Kenji Yanobe’s Space Cat Myth: Final Chapter – The Tower of the Sun Spaceship “LUCA” Finally Lands in Osaka!
Chishima Land Co., Ltd. Press release: September 8, 2025 To Members of the Press Kenji Yanobe’s Space Cat Myth: Final Chapter – The Sun Tower-Shaped Spaceship “LUCA” Finally Lands in Osaka! “Open Storage 2025 KENJI YANOBE LUCA: THE LANDING” to be held at MASK, a storage facility for large-scale contemporary art works. The Osaka Creative Chishima Foundation (located in Suminoe Ward, Osaka City), a general incorporated foundation, will hold “Open Storage 2025 KENJI YANOBE LUCA: THE LANDING,” a public exhibition of large-scale contemporary artworks stored at “MASK (MEGA ART STORAGE KITAKAGAYA),” a former steel processing factory and warehouse covering approximately 1,000 m², for 17 days from Friday, October 3, 2025, to Monday, November 3, 2025 (national holiday).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-19b035899992488d49d680d0453a956e-2667×1780.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-b44a3a555d508dc47a347f404554eec2-2000×1335.jpg Photography: Yasuyuki Takaki This exhibition is made possible through crowdfunding. Initially, we launched our crowdfunding campaign with the goal of relocating and exhibiting the LUCA. However, thanks to the overwhelming support we received, we were able to relocate and exhibit not only the LUCA, but also two “SHIP’S CAT” (space cats), one of which rides on the LUCA’s back and two of which fly through the air. Combining these with other works from MASK’s collection will create an exhibition with the scale that only MASK can offer. Opening Event: Appearances by Guests Who Color the World of Space Cats The opening event will feature live performances by guests closely connected to Yanobe’s work, creating a festive evening where art and music intertwine. This will be a rare opportunity to experience Yanobe’s space cat mythology from multiple perspectives. ■DOZAN11 aka Miki Dosan × Yanobe Kenji Collaborative Music NFT Picture Book “SPACE SHIP’S CAT Zitto & Gatito”
https://img.youtube.com/vi/YJtDg1jMNEc/sddefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJtDg1jMNEc ■BL4CK PEARL 《SHIP’S CAT》Music video “Dawn “
https://img.youtube.com/vi/kZMahT5ONQo/sddefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZMahT5ONQo Sauna event held simultaneously: Experience “balancing” within the artwork “SHIP’S CAT SAUNA”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-dd68826c1d4385590772e3a6505aeccc-1536×1024.png The “Kita-Kagaya MULTI” sauna event will be held simultaneously at the Creative Center Osaka, located near the exhibition venue. At the “BARTHE” exhibition, the artist will be showcasing a new installation piece, “SHIP’S CAT SAUNA,” equipped with an indoor air bathing function, in an Airstream camper van. It will create a space where visitors can experience an indoor air bathing experience that feels like they are floating in outer space. Furthermore, with the cooperation of Takara Standard Co., Ltd., a Showa-era retro enamel sign for “SHIP’S CAT” will be exhibited on the Airstream, and signs with the same design will also appear throughout the town of Kita-Kagaya, expanding the world of the work to the entire town of Kita-Kagaya. https://multi.barthe.world/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-dbd5d6a01e589fa7b2bc558df47c8d75-3900×2600.jpg Opening Talk & Live Performance Date and Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM) Price: ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 on the day *Reservations required. If advance tickets are sold out, no same-day tickets will be sold. Venue: MASK [MEGA ART STORAGE KITAKAGAYA] Talk appearance: Kenji Yanobe Live appearance: DOZAN11 aka Miki Dosan, BL4CK PEARL How to apply: Apply through Peatix https://mask-openstorage2025.peatix.com
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-d6052a94694949108412b5ddbe4f0b7e-3900×2600.jpg Scenes from the Open Storage 2024 Interactive Viewing Program Interactive Art Appreciation Program “A Secret Art Base?! A Everyone’s Exploration Tour” Date and Time: Sunday, October 26th, 3 sessions, approximately 45 minutes each 1. From 12:00 PM – For 1st to 3rd grade elementary school students 2. From 2:00 PM – For 4th to 6th grade elementary school students 3. From 4:00 PM – For junior high school students and adults Supervised by: Kyoto University of Arts, Art Communication Research Center Capacity: 10 people per session (registration required, free) Application: Apply through Peatix https://openstorage2025-tankentour.peatix.com *Children must be accompanied by a guardian for sessions 1 and 2. Only children may participate in this program. Parents are welcome to freely explore MASK during the tour.
