Higashi-Ginza Art Space SHUTL to Relaunch on July 24 as an Experimental Lab for Dialogue Between Artists and Space

The art space 'SHUTL,' operated by Shochiku Co., Ltd., will reopen on Friday, July 24, 2026, with an updated spatial design.

To a Space that Questions the 'Always' SHUTL initially started as a space housing two capsules from Kisho Kurokawa's 'Nakagin Capsule Tower Building.' Following the temporary removal of the capsules, the approximately 85-square-meter area has been operated as a fully open space. Now, to implement the philosophy of Metabolism directly into the space, it will be updated in collaboration with architect RUI Itasaka (RUI Architects). The concept for the spatial design is 'What does 'always' mean?' It questions the conventional nature of spaces based on needs—such as walls for an exhibition, an open area for an event, or specific displays for a pop-up—aiming to become a place where new expressions and exhibition methods are born as artists, designers, and their works confront the SHUTL space. For this renewal, RUI Architects designed a movable wall system with hanging boxes and movable panels. It can be a wall, a shelf, an exhibition stand, or at times, nothing at all. Because its use is not predetermined, it creates a margin for artists and exhibitors to engage with the space and discover new ways of exhibiting. SHUTL's space concept is to 'create the 'authentic of the future' as a laboratory for generating new ways to connect tradition and the contemporary.' Expanding on its history of diverse exhibitions and expressions, SHUTL will restart not just as a simple exhibition space, but as an experimental lab for works, space, creators, and viewers to re-encounter each other.

Design and Architectural Details The space employs a movable wall system that edits the space by connecting and moving modules—hanging boxes with movable panels—attached to rails. Beyond configuring the gallery walls, the upper part of the boxes can be left while the lower part is removed, creating shelves or display stands of varying heights. This also allows for diverse spatial variations, such as making works appear to float by exhibiting them in the upper part of the space while keeping the floor area open. Furthermore, the entire wall system can be moved to the side to use the 85m² space as a flat area, inviting various creators to discover unseen uses of the space. This variability brings out the potential for diverse expressions, from exhibiting basic two-dimensional works to product and apparel displays, sales of various goods, large-scale installations, and performances. [Specifications] Area: Approx. 85m² (Width approx. 6.4m × Depth approx. 13.3m) Ceiling Height: Approx. 4m Walls: Plasterboard with paint Hanging boxes with movable panels: 3 units (W 1,200mm), 4 units (W 600mm)

Renewal Exhibition 'Transition of Succession' To inaugurate the updated space, the special exhibition 'Transition of Succession' will be held. A key part of SHUTL's concept of 'new connections between tradition and the contemporary' is 'succession.' This exhibition views 'succession' not as mere preservation or transmission, but as a dynamic process that continues to change each time it is passed on. The renewed SHUTL space itself lies between 'succession' and 'change.' Inheriting the context of Metabolism architecture while transforming into a new space, this exhibition is held to symbolize its renewal. The three exhibiting artist groups—Aya Kurashiki, JACKSON kaki, and MULTISTANDARD—will visualize the phenomenon where 'being transmitted' and 'changing' occur simultaneously, using folktales, the body, and tools as motifs, respectively.

[Event Outline] Renewal Special Exhibition: 'Transition of Succession' Exhibitors: Aya Kurashiki, JACKSON kaki, MULTISTANDARD Venue Design: RUI Architects Dates: Friday, July 24, 2026 - Sunday, August 30, 2026 Hours: 13:00-19:00 Admission: Free Venue: SHUTL (4-1-8 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045)

About SHUTL Creating the 'authentic of the future' as a laboratory for generating new ways to connect tradition and the contemporary. Opened in October 2023, SHUTL is an open laboratory for creative activities where contemporary creators can re-engage with Japanese culture and explore new methods of expression by connecting their own work with tradition. The space is approximately 85 square meters with a ceiling height of about 4 meters, equipped to accommodate all forms of expression, including exhibitions, presentations, music events, and fashion shows.