KOGEism 2026: "An Exhibition of Materials and Artists' Philosophies" is an international exhibition that brings together craft artists from Japan and France to reexamine the question, "What is craft?"
While we often have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and finished form of artworks, we rarely have the chance to experience the dialogue with the materials behind them or to engage with the individual philosophies of the artists. Through the expressions of artists working with diverse materials--such as wood, ceramics, lacquer, metal, textiles, and glass--this exhibition presents craft not merely as technique or tradition, but as a creative process built upon the relationship between people and materials.
The works of 15 Japanese and 5 French artists resonate across national borders, highlighting the differences in their respective cultures and values, as well as their shared approach to craftsmanship. The tactile feel, texture, and presence of the materials cannot be conveyed through photographs or video. By walking through the exhibition space and engaging directly with the works, you can experience firsthand the depth and contemporary potential of craft.
This exhibition is recommended not only for those involved in craft and design, but also for anyone interested in art and making, as well as those seeking new perspectives. We invite you to visit the venue and experience the intersection of ideas woven by materials and people.
| Event period |
September 16, 2026 (Wednesday) - September 24, 2026 (Thursday) |
|---|---|
| Time |
11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. |
| Venue | AXIS Gallery |
| Participation Fee | General admission: 1,000 yen / Free for students (including college students) |
| Organizer | 4D Co., Ltd. |
| Co-hosted | Tanoshii Museum, Inc. |
| Sponsored by | Fdot Co., Ltd. | Karimoku Furniture Co., Ltd. | Iba-Sen Co., Ltd. | A ROMA | Wine Tribe Co., Ltd. |
| Supported by | French Embassy in Japan / Institut Français / Hokkoku Shimbun |

Venue 2: Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore
Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 6th Floor, GINZA SIX
Dates: Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Admission: Free