Nobuhiko Tanaka × 雨晴/AMAHARE
"NO YAKIMONO, NO LIFE !"
The melodies flowing through Nobuhiko Tanaka's studio are always deeply emotional.
Born from his insatiable curiosity and profound devotion to yakimono, his diverse expressions continue to captivate the hearts of chefs around the world.
In this exhibition, alongside his Utsuwa in vibrant "POP" colors, we are proud to feature a compelling lineup of his "PUNK" creations—pieces so striking they can no longer be considered mere B-sides!
A life without the yakimono of Mr. Tanaka, who cherishes both music and ceramic art so deeply, is simply unimaginable!
NO YAKIMONO, NO LIFE !
◇ Dates
雨晴/AMAHARE Friday, April 24 – Tuesday, May 5, 2026 *Closed on Wednesdays
Online Exhibition https://shop.amahare.jp/
Friday, May 15, 2026, 18:00 – Sunday, May 17, 2026
*The special viewing page will be available from 18:00 on Friday, May 15.
◇ Artist Attendance
Friday, April 24
◇ Venue
雨晴/AMAHARE @amahare_shirokanedai
5-5-2 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
03-3280-0766
info@amahare.jp
◇ Reservations
No advance reservations are required for this exhibition. Please feel free to visit at your convenience.
Photo / Yuka Yanazume @yuka_yanazume
Styling / Megu Okazaki（AMAHARE）
Text / Kenichi Kaneko（AMAHARE） @amahare_kaneko
Always, Emotional
This marks the third solo exhibition of Nobuhiko Tanaka at 雨晴/AMAHARE.
Four fleeting years have passed since his first exhibition, titled "POP or PUNK?".
As a sequel to that defining moment, we proudly present "NO YAKIMONO, NO LIFE !".
Mr. Tanaka's creations are inherently rhythmic and profoundly emotional.
His signature series, “Irono Utsuwa” (meaning “colored Utsuwa”), are like uplifting POP songs—whether quietly admired or gently held in everyday life, they offer a subtle, comforting harmony to our daily moments.
No Longer the B-Side
If there is a particular favorite at 雨晴