The popular cafe "Cafe RawLife" in Minami Ward, Sapporo, is currently hosting the first solo exhibition by woodblock artist wahee, "Wahe Woodblock Exhibition 'waheexhibition'." Wahee's woodblock prints depict familiar motifs with a stylish sense of form. 15 new and old works are on display at the venue, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the art in the calm atmosphere of the cafe.

"Sunny Side Up" 2025

After studying graphic design at a vocational school and working at a printing company in Tokyo, Wahee began to see many ukiyo-e and woodblock prints around 2016, and began self-taught woodblock printmaking. He started out by making New Year's cards, and after returning to Sapporo in 2019, he began working on his creations in earnest.

"Onigiri" 2025

In his works, which have been selected for the CWAJ Contemporary Print Exhibition, a gateway for new printmakers, and the Awagami International Mini Print Exhibition, he has attempted to incorporate the ukiyo-e technique of "kimedashi" (now called embossing), which raises the surface of washi paper. This technique is used effectively in works such as "sunny side up" and "onigiri" in this exhibition, and the plump texture is eye-catching. There is one more new piece (with an unexpected motif!) using this technique on display at the venue, so be sure to check it out.

Exhibition view at the gallery attached to the cafe

Wahee says the smooth curves that characterize his work are "influenced by the design of electric guitars, which he has loved since childhood." While his early motifs were mostly adorable animals, in recent years his work has expanded to include food and people, and he has recently turned his attention to inorganic objects. The work used in the flyer follows this same trend, drawing inspiration from his favorite typography and drainage pipe designs.

A new work using the flyer on display in the cafe. Works and woodblocks are also displayed in the back.

A merchandise corner with postcards (800 yen) and T-shirts (5,000 yen)

"The owner of Cafe RawLife has a charming personality, and I thought it was a good place to bring children (for my first solo exhibition). I'd be happy if people, both children who haven't started learning printmaking at school and those who have, could just drop in and enjoy the prints that exist," says wahee. His works have a flavor that seems to synchronize with the relaxed time that flows at Cafe RawLife, so be sure to stop by and relax.