[Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.] October 19th (Sun) – December 21st (Sun) at Azabudai Hills Gallery! Masatoshi Hamada’s first solo exhibition, “Flying Clouds Across the Sky,” has finally begun! Take your time to appreciate each piece!
Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd. Press release: October 17, 2025 To Members of the Press October 19th (Sun) – December 21st (Sun) at Azabudai Hills Gallery! Masatoshi Hamada’s first solo exhibition, “Flying Clouds Across the Sky,” has finally begun! Take your time to appreciate each piece! Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada’s first solo exhibition, “Flying Clouds Across the Sky,” will be held at Azabudai Hills Gallery from Sunday, October 19th to Sunday, December 21st. Prior to this, an opening ceremony was held on Thursday, October 16th, and Masatoshi Hamada attended.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-6bdd541e5f60279c366ad5c64865c4c7-3900×2600.jpg In addition to painter Masatoshi Hamada himself, the exhibition’s stellar creative team also took to the stage at the ceremony to celebrate the exhibition’s grand opening. At the beginning of the ceremony, when the artist Masatoshi Hamada was introduced as our guest, a high-pitched laugh from Hamada rang out from backstage, instantly creating a harmonious atmosphere in the venue. Accompanied by live violin music, Hamada took the stage and, with his own painting, “The Last Supper,” behind him, gave the following greeting: “Everyone is half-laughing at the picture behind me, but I tried my best to draw it in my own way. Many staff members have been involved to get me to this point, and I’ve finally arrived at this point. Thank you for coming today.” Next, the “eye-insertion ceremony” for the “Lion,” a three-dimensional work created by a sculptor based on Hamada-sensei’s original drawing, was held. Upon seeing the finished work, Hamada-sensei expressed his admiration, saying, “It’s great to make it into a three-dimensional piece,” but also commented that the number of fingers was completely different, and (pointing to the tail-like part) he was still left wondering, “What is this!?” ” I was thinking, ‘This is amazing!'” he commented, drawing laughter. In addition to Professor Hamada, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mitsumasa Takasu (Planning and Supervision), Kazunori Kitahara (Creative Director), Keiko Miyaji (dot architects, venue design), and Hiroshi Fujiwara (Vice President and Representative Director of Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Takasu, a childhood friend of Professor Hamada, surprised the audience with his characteristically personal comment, saying, “I had a chance to see the venue last night, and it was really ‘not’ impressive at all.” “But when we looked at 100 paintings and entered the last room, all the staff members started saying, ‘Wow, this might be good.’ There’s something you feel after looking at 100 paintings… I thought this was an amazing solo exhibition,” he said, describing the highlights from his unique perspective. At the end of the ceremony, in response to the question, “What did you keep in mind when creating your work?”, Hamada replied, “I wondered how much of it would be conveyed to the viewers. It’s disappointing when people just pass my work by (laughs). I want people to take the time to appreciate each piece and think, ‘What is this?’ before moving on to the next one. I just don’t want people to just pass it by. I’ve drawn 100 of them!” When asked what meaning was behind the title of her solo exhibition, “Flying Clouds Crossing the Sky,” she explained, “Actually, this title is taken from the opening lyrics of the school song of my school, Amagasaki Municipal Ushio Elementary School,” and passionately sang the school song, which she said she “still remembers,” drawing laughter from the audience. At the venue, the merchandise shop “Zakka wa Hamada Shop Toshi” will be selling official catalogs and merchandise in collaboration with street brand SAPEur. A collaborative cafe named by Hamada himself, “Cafe Hamada Masato Tea,” will also be opening, and a variety of other events are planned. Be sure to stop by and experience Hamada’s one-of-a-kind world. Introduction of exhibited works and exhibition space
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-9fbada11495acb85b3a705ca1f0951a5-3900×2925.jpg Mona Lisa
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-fdaac8d28c517545ef85db0f221f7e3c-3900×3026.jpg Airplane ▪Exhibition space by the architectural unit dot architects
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-f90e13aff67a6c6594565d404fb7ce87-3900×2925.jpg The exhibition’s venue was designed by the architectural unit dot architects. Recognizing that the environment in which one is born and raised influences the drawings of each individual, the architects created a “fictional town” within the exhibition space after extensive research into the town of Amagasaki, where Hamada grew up. Hamada’s paintings are displayed throughout the venue, which has been designed to overlap a variety of images with everyday scenes and the subtleties of everyday life, such as public baths, izakayas, construction sites, and homes. ▪ Participatory Art “The Last Supper”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-6d39a3b8be2d74a91d26d25695f27ba2-3900×2924.jpg As a participatory art project, we are launching a project in which visitors will work together to complete “The Last Supper,” a newly drawn illustration by Masatoshi Hamada. Every day, one group of visitors will be randomly selected, and The participants will be asked to color the line drawing of “The Last Supper.” As each visitor adds their own unique touch to Hamada’s powerful lines, the work will change appearance each day throughout the exhibition, gradually moving towards completion. Please come to the venue and experience this “growing art” that will never look the same twice. In addition, the work’s progress as it approaches completion will be regularly posted on the exhibition’s official social media accounts, so please enjoy those as well. ▪Silent talk Hamada talk