■Main Artist Profile
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-77c57f241d40ad131579eaccb3dafa77-1887×2700.jpg Kenji Yanobe Yanobe Born in Osaka in 1965. Since the early 1990s, he has been creating functional mechanical sculptures based on the theme of “survival in modern society.” In 1997, he embarked on the “Atom Suit Project,” visiting Chernobyl and other places. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, he created the monument of hope, “Sun Child,” which toured both domestically and internationally. In 2017, he began creating the “SHIP’S CAT” series, a guardian deity of travel that brings good fortune. His work SHIP’S CAT (Muse) (2021), which opened at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka in 2022, will be permanently installed. He creates works that question the origins and meaning of art, and that interact with their environment. https://yanobe.com/ ■Opening Talk & Live Performance Performers Profile
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-d99b3afd24269fa7470f1efc61712bfb-1800×2700.jpg DOZAN11 aka Dosan Miki He debuted as Miki Dosan in 1996 with the 7-inch single “JAPAN Ichiban.” He was one of the driving forces behind the dawn of Japanese reggae. In 2001, his album “Lifetime Respect” sold over 900,000 copies, becoming the first Japanese reggae album to reach number one on the Oricon weekly charts. In 2002, he retired from singing. Since then, he has worked as a writer and producer under the name “DOZAN.” In 2014, he released the album “Japan be Irie!!” under the name “DOZAN11.” He performed songs from the album, including “Kashikomi Kashikomi,” as a dedication at Ise Shrine. In 2022, his first picture book, “Rhydim-kun and Melody-chan,” reached number one on Amazon’s picture book/children’s book rankings. In 2023, he released the musical NFT picture book “SPACE SHIP’S CAT Zitto & Gatito,” a collaboration with contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. Graduated from Digital Hollywood University Graduate School in 2024. Together with a doctor of neuroscience, he launched the “Kagaku Dedication Festival” at Kamigamo Shrine and Obaku Manpukuji Temple, dedicating music and science to temples and shrines. Art director of ONZE INITY, an apparel brand that utilizes Japanese patterns and colors, inspired by the Heian period costumes worn during offerings. Founder of the startup conference RISE KANSAI 2025. Chairman of DOZAN PARTNERS, Inc. In recent years, he has also been active in music and variety shows. https://dozan11.com/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-cfc455d0ff0f108829fd1fbd4faa0d09-3900×2600.jpg BL4CK PEARL BL4CK PEARL is a unit project formed by vocalist Vela and musician SOZEN OTSUBO. Their unique sound is characterized by a mix of R&B and pop with electro and ambient influences. They began their activities in the fall of 2021, releasing the EP “Unveil.” In 2022, they will be working on the theme song “Dawn” for “SHIP’S CAT,” a work by contemporary sculptor Kenji Yanobe that will be permanently exhibited at the newly opened Nakanoshima Museum of Art.
https://www.soumaotsubo.com/dawn ■Curator Profile
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-1a57317a6cb465c3458f7d826371b610-960×1280.jpg Chieko Kinoshita Associate Professor at Osaka University and MASK Curator. Born in 1971, he lives in Osaka City. His specialties include contemporary art, cultural policy, and project production. He previously served as artistic producer at the Kobe Art Village Center and CSCD at Osaka University before assuming his current position. He has been involved in projects such as the station’s community space “Art Area B1” and the “Creative Island Nakanoshima” arts and cultural facility network project. His other activities include serving as a member of the NAMURA ART MEETHING Executive Committee, off-site curator for the Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions, director of the Okayama Arts Community Public Program, and general director of the SCARTS project at the Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center.
■Events Held Simultaneously in Kita-Kagaya
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-a0b76fbedbf57f22a7b1c1ed9ba6e148-1080×1350.jpg Kita Kagaya MULTI BARTHE Set on the site of a former shipyard, we are collaborating with architects and artists to create a one-of-a-kind art and sauna space. Exhibiting Kenji Yanobe’s “SHIP’S CAT SAUNA,” an “indoor air bathing” experience. Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from Saturday, September 20, 2025 to Monday, November 3, 2025 (11:00 AM – 9:00 PM) (Open until 3:00 PM on Fridays) Venue: Creative Center Osaka Admission: 2 hours 4,500 yen (tax included) https://multi.barthe.world/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-cc25977ede89ca9599b1a4f3c5d970d0-3900×2600.jpg Open Studio 2025 Summer Event Scene / Photo: Yoshiro Masuda Super Studio Kitakagaya “Open Studio 2025 Autumn” Osaka’s largest
artist-shared studio hosts open studio event Dates: October 24th (Fri) – 26th (Sun), 31st (Fri) – November 3rd (Mon/Holiday), 2025 (7 days total), 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Venue: Super Studio Kitakagaya (SSK) Admission: Free https://ssk-chishima.info
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-ea1f6dcce94be478f8bc81da4e2d09fc-1080×1350.jpg KITAKAGAYA FLEA 2025 AUTUMN & ASIA BOOK MARKET A comprehensive cultural event hosted by IN/SECTS, featuring a book market, craft fair, live music, and more. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the event will be expanded to three days and will feature collaborations with forests, roads, and markets. Date and Time: November 1st (Sat) – 3rd (Mon, holiday), 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (scheduled) Venue: Creative Center Osaka Admission: TBD https://kitakagayaflea.jp/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-a6af296a689605c55ce3df20c018e513-1790×2048.jpg M@M 11th Exhibition “Do as you please” An exhibition commemorating Yasumasa Morimura’s 40th anniversary as a writer Period: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September 12th (Friday) to December 21st (Sunday), 2025, 12:00-18:00 Venue: M@M (Morimura@Museum) Admission: General / University students 600 yen, High school and junior high school students 300 yen, Elementary school students and under free https://www.morimura-at-museum.org/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-d04589988cdeaabfda273a9f668e4af7-1191×1404.png すみのえアート・ビート 2025 Rubber Duck is here! Art festival held in Suminoe and Kitakagaya Date and time: Sunday, November 9, 2025 10:00-16:00 Venue: Creative Center Osaka Admission: Free
https://suminoeartbeat.wixsite.com/home
■MASK(MEGA ART STORAGE KITAKAGAYA) 概要
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/82775/82/82775-82-98f80de382bee5aaba0f58244b60c687-1800×1202.jpg The building, which was previously used as a steel processing factory and warehouse, will be utilized as is. Floor area approximately 1,030 square meters (52.5 x 19.5 m), height 9.25 m. A white cube (exhibition space) and a simple residence are installed in a renovated office space. Large contemporary works of art exhibited at art festivals around the country are often forced to be dismantled or disposed of after the exhibition ends, as it is difficult to secure storage space. In a desire to make a difference in this situation and contribute to improving Osaka’s creative environment, the Osaka Creation Chishima Foundation has been operating MASK since 2012, which stores and exhibits large-scale works free of charge.
