ART FAIR TOKYO, Japan's largest international art fair, was held at the Tokyo International Forum from March 10 (Fri) to 12 (Sun), 2023. This, the 17th iteration, was themed "Transformation." In a world that flows and changes like water and air, the fair aimed to embody the desire to seek new value and continue to transform, with participating galleries maintaining a clear direction while adapting where necessary.
The venue was divided into three sections: "Galleries," featuring 124 galleries and art dealers active both domestically and internationally; "Crossing," a section where art fields intersect, with 13 participants; and "Projects," showcasing 7 galleries presenting notable artists in solo exhibitions.
Furthermore, notable galleries returning after several years garnered significant attention, including Nishimura Gallery from Nihonbashi, Kaikai Kiki led by Takashi Murakami, and Ichibanboshi Gallery, which handles works by Kazuo Nakagawa and Hiroshi Noda, all drawing large crowds.
Many artists, gallerists, and visitors, returning to Japan from overseas after the pandemic, were present, with a total of 56,000 attendees over the four days, surpassing last year's numbers and underscoring the growing interest in art.

Since Autumn 2020, MEDICOM TOY has hosted 'AKASHIC RECORDS,' an annual pop-up event curated by President and CEO Tatsuhiko Akashi, showcasing and selling works by artists, brands, and content selected from around the world. It has garnered significant acclaim as a cultural hub transcending art, toys, and fashion.
Following its debut at ART FAIR TOKYO last year, which introduced 'AKASHIC RECORDS' to many art collectors, MEDICOM TOY returned this year with a booth in the free-access lobby gallery. Under the title 'AKASHIC RECORDS 3.5,' they exhibited numerous art pieces. The event featured 'Commemorative Fair Products' available for purchase at the venue and 'Web Lottery Sale Products' open for applications worldwide via the web. Here, we report on the proceedings.

The one-of-a-kind art piece 'BE@RBRICK Anne Valérie Dupond ONE OF KIND 1000%' is by French textile sculptor Anne Valérie Dupond. A key artist for AKASHIC RECORDS, this series of 12 pieces features colorful and vibrant works inspired by real and imaginary creatures, brought to life by Dupond's imagination.

The popularity of Sofubi figures in art toys continues to rise. Emerging artists who garnered attention at last autumn's 'AKASHIC RECORDS 3' unveiled new colorways for this event. From left: 'YOIKOOMOCHA X (Abandoned Toy) GREEN,' MAI NAGAMOTO's 'FUTENEKO Sakura Ver.,' and MILKBOYTOYS' 'IT BEAR “JUMBO” COPPER.'

A pivotal moment for manga and art. Following exhibitions in Tokyo and Osaka, the genius manga artist Kazuo Umezu, whose work includes 103 original drawings from his first new work in 27 years, 'ZOKU-SHINGO,' is scheduled to exhibit in Nagoya this year. He commands significant attention from the art world. At 'AKASHIC RECORDS 3.5,' works included (from left) 'YAMADA MASAMI WORKS 2: I AM SHINGO (Series 2)' and 'The Drifting Classroom Sekiya Tricycle (Brown Slippers).' These pieces, produced by NAGNAGNAG, who has fans worldwide, garnered widespread interest.

The artist unit MAMES, comprised of Kentaro Shirakawa and chami, presented their highly anticipated new works: ceramic letters titled 'MAMES Ai no Tegami (A)' and '(B)'; 'MAMES Michi no Kioku' and 'MAMES Michi no Kakera,' which visualize distant memories; and a custom-painted version of their signature piece, 'CLASSIC BUTTON,' titled 'MAMES CLASSIC BUTTON RUINS PLAYGROUND Ver.'

YOSHI SUGAHARA, who was responsible for the PK visuals of MEDICOM TOY's RAH series for approximately 20 years starting in 1998, made his debut as a contemporary artist last year with his first exhibition, 'YOSHI SUGAHARA POP ART Exhibition - DEBUT,' after a 30-year career as an illustrator. At 'AKASHIC RECORDS,' he participated for the first time with (from left) artworks measuring 630mm x 630mm: 'C◎MMUNICATI◎N BREAKD◎WN (EDITION 5)' and 'C◎MPLICATI◎N SHAKED◎WN (EDITION 5),' along with a striking exit sign titled 'Non-Everyday Exit (EDITION 10).'