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-11595e76e4fff00226f254a48872e86f-2194×2925.jpg “Idle Talk Hamada Chats” is an exhibition that combines the unique world of Hamada Masatoshi’s artwork with the latest AI technology. Hamada’s characters come to life, moving as if they were born with life, responding to visitors’ words with unexpected responses. Installed within the exhibition, they are interactive works that transcend the mere act of simply “appreciating” a painting. What kind of conversations will take place with the unique characters born from the mind of Masatoshi Hamada? This exchange is a one-off, changing depending on the person and the moment. Just like the exhibition title, “Flying Clouds Crossing the Sky,” come to the venue and experience a mysterious and enjoyable conversation that will remain etched in your memory. Ticket List ※Due to popular demand, tickets with a limited edition art piece have sold out. ▪ Special Preview Day Ticket (Date and Time Specified Ticket) Ticket valid for admission on Friday, October 17th and Saturday, October 18th, before the opening. In addition to being able to purchase original exhibition merchandise before the general opening, visitors on Special Preview Day will receive an exclusive gift: An original photo card from the Masatoshi Hamada Exhibition (not for sale) will be given as a gift. Tickets are “date and time designated” tickets, which specify the date and time of entry. [Ticket Details] Price: 2,500 yen Sold by: FANY Ticket *Limited to 2,000 tickets per day *On Friday, October 17th and Saturday, October 18th, only those with Special Preview Day tickets will be able to use the merchandise corner and collaboration cafe. (Collaboration cafe is dine-in only.)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-d8975db1561152e5d431634f16665f6c-723×1056.png Preview Day Exclusive Item: Masatoshi Hamada Exhibition “Original Photo Card” ▪ Ticket with Limited Art Piece (Valid during the period) ※Sold out A premium ticket allows you to obtain photographs by photographer Masashi Asada, who shot the key visual for this exhibition. The artwork will be autographed by Masashi Asada and Masatoshi Hamada, making it a premium piece of art. You can add it to your collection. Since each artwork is limited to 50 pieces and has an edition number, only 50 tickets will be sold by lottery. Tickets are valid for a limited period and allow you to enter the museum only once during the exhibition period. [Ticket summary] Price: 88,000 yen Sales: FANY Ticket *Limited to 50 pieces
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-0f77cf33e3c3b8a607520d12d9378761-720×960.jpg ▪ Ticket with Bonus (Valid within the period)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/29501/4506/29501-4506-729bf2fd426767691451f33b077de9c2-931×683.png This ticket comes with a bonus: an original Masatoshi Hamada exhibition foil-stamped postcard, an exclusive item available only to purchasers. The ticket is valid for one visit at any time during the exhibition period. [Ticket summary] General: 2,200 yen Vocational, university, and high school students: 1,900 yen Ages 4 to junior high school students: 1,600 yen Sales: FANY Ticket *Sales will end once the planned number of tickets is sold. Masatoshi Hamada Exhibition Original “Foil-Stamped Postcard” ▪Standard Ticket (Date and Time Specified Ticket) Standard tickets for this exhibition. This advance price is a flat 200 yen discount compared to the same-day price (price in parentheses) purchased at the venue box office during the exhibition period. These tickets are “date-specified” tickets, which specify the date of your visit. *Tickets can be purchased until 23:59 the day before your desired entry date. *Same-day tickets are available at the venue box office for the price shown in parentheses. *Pre-purchasable standard tickets will end when the planned number of tickets for each day is sold. Same-day tickets will be available at the venue box office throughout the day. [Ticket Details] General Admission: 1,800 yen (2,000 yen) Vocational/University/High School Students: 1,500 yen (1,700 yen) Ages 4 to Junior High School Students: 1,200 yen (1,400 yen) Tickets: FANY Ticket, Azabudai Hills Gallery Online Site, Lawson Ticket *All prices include tax. *Children under the age of 4 are admitted free of charge with all ticket options. *Event tickets, which allow you to participate in special events scheduled during the event, will go on sale as soon as details for each event are finalized. *For other important information and detailed ticket information, please check the official website. [Ticket sales page] https://hamadamasatoshi.art/#ticket Masatoshi Hamada Exhibition “Flying Clouds Crossing the Sky” Exhibition Overview Title: Masatoshi Hamada Exhibition “Flying Clouds Crossing the Sky” (Reading: Hamada Masatoshi “Flying Clouds Crossing the Sky”) Organizers: Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd., Azabudai Hills Gallery Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Sunday, December 21, 2025 *Special Preview Days: Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 *Open daily during the exhibition period Hours: [Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays] 10:00-20:00 / [Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday] 10:00-18:00 Venue: Azabudai Hills Gallery (5-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A, MB Floor) Official website:
https://hamadamasatoshi.art/ Official X: https://x.com/M_hamada_art Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_hamada_art/