Tadanobu Asano’s Solo Exhibition at Isetan Shinjuku

Actor and artist Tadanobu Asano will hold his solo exhibition TADANOBU ASANO EXHIBITION PLAY WITH PAIN(T) from April 2 (Wednesday) to 6 (Sunday) at Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Asano, who won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards for his role in SHOGUN, is also active as an actor. He has previously held solo exhibitions at places such as the Watarium Art Museum and the Parco Art Gallery. In 2018, he published his art book error, further solidifying his reputation as a talented artist.

The exhibition will focus on the theme “PLAY WITH PAIN(T) = Playing with Pain,” which underpins Asano’s art, showcasing over 200 works, including new pieces. Additionally, this will be the first time that original artworks will be available for sale, and live painting by Asano is also planned. A message from Asano will be shared for the exhibition, and an interview with him is also available on the special exhibition website hosted by Isetan.

Years ago, I held a drawing workshop for children. I handed them small notebooks and said, “Draw anything you like.”

As the kids eagerly sketched flowers, trees, houses, and people, one child, however, did nothing but cover the pages with bold strokes of red, over and over again.

I wondered if the child lacked interest or perhaps couldn’t think of anything to draw. No matter how many pages I turned, they were all simply filled with red.

Trying not to overstep, I asked gently, “What are you drawing?”

The child looked at me with steady eyes and replied, “Autumn!”

I was speechless. I felt a pang of shame for thinking the child wasn’t drawing anything at all, driven by some misplaced adult sensibility. In that notebook, drenched in red, the child had poured their entire vision of Autumn. It was a true depiction of the season, even if I couldn’t see it at first.

Why does this move me so deeply?

Maybe this is what art truly is. Whether it’s the sudden spark of a powerful emotion or the quiet calm of a serene moment, encountering a piece of art is, in essence, encountering an emotion.

It could bring joy, excitement, a rush of surprise, or a deep emotional shake. It could lead to discoveries, offer comfort, bring tears, or fill you with newfound energy.

Though life may often be uncertain, I have lived through creating art, experiencing it, and playing with it.

—PLAY WITH PAIN(T)—

In this space, I invite you to feel freely and follow your heart. Simply enjoy the art that I, Tadanobu Asano, have created. I hope you experience a beautiful encounter.

Admission to the solo exhibition is free. However, the live painting session has a capacity of 50 people, and applications for the entry lottery are being accepted until 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 23, through “PassMarket.”

TADANOBU ASANO EXHIBITION PLAY WITH PAIN(T)

Exhibition Dates: April 2 (Wednesday) – April 6 (Sunday), 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
*On April 2 (Wednesday), the exhibition will close at 3:00 PM; on the final day, April 6 (Sunday), it will close at 6:00 PM.
Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Store, Main Building 6th Floor, Event Hall
Admission: Free

Tadanobu Asano Live Painting Event
Date & Time: April 5 (Saturday), 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Store, Main Building 6th Floor, Event Hall
Capacity: 50 people
*This event will have an entry lottery managed by PassMarket.
*Those wishing to attend the event can apply starting from 11:00 PM on Wednesday, March 19, via the website below:
https://www.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/shops/art/artgallery/shopnews_list/shopnews0109.html