Expressing the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms Through Traditional Japanese Techniques and Contemporary Art, Without Using Real Flowers

"Art Aquarium," which has captivated audiences with its fantastical world of goldfish and light, a summer staple in Nihonbashi, is now presenting a new exhibition by its creator and producer, Hidemochi Kimura. Titled "Edo Sakura Renaissance & Yozakura Utage," this event reimagines the cherry blossom experience.

Nihonbashi, once the starting point of the five major highways of the Edo period, was a hub where Japan's finest traditional crafts and culture converged. In homage to the status symbol of displaying and appreciating these treasures among the era's influential figures and wealthy merchants, this exhibition fuses modern technology with a space that evokes the cherry blossom viewings that might have taken place in the residences of Edo's cultural elite.

This exhibition focuses on the Tokaido, the oldest of the five highways. Traditional crafts from Kyoto and Mie Prefecture, including Japan's renowned kimonos, textiles, and washi paper, are brought together. Visitors will encounter an unprecedented vision of cherry blossoms, such as a "tree-lined avenue" created with Edo-period kimonos adorned with cherry blossom motifs, shadow plays using Mie Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Property, 'Ise-katagami' (stencils), and a cherry blossom corridor where handmade washi paper creates a scene of blooming sakura.

In the "Wagashi no Ma" (Japanese Confectionery Room) within the venue, long-established confectioners "Oimatsu," "Kamesuehiro," and tea purveyor "Fukujuen" have collaborated. Themed around the 72 microseasons of the 24 solar terms, they express the subtle shifts of the seasons leading up to spring through exquisite sweets and tea. A premium ticket, limited to 200 people per day, is available for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the world of "Wagashi no Ma," offering a chance to savor traditional dry and fresh sweets, along with tea, specially prepared for this exhibition.

Every day during the exhibition, from 7:00 PM, "Yozakura Utage" (Night Cherry Blossom Feast) will be held, allowing guests to enjoy the night cherry blossoms with a drink in hand. A wide selection of Japanese sake will be available, complemented by pickles from the esteemed Kyoto-based pickle maker "Daian," transforming the space into an elegant, adult-oriented evening.

"Edo Sakura Renaissance & Yozakura Utage"
Dates | March 7 (Fri) - March 30 (Sun)
Hours | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Venue | Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall
2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Coredo Muromachi 5F (Entrance 4F)
Tel. 03-3270-2550
Admission | General ¥1,000
"Kamesuehiro" & "Oimatsu" & "Fukujuen" Tea Ceremony VIP Premium Ticket (Limited to 200 people/day) | General ¥3,000
"Yozakura no Ma" Cherry Blossom Viewing Seat Super VIP Premium Ticket (Limited to 6 groups/day) | Room charge ¥10,000 per room + meal cost per person