,000 (tax included)
Asatsuyu (Morning Dew)
Work Title: Asatsuyu
Size: 19.7cm × 26.5cm × 2cm
Price: ¥18,000 (tax included)
Kyo (Crouching)
Work Title: Kyo
Size: 57cm × 104cm
Price: ¥220,000 (tax included)
Zanka (Lingering Summer)
Work Title: Zanka
Size: 55.7cm × 83.5cm
Price: ¥220,000 (tax included)
Kouzan Man Karyu (Rivers and Mountains Full of Flowers and Willows)
Work Title: Kouzan Man Karyu
Size: 42.8cm × 145cm
Price: ¥180,000 (tax included)
Junen Ichiken wo Migaku (Ten Years to Sharpen One Sword)
Work Title: Junen Ichiken wo Migaku
Size: 26cm × 114cm
Price: ¥45,000 (tax included)
Kara (Shell)
Work Title: Kara
Size: 11.4cm × 16cm × 2.9cm
Price: ¥33,000 (tax included)
Patchwork (Photogravure)
Work Title: Patchwork (Photogravure)
Size: 33.5cm × 33.5cm × 2cm
Price: ¥33,000 (tax included)
Visitors Viewing the Exhibition
Artist in Attendance
Visitor Gift and Exhibition Features
Visitor Gift: Fuhe Coffee
During the exhibition period, visitors received an original drip coffee package called "Fuhe Coffee" featuring the design of the main work "Fuhe." The special gift was well received alongside the artworks.
Future Plans
Regarding future activities, Maeda stated, "I would like to continue holding solo exhibitions and creating opportunities to present my work, not limited to calligraphy alone." He is considering releasing works online via his social media and planning his next exhibition.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Name: Jun Maeda Calligraphy Solo Exhibition "Fuhe"
Exhibition Period: February 2, 2026 (Monday) to February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Venue: Gallery Aviant (3-6-3 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
Number of Works: 22 pieces total
Admission: Free
Profile
Jun Maeda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jun_mda
Born in Taito Ward in 1975 and currently residing in Sumida Ward. After graduating from Tama Art University's Three-Dimensional Design Department in 1998, he took over the family business "Kappabashi Maeda," which deals in Japanese tableware and knives in the Kappabashi tool street. He began studying calligraphy in 2018 at "Hakujitsukyo" led by calligrapher Taketoshi Suzuki. In February 2026, he held his first solo calligraphy exhibition "Fuhe."
Kappabashi Maeda
Website: https://www.kappa-maeda.co.jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kappabashi.maeda
Established in 1964, Kappabashi Maeda is a specialist shop for Japanese tableware and knives located in Tokyo's Kappabashi tool street. The shop offers an extensive lineup of Japanese tableware centered on Arita-yaki and Mino-yaki pottery, along with a rich selection of carefully chosen knives.
