The "Zoku Nawasu" exhibition currently being held at Brew Gallery in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, features a large collection of playful Jomon-era artworks, including sci-fi robot-style clay figurines and unique flame-shaped pottery. We'll introduce not only the appeal of the exhibition, but also the gallery attached to the craft beer brewery and the must-see art events being held at the same time.

Mitsugu Aikawa《BATOU-CANON》 / clay / 2025

When you open the door to Brew Gallery in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, you'll see clay figurines and pottery created by Mitsugu Aikawa, Hiroshi Onishi, and Akio Morisako, members of the Sirkio Project, who are obsessed with Jomon culture and re-experience the craftsmanship of the Jomon people. Each one has a humorous expression and shape, and looking at them will bring a smile to your face.

Mitsugu Aikawa "Sotobiko No. 1" / clay / 2025

Taiyo "Flame-Style Clay Figurine Ashura" / clay / 2025

Akio Morisako "Demon-like Guardian Clay Figurine" / clay / 2025

Aikawa, who expanded his sci-fi fantasy from the clay figurine, a national treasure nicknamed the "Masked Goddess," has created a clay figurine that looks like a sci-fi robot. Onishi has created a flame-shaped earthenware vessel that resembles a plant born from a combination of unknown elements. Morisako has created adorable animal-like clay figurines with motifs such as plastic bottles and wood sorrel. Each of these clay figurines and earthenware vessels is simply adorable! They give off a different impression when viewed from the front and the back, so enjoy them from all 360-degree angles.

The flat works you can see in the back start from 25,000 yen

The three artists' different personalities can be directly felt from the flat works that adorn the walls. Aikawa's work is based on the "ancient astronaut theory" that aliens came to Earth and bestowed civilization on the planet, and depicts the Jomon people making things, expanding on his imagination. Onishi's work uses two colors, symbolizing life and death, and was inspired by red lacquered Jomon pottery, which "looks just like a heart." Morisako is exhibiting a work in which he has added touch-ups to a mud silkscreen, marking his first attempt at this medium.

Jomon T-shirt (6,000 yen). This is a hand-printed made-to-order item, so delivery is scheduled for October.

The Shirkio Project is a "land narrative generation project" that unearths local stories from mythology and history and turns them into artworks using designs created by the project. The exhibition will also feature original merchandise such as T-shirts, bandanas, and badges featuring the Jomon motifs they created.

Jomon bandana (2,800 yen)

The art direction for the merchandise was handled by designer Naoki Sakakibara, who joined the "Shirkio Project" this year (one clay figurine he created is also on display). There are also many other reasonably priced pieces, so you're sure to want to take one home with you!

There are currently eight types of craft beer available (Photo courtesy of brew gallery)

Since its opening in 2024, Brew Gallery has been showcasing works by artists with close ties to Shiraoi. It is an art gallery attached to The Old Grey Brewery, a rare beer brewery even nationwide. In April 2025, the gallery will open a directly managed store, TAP ROOM, in the same space as the gallery, allowing customers to enjoy craft beer brewed at the brewery.

Art label cans. From left, the artists are Taiyo Onishi, Akira Tanaka, and Mitsugu Aikawa (Photo courtesy of brew gallery)

The canned beer comes in a regular design can and an art label can featuring works by artists with ties to Shiraoi, including works by Aikawa and Onishi. How about buying one as a souvenir of the exhibition?

Finally, we'd like to introduce some art events that you should definitely enjoy during the "Zoku Nawasu" exhibition. One is the "Tobu Art Festival" (this exhibition is a linked project of the Tobu Art Festival), which will be held from September 6th (Sat) to September 14th (Sun). This annual festival takes place in the wooden school building of the Tobu Art Community and the surrounding forest, where you can enjoy a variety of expressions, and the main visual is created by Aikawa every year.

The other is "Roots & Arts Shiraoi," which will be held from Friday, September 19th to Monday, October 13th (national holiday). This is a cultural festival where you can enjoy art in various places in Shiraoi town.

Please enjoy Shiraoi along with "Zoku Nawasu."

Photo by Hiromi Terashima

*All prices include tax