For Children Facing School Refusal or Loneliness: 'You Are Not Alone' – 20 Works of Original 'Digital Chigiri-e' Art to Be Unveiled July 9–14

Hello. I am HIDERU (Hideaki Tanaka), an artist and art educator. I am pleased to announce my solo exhibition, 'Kuroneko to Issho ni Sekai no Tabi e Ten: In Search of a Place to Belong,' at Gallery Tojun-kai in Omotesando.

According to the latest survey by Japan's Ministry of Education, the number of elementary and junior high school students not attending school has exceeded 350,000, the highest on record. Additionally, about 40% of those aged 16 and over report feeling lonely. In an era where social media and AI are widespread, many people—especially children who feel they don't belong in school or organizations—are struggling with isolation and anxiety. Drawing from my own childhood experience of finding solace in drawing alone in a corner of the classroom, I present this exhibition to convey that 'your passions can open up the world' and 'you are not alone.'

This exhibition offers a unique experience akin to 'walking through a picture book,' where visitors follow the journey of a black cat while viewing the artworks in sequence. I hope it resonates not only with children but also with adults who feel life is difficult.

We would be honored if you could cover this event and help inspire more families to visit.

An Exhibition Like a Picture Book You Walk Through

A key feature of this exhibition is that the entire gallery space is structured as a single narrative. Visitors enter the gallery and experience the journey alongside the black cat by viewing the artworks in a counterclockwise order.

The lonely black cat bravely steps out into the outside world.

Along the way, it meets people and animals, becomes enchanted by vibrant nature, and gradually expands its world through a free-spirited journey.

At the end of the journey, it arrives at a 'place of peace' where it can be its true self.

I hope visitors enjoy moments of deep engagement, connection with others, and acceptance of their authentic selves. As they follow the black cat's journey, they may also quietly reflect on what 'a place to belong' means for themselves.

[Event Overview]

Omotesando Gallery Tojun-kai (2nd Floor)

Dates: Thursday, July 9 – Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Hours: 12:00–19:30 (Opening at 14:00 on the first day, closing at 17:00 on the final day)

Venue: Gallery Tojun-kai

Address: 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, 2nd Floor, Omotesando Hills, Tojunkan

Admission: Free

Number of Works: Approximately 20

Exhibition Content: 2D artworks, picture books, and more

Materials Used: Giclée printing, washi paper, acrylic paint, gold leaf, glitter, glass paint, etc.

※ The artist will be present daily. Photography of works and interviews are welcome.

Coin parking available nearby

[Original Technique: 'Digital Chigiri-e']

A unique technique where traditional washi paper chigiri-e (paper-cut art) is digitally reconstructed, then layered with acrylic paint, gold leaf, glitter, and other materials after printing. The fusion of analog and digital results in warm, vivid colors. In today's age, when AI can instantly provide answers, I believe the tactile quality of analog—its depth, humanity, serendipity, and fragility—is more important than ever.

[Background of the Exhibition]

While running an art classroom for children in Nakameguro, Tokyo, I have encountered many children and parents struggling with school refusal and emotional hardship. As a child, I was unable to join peer groups and found my own sense of belonging through drawing. I created this exhibition to share the power of passion to open up one's world, along with the message 'You are not alone.' Omotesando is a place associated with Taro Okamoto, famous for 'Art is explosion!', and beloved by pop art master Keith Haring. I aim to share art that is free and joyful.

[Artist Profile: HIDERU]

HIDERU (Hideaki Tanaka) Born in Chiba City in 1968. Graduated from the Oil Painting Department, Faculty of Painting, Tama Art University. Creates paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations. Founder of 'ArtiKids,' an art school in Nakameguro, Tokyo, that ignites children's individuality, self-esteem, and creativity.

Selected Activities: Numerous solo exhibitions. Picture book concerts at kindergartens. Exhibited at '21st Century Art Borderless Exhibition' (The National Art Center, Tokyo) and 'Traditional Craft: Inheritance and Creation' (Akasaka Palace State Guest House). Provided video content for ANNASUI and Shochiku Theatres.

[Media Coverage]

My previous solo exhibition in Chiba City was featured on NHK Tokyo Metropolitan News, Chiba TV, and Yahoo! News. I hope that through media coverage during the exhibition or in advance, this exhibition reaches those who need it. This time, we bring a journey in search of 'a place for the heart' from Omotesando.

[Contact]

Hideaki Tanaka TEL: 070-8422-9073 MAIL: dendroview@gmail.com HP: https://artikids.net/

Interviews with the artist, photography of artworks, and coverage during installation and setup are all possible.

Gentle feelings and painful emotions—all become one within the artwork. Various colors and accidentally formed shapes harmonize, transforming the entire heart into a joyful painting. I cherish that moment.