At the "Zoku-Tadasu" exhibition currently held at brew gallery in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, you'll find a collection of works that express the "Jomon" period with a playful spirit, including sci-fi robot-style dogū (clay figurines) and creative flame-style earthenware. We'll introduce the charm of the exhibition, the unique gallery attached to a craft brewery, and other must-see art events happening at the same time.

Mitsugu Aikawa 《BATOU-CANON》 / Clay / 2025

Step inside brew gallery in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, and you'll be greeted by dogū and doki (earthenware) created by the members of the "Sirkio Project"—Mitsugu Aikawa, Hiroshi Onishi, and Akio Morisako. These artists, fascinated by Jomon culture, have recreated the Jomon people's creative process. Each piece has such a humorous expression and form that you can't help but smile.

Mitsugu Aikawa 《Sutobikko Ichigo》 / Clay / 2025

Hiroshi Onishi 《Kaen-shiki Dogu Ashura》/ Clay / 2025

Akio Morisako 《Onigawara-teki Shuka Shujin Dogu》 / Clay / 2025

Aikawa was inspired by the national treasure dogū known as the "Masked Goddess," letting his sci-fi imagination run wild to create robot-like figurines. Onishi's flame-style earthenware mimics plants born from combinations of unknown elements. Morisako's adorable, animal-like dogū are modeled after motifs like plastic bottles and wood sorrel. The dogū and doki from these three artists are all incredibly cute! They look different from the front and back, so be sure to enjoy them from every angle.

The 2D works in the background start from 25,000 yen

The 2D works decorating the walls directly convey the distinct individuality of the three artists. Aikawa's pieces expand on the "ancient astronaut theory"—the idea that aliens visited Earth and bestowed civilization—depicting scenes of Jomon craftsmanship. Onishi's two-toned works, symbolizing life and death, were inspired by red-lacquered Jomon earthenware that he felt "looked just like a heart." Morisako is exhibiting works that are a first for him: pieces created by adding details to silk screens made with mud.

Jomon T-shirt (6,000 yen). Made to order with hand printing, scheduled for delivery in October.

The "Sirkio Project" is a "Land Story Generation Project" that unearths stories from a region's myths and history and turns them into art. This exhibition features original merchandise like T-shirts, bandanas, and pin badges adorned with their creative Jomon-themed designs.

Jomon Bandana (2,800 yen)

The art direction for the merchandise was handled by designer Naoki Sakakibara, who joined the Sirkio Project this year (there's also one dogū he made on display!). With many affordable items available, you'll surely be tempted to take something home!

There are currently 8 types of craft beer available (Photo: brew gallery)

Since its opening in 2024, brew gallery has been showcasing artists with deep ties to Shiraoi. It's a rare find in Japan: an art gallery attached to a brewery, The Old Grey Brewery. In April 2025, they opened the "TAP ROOM," a direct-managed bar within the same space as the gallery, where visitors can now enjoy craft beers brewed on-site.

Art label cans. Artists from left: Hiroshi Onishi, Akira Tanaka, Mitsugu Aikawa (Photo: brew gallery)

Their canned beers come in both regular designs and special art label cans featuring works by artists connected to Shiraoi, including Aikawa and Onishi. How about picking one up as a souvenir of the exhibition?

Finally, here are two art events we highly recommend you enjoy along with the "Zoku-Tadasu" exhibition. The first is the Tobiu Art Festival, held from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 14 (this exhibition is a collaboration with the festival). It's an annual festival where you can enjoy diverse forms of expression, set in the wooden schoolhouse of the Tobiu Art Community and the surrounding forest. Aikawa designs the main visual for the festival every year.

The other is Roots & Arts Shiraoi, held from Friday, September 19 to Monday (and national holiday), October 13. This is a cultural festival where you can enjoy art at various locations throughout Shiraoi.

Enjoy Shiraoi to the fullest by visiting these events along with "Zoku-Tadasu."

Photography: Hiromi Terashima

*All prices listed include tax.