On August 18th, the Shibuya Station Block West Wing Construction Temporary Fence Art Project, created by artist Ota Kosuke, opened to the public at the construction site of the Shibuya Station Block Development Plan.

The project, which was selected for "TOKYO CITY CANVAS," a cultural initiative promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to spread the art scene throughout the city, is a public-private partnership co-created by Tokyu and the Shibuya Station Area Management General Incorporated Association, and is supported by Shibuya Ward.

The Shibuya Station West Wing Construction Temporary Fence Art Project opened to the public on August 18th.

The project's theme is "Shibuya Culture Jungle - Letting Diversity Shine." Through art, the project aims to raise awareness of modern society's challenges, such as multicultural coexistence, gender awareness, and understanding of disabilities. The project's aim to create a society where people with diverse values and backgrounds can accept each other and thrive overlaps with Shibuya Ward's philosophy of "a city that transforms differences into strength."

The artwork is currently displayed in the Shibuya Station district, where construction of SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE West Tower is underway.

The canvas is the white temporary fence surrounding the passageway leading to the West Exit of JR Shibuya Station, which was relocated in March this year.

This is the first installment of the exhibition, and the temporary fence on the north side of the new SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE West Building construction site, along the walkway between Shibuya Station and Shibuya Fukuras, will be used as a canvas to display approximately 15 of Ota Kosuke's existing works, with themes of flora and fauna such as "flowers" and "bats."

Ota's works are characterized by vibrant colors and powerful forms that rival the glaring summer sun.

Flora and fauna-themed art brings brightness and gaiety to the drab and impersonal construction fence

The huge temporary enclosure, measuring 3 meters high and approximately 25 meters wide, is filled with vibrant colors and lifelike forms, catching the eye of passersby.

Artist Kosuke Ota. The painting that appeared in the TBS drama "Lion's Lair" was also drawn by Ota.

Ota was born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1981. He was diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability as a child, but discovered painting when he began attending art classes at age 11, and held his first solo exhibition at age 15. Since then, he has held solo exhibitions across the country, and his free-spirited and original style has been highly praised both in Japan and abroad. He has been attracting increasing attention in recent years, with a solo exhibition and live painting event scheduled for January 2025 at Seibu Shibuya, and his works being used as paintings by characters in the TBS drama "Lion's Lair."

This project aims to bring creativity and color to the "urban margin" of the construction site, creating an exhibition space open to the city. Even during construction, it will provide a place where anyone can encounter art, and deliver an opportunity to feel diversity and empathy in everyday life.

The second installment is scheduled to be released around the end of November 2025. Ota will actually walk around Shibuya and create new drawings that capture the atmosphere and scenery of the city with his own sensibilities, further decorating the temporary enclosure. Once completed, the exhibition is expected to further highlight the individuality and diversity of the Shibuya area.

Venue

Interviews and writing

Editorial Department: Takashi Fujii

Shibuya registrar. In addition to Shibuya of Culture information, seasonal news and topics, it will spell write that feel every day.