The four display windows of Shibuya Hikarie, located on a side street just off Meiji-dori, are the stage for "THE HIKARIE WINDOW," a project that uses illustrations to transmit new culture and values to the city.

"THE HIKARIE WINDOW" is currently set up along the street between Shibuya Hikarie and SHIBUYA AXSH

The artists featured are illustrators who have visualized various messages through their work in advertising, publishing, and other fields. They will unleash upon the city the "ability to connect with society" cultivated through client work, and the unique "creativity" that each of them possesses.

It's neither an advertisement nor an art exhibition in a gallery. It's about unexpectedly encountering a work of art amidst the bustling cityscape where people pass by every day. Through such serendipitous experiences, we aim to create small surprises and new perspectives in the familiar city.

This time, starting September 28th, the four display windows will be adorned with artwork by Keisuke Hara, an illustrator and animator.

A scene from one day, depicted in four windows.

Hara created four works: "Bedroom," "Dining room," "Living room," and "Front door." Waking up in the bedroom, having breakfast, getting ready, and stepping out into the city from the front door—while depicting ordinary moments of daily life, the works are overlaid with the "changes" of Shibuya, which are constantly transforming due to redevelopment.

●Work 1. Bedroom

●Work 2. Dining room

●Work 3. Living room

●Work 4. Front Door

Inspired by 1950s design, Hara's unique mid-century worldview intersects with contemporary Shibuya culture in four distinct scenes. We spoke with her about the thoughts she poured into her work and the meaning behind exhibiting her art within the city.

INTERVIEW - Keisuke Hara, and what lies beyond his gaze

Please tell me about this work. What is the background, theme, and intentions behind the creation of this piece?

This work was created with the theme of "change" in Shibuya, as the Shibuya redevelopment project is finally reaching its final stages. A man and a woman wake up in the morning, get ready, and head out into the city. This everyday story is superimposed with the ever-updated and evolving image of Shibuya. Furthermore, by incorporating the mid-century worldview that I always cherish, I hoped that viewers would feel a sense of nostalgia, universal warmth, and a comfortable rhythm within the sharp and fast-paced modern cityscape of Shibuya.

Please tell us about the production methods, materials, and any particular aspects you focused on.

My work is primarily digital, using a PC and a drawing tablet. I particularly focused on incorporating elements of contemporary Shibuya culture into the textures of furniture and fabrics, as well as details like clothing and accessories. Even though I create digitally, I made sure to retain a somewhat organic and calming feel.

The shop windows displaying artworks line the street, creating a gentle connection between art and the city.

Are there any specific considerations made with the location of Shibuya Hikarie shop window in mind?

Since this is a place where many people pass through on their way to work or school, I was conscious of creating a composition that would naturally link the artwork with the rhythm of life of the people walking through the city. If you align the view with that of someone walking up the hill in the morning towards the station or their workplace, the story unfolds in the order of "waking up → breakfast → getting ready → going out." Conversely, when walking down the hill at night towards home, the artwork is arranged to appear as a flow of "arriving home → relaxing → coffee break → going to bed." I hope that the exhibition will catch people's eye in the midst of their busy commutes and become an extension of the city and the daily lives of the people who walk through it.

What do you hope people passing through Shibuya will feel through your work?

I hope you'll feel a sense of familiarity, as if you're experiencing the same rhythm of day-to-day life as the characters in the illustrations. And I hope you'll find a little bit of color and a pleasant sense of space in your usual commute, school run, or stroll through town.

Venue