Shochiku's Art Space 'SHUTL' to Undergo Space Renewal in July 2026!

Left: Rui Itasaka (Photo: Nanako Ono) Right: Concept sketch for this project by Rui Itasaka (RUI Architects) The art space 'SHUTL' by Shochiku Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President Toshihiro Takahashi) has decided to renew its space in July 2026. To move forward as a space that embodies SHUTL's concept of , we will add new design to SHUTL's space. While inheriting the context of Metabolism, we will update the space by adding new mechanisms based on the flexible and bold ideas of an up-and-coming architect. The design and planning will be handled by Rui Itasaka (RUI Architects). She is an up-and-coming young architect (born in 1993) who works in a wide range of fields, not only architecture but also exhibitions, their venue compositions, and product design. Her track record includes the residential work 'Hanmugi Hat' (co-designed with Tetsuo Nishizawa), the cafe & shop 'Miyachi Shoten', the venue composition for 'DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024', and exhibiting in 'Corrugated Iron and Coral Reefs - Eight Practices for Throwing Architecture Afar' at WHAT MUSEUM. The soft approach behind Itasaka's design, which carefully deciphers a vast amount of information, elements, time, space, human activities, and landscapes, will give a different context to the previously flat space of SHUTL. 'SHUTL', where exhibitions and expressions of a wide variety of genres have taken place, will evolve into a 'sustainable and active gallery space' that draws out more of the sensitivity and imagination of creators. Space Renewal Concept What is 'always'? Concept sketch by Mr. Itasaka [Message from Rui Itasaka (RUI Architects)] If the richness of a place or an object can be measured by it 'always being different', then what exactly is that 'always'? What is 'always'? The moment I think that, I feel like I remember things I can't see right now or notice things that aren't here. Doesn't that lead to a joy that cannot be gained just by receiving expression? In this renewal, we are planning a space where fixtures with modules can be laid out according to the exhibition or event. A mechanism that is not just free but sometimes also acts as a restriction will create a dialogue between the artist and the space. Our goal is a space that comes alive day and night, through the seasons, and throughout the year, involving not only the artists but also the artworks themselves, the viewers, the local people, and the environment. Designer Profile Photo: Nanako Ono RUI Architects Established in 2018 by Rui Itasaka. Centered around architectural design, they engage in design activities regardless of scale, from product and material development to buildings and artwork production. Rui Itasaka: Representative of RUI Architects / First-Class Architect Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1993. Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2016. After completing graduate school at the same university in 2018, she became independent prompted by the store/residence 'Hanmugi Hat' and established RUI Architects. Received awards such as the Under 35 Architects exhibition 2021 Gold Medal. Major works include the new residence and clinic 'Zou (Elephant)' (collaboration with Yumi Oguro and Tetsuo Nishizawa / Hyogo Prefecture, 2025) and the new residence 'Near and Far' (collaboration with Tetsuo Nishizawa / Aichi Prefecture, 2025). https://ruiitasaka.ooo/ Past Design Examples by Itasaka New residence and store 'Hanmugi Hat' Photo: Nanako Ono Cafe interior 'Miyachi Shoten' Photo: Nanako Ono Venue composition 'DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024' Photo: Nanako Ono New residence and clinic 'Zou' Photo: Yosuke Ohtake Future Project Schedule (Planned) Late May: Construction begins * SHUTL will be temporarily closed. Details of the closure period will be announced on the website. Mid-June: 2nd Press Release - Announcement of the full spatial details and the renewal opening exhibition content Late July: Renewal Open Reference: Current space of SHUTL 4 photos taken by: Kaori Yamane ACCESS & HOURS Address: 4-1-8 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 (Next to the Togeki Building) Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro 'Higashi-Ginza Station', 4-minute walk from Exit 2 of Tokyo Metro 'Tsukiji Station' Business Hours: 13:00-19:00 Open only during exhibition events (For details, please see 'EXHIBITIONS') Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays * Closed during year-end and New Year holidays * Subject to facility maintenance, etc.