HOLLYWOOD GALLERY on the 3rd floor of Hollywood Beauty Plaza in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, will host artist Yū Itokawa's solo exhibition "Yū ITOKAWA SOLO EXHIBITION EMERGE (イマージ)" from October 21 (Wednesday) to November 15 (Sunday), 2026.
Under the theme of "freedom and the childlike heart," the exhibition displays and sells acrylic paintings of animals and plants drawn with warm colors and soft lines. Also on view is an original work on the theme of coral reefs, which Itokawa created specially about five years ago after sympathizing with the ideas of the Hollywood Beauty Group.
Itokawa is scheduled to be at the gallery on certain days during the exhibition, and special perks are available for purchasers. A reception open to everyone will also be held on October 23 (Friday).
An Exhibition on the Theme of Freedom and the Childlike Heart
The theme of the exhibition is "freedom and the childlike heart."
Itokawa expresses a unique worldview by making every form of life on Earth the protagonist, including animals, plants, birds, and fish. The works depict intertwined, coexisting creatures vividly, using bold, thick lines and warm colors. Cherishing nature as it is and conveying the preciousness of life, they remind viewers of the richness and beauty of the Earth.
34 paintings made with acrylic paint will be displayed and sold at the venue. Works with animal and plant motifs include "Running Cats" (¥250,000), "Running Dogs" (¥110,000), "ポニー" (pony, ¥99,000), and "カルガモたち" (spot-billed ducks, ¥130,000). All prices include tax.
Original goods that let visitors enjoy Itokawa's works in daily life are also planned for sale (all prices include tax):
- Art book: ¥3,300
- Stickers: from ¥500
- Key chains: from ¥2,200
- Art prints: from ¥3,300
- 2027 mini calendar: ¥1,500
Art About Connected Life and a Beauty Brand's Wish to Protect Coral Reefs
Out of a wish to "protect the deteriorating coral reefs through the power of beauty," the Hollywood Beauty Group has developed and sold the sunscreen "feel coral サンプロテクトミルク," which does not contain ingredients thought to harm corals.
Coral reefs are a valuable ecosystem in which an extremely diverse range of life gathers in a tiny fraction of the entire ocean. Leaving this rich environment to the next generation is an important issue for humans as well.
Itokawa sympathized with this feeling toward nature and, about five years ago, created a special work on the theme of coral reefs. That original work will be on special display in this exhibition. The coral reef painting is not for sale, and it contains hidden messages and codes, so visitors can also enjoy deciphering them while viewing it.
Art and beauty are different fields, but they share the same wish: to love nature and carry the richness of life into the future.
The exhibition offers a chance to experience the powerful yet warm world of Yū Itokawa's art in person.
Reception on Friday, October 23
To mark the exhibition, a reception will be held on October 23 (Friday) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Anyone can attend. No advance registration is required, and visitors can come directly to the venue during the event hours.
Itokawa is also scheduled to be present on the day, so visitors can enjoy viewing the works and meeting the artist.
Reception Details
- Date and time: October 23, 2026 (Friday), 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Venue: HOLLYWOOD GALLERY
- Address: Hollywood Beauty Plaza 3F, next to BEAUTY CELLAR, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Purchaser-Only Perks on Artist Attendance Days
Visitors who purchase works or goods on a day when Itokawa is at the gallery will receive a commemorative photo with Itokawa and a signature.
Itokawa's Scheduled Attendance Dates
- October 23 (Friday), 24 (Saturday), 25 (Sunday), and 31 (Saturday)
- November 1 (Sunday), 7 (Saturday), 8 (Sunday), 14 (Saturday), and 15 (Sunday)
Comment from Yū Itokawa
"EMERGE" carries the meaning that, even when our environment changes, something new sprouts from within and grows while we keep hold of our own core.
What I paint are the scenes I saw with my family and the plants I found on morning walks. I gather the small sparkles found in everyday life, turn them into colors and lines, and collage them into a single painting.
As we grow up, we sometimes gradually let go of our freedom and curiosity because of feelings like "this is how things should be" or "I don't want to fail."
That is why I never stop painting. The very act of painting reminds me of freedom and the childlike heart.
When you look at my paintings, I hope you can also enjoy a conversation with yourself through the works: what draws you in, what you like, and how your heart moves.
About Yū Itokawa
Itokawa lives in Aichi Prefecture.
Under the theme of "freedom and the childlike heart," Itokawa paints animals, plants, and everyday scenery with acrylic paint. After roles including an animator character in the NHK morning drama series Natsuzora (なつぞら) and work as a program reporter, Itokawa now works as a painter. Itokawa has held solo exhibitions at venues including the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art and Nagoya Mitsukoshi, and continues to work across art and design, including designing a Meitetsu Art Train.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yu_itokawa/
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition name: Yū ITOKAWA SOLO EXHIBITION EMERGE (イマージ)
- Period: October 21 (Wednesday) to November 15 (Sunday), 2026
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Venue: HOLLYWOOD GALLERY
- Address: Hollywood Beauty Plaza 3F, next to BEAUTY CELLAR, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
