Ginza Wako to Host 'Kino Koto' Exhibition Featuring Woodworker Yu Kawai and SOMA's Sustainable Wood Initiatives

Wako Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kiyoko Niizaki) will host the exhibition 'Kino Koto' from Thursday, July 16 to Wednesday, August 12, 2024, at Arts and Culture on the basement floor of its main store, celebrating its second anniversary.

'Kino Koto' is a special project inviting visitors to reconnect with forests and wood through the solo exhibition of woodworker Yu Kawai and the initiatives of lifestyle brand SOMA.

Yu Kawai, who values the natural expression and individuality of wood in his creations, founded the lifestyle brand SOMA after re-evaluating his relationship with nature. SOMA focuses on revitalizing underutilized Japanese cedar and cypress—species that have become less used due to overplanting and shifting market demands—by celebrating the raw beauty of natural timber.

While Kawai’s artistic practice and SOMA’s brand activities may appear distinct, both are rooted in a shared philosophy: engaging deeply with wood and exploring its potential. Kawai hopes that by conveying the joy, richness, and beauty of wood, this effort will one day contribute to the restoration of beautiful forest landscapes.

The Arts and Culture space, marking its second anniversary, features reclaimed wood and materials sourced from across Japan, including Kirishima cedar, Gyoryusei cedar, and Akita cedar. This exhibition uses the entire unique space to immerse visitors in the essence of 'wood,' offering insights into the charm of timber and the possibilities of forests. Visitors can explore the unique characteristics of wood—its texture, scent, appearance, and origin—and experience how these qualities are transformed through human craftsmanship into richly expressive works of art.

Yu Kawai – Profile

Woodworker / Director of SOMA

Born in 1979 in Gifu Prefecture. Grew up playing in the mountains and at a relative’s construction company.

Graduated from the Department of Architecture at Kyoto Seika University in 2001. Completed woodworking training in Hida and furniture-making training in Kyoto before becoming independent in 2007.

In addition to creating his own works, he founded 'SOMA' in 2016 and serves as its director, connecting people with forests through design and community activities.

Example Works by Yu Kawai

[Special Limited Item]

For this exhibition, a special tray has been created, inspired by the 'O' in WAKO’s logo. Designed to embody the soft expansion and harmony symbolized by the circle, it elevates quiet moments in daily life.

About SOMA

Founded in 2016 by woodworker Yu Kawai, SOMA is a lifestyle brand that designs and produces goods using Japanese timber. Through activities such as chair-making workshops and forest fieldwork, SOMA explores the beauty of forests and wood from multiple perspectives. The brand also collaborates with local communities on forest conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, promoting Japan’s long-standing culture of living with wood, shaped by its unique geography. The name 'SOMA' originates from 'Soma' (そま), a traditional term for mountain workers and forestry practices.

SOMA Product Examples

[Concurrent Events at Arts and Culture]

Yosuke Fujii: 'Tea Ceremony Journey – Chapter Two' | Period: July 9 (Thu) – July 22 (Wed)

Artist Yosuke Fujii, known for his delicate painted depictions of landscapes and flora, presents works themed around Japan’s traditional tea culture, the flow of time behind it, and the country’s celebrated four seasons. This exhibition visualizes the passage of seasons as a continuous flow of time, offering a fresh interpretation of the 'world of tea' through Fujii’s unique aesthetic sensibility.

'Everyday Sculpture: HORANG' | Period: July 16 (Thu) – August 12 (Wed)

Introducing HORANG, a cutlery brand from South Korea. Guided by the motto 'sculpture for everyday life,' HORANG collaborates with Korean artisans with 30 to 40 years of experience, crafting each piece with meticulous care. Rooted in inherited techniques and craftsmanship, the brand creates products that resemble sculptural art while seamlessly integrating into daily life.

During this exhibition, HORANG will launch its new 'HORANG Chopsticks Slim.' Crafted from high-quality stainless steel using Korea’s distinctive cutlery-making expertise, these chopsticks are designed to harmonize naturally with Japanese dining culture and table settings.

HORANG cutlery embodies Korean artisanal skill and aesthetic consciousness—a quiet yet powerful presence, truly 'sculpture for everyday life.'

Wako Main Store Basement – Arts and Culture

The basement floor of Wako’s main store has been reborn as 'Arts and Culture' on July 20, 2024. This space is more than a shopping area; it is a cultural hub dedicated to sharing the stories behind objects—the centuries-old traditions, craftsmanship, relationship with nature, and time invested in creation—that reflect Japan’s aesthetic sensibilities.

Since its founding as Hattori Watch Shop, Wako has showcased products that represent the pinnacle of artisanal craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Through regular art exhibitions, the company has cultivated diverse perspectives and inspiration through interactions with visitors. Continuing this spirit of Arts and Culture, the basement floor will present works that embody Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and sustainability from a unique perspective.

Official Website https://www.wako.co.jp/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wako_ginza_tokyo/ Arts and Culture Instagram https://www.instagram.com/artsandculture_wako_ginzatokyo/