Asami Matsumura, popular for her retro comic book style with the theme 'harmony of nostalgia and newness,' exhibited three new original artworks (from left): 'MARIA,' 'CONSTANCE,' and 'EYES ON YOU.' Following the figure release of 'MARIA,' anticipation is high for the next developments of the new characters 'CONSTANCE' and 'EYES ON YOU.'

©️Nao

NaO, born in 2002, made their official artist debut with 'Lucid Dream' (pictured left), presented at this event.

Kaori Hinata, the creator of the popular character 'MORRIS,' which has also been adapted into a comic, and an artist active in various fields, presented (from left) 'KAORI HINATA x Midnight Circus ONE-OFF PROP MORRIS,' a collaboration with Midnight Circus, and 'BLUE ROYAL JAM MORRIS,' a custom piece by the artist herself.

The second 1000% BE@RBRICK by sculptor IKEUCHI, 'BE@RBRICK Memento Mori Clear Smoke Ver. 1000%,' (pictured left) features a mechanical unit visible through clear smoke parts in the head and abdomen, combined with asymmetric plated limbs, creating a cool, almost critical commentary on civilization.
In contrast, the 'ANREALAGE PATCHWORK BE@RBRICK 1000%' commemorates ANREALAGE's 20th anniversary. This BE@RBRICK 1000% is customized with a patchwork of 20 memorial colors. Many visitors were captivated by the delicate patchwork that follows the smooth contours of the BE@RBRICK's body.

midland Creation proposes new styles of Japanese cultural inheritance through unconventional ideas and approaches. This time, they presented the venue-exclusive 'Kutani BE@RBRICK ARLECCHINO 400%' (pictured left) and the lottery-sale item 'Kutani BE@RBRICK [Seika Kousai Karakusa Mon] 400% (EDITION 1).'
The 'Kutani BE@RBRICK ARLECCHINO 400%,' inspired by the trickster Harlequin from Italian commedia dell'arte, is a colorful model with an expression not seen in previous Kutani BE@RBRICKs (Kutani ware painting/Ko Sokubun). The intricate patterns of the 'Kutani BE@RBRICK [Seika Kousai Karakusa Mon] 400% (EDITION 1),' which fuses indigo dyeing with fine brushwork and Kutani five colors, elicited gasps of admiration upon viewing (Kutani ware painting/Kotei Miura).

Highly popular figures available at the venue included: CLICK CRACK's 'CLICK CRACK Garamon RED,' a Sofubi recreation of plush toy works; T9G's imposing large-scale 'JAM Rangias ver.3'; and 'VCD "ZERO" by ARUTA SOUP x MEDICOM TOY,' a Sofubi version of Aruta Soup's sculptural work.

The neon art piece 'New Akatsuka,' a collaboration between genius manga artist Fujio Akatsuka and avant-garde contemporary artist Rieko Akatsuka, garnered attention as a miraculous father-daughter collaboration. 'BE@RBRICK New Akatsuka Nyarome & Beshi 100% & 400% / 1000%,' featuring Nyarome and Beshi printed on the body that glow vibrantly under blacklight, was available for purchase at the venue. The original artwork was also displayed.

Popular venue-exclusive items included ALAN SMITHEE FILM's 'BE@RBRICK U.F.O. 3rd Ver.400% / 1000%' (pictured left), where the unidentified flying object inside the body illuminates in various colors. Also featured was 'MY FIRST BE@RBRICK B@BY COLOR SPLASH Ver. 400% / 1000%,' the first in the series where the internal ball glows along with the chest logo. Designed by CHIAKI (CIROL & Co.).

'BE@RBRICK SPIKE #3 1000%,' the third 1000% BE@RBRICK by Shinsuke Ikeuchi, who is gaining recognition as a contemporary artist alongside his work as a metal engraver, dominated the space. The sheer presence of the BE@RBRICK, covered in countless spikes on its gold body, seemed to repel viewers, projecting an aura of untouchability.

Displayed at the center of the venue, the imposing art piece '1/1 The Book of Demons' inspired awe. Recreating the 'Book of Demons' from Go Nagai's 'Devilman'—the key to the protagonist Akira Fudo gaining demonic power—in a size that could actually be worn by a human. The original mold was produced by Kazushi Watanabe and SOVAT THEATER. While MEDICOM TOY previously released a 1/4 scale version, this piece measures H935mm x W873mm x D620mm. Peeking inside the mouth, to avoid being possessed by the demon, revealed a licensee plate tag.

The next 'AKASHIC RECORDS' is scheduled for this autumn. We eagerly await the next move from MEDICOM TOY, led by President Tatsuhiko Akashi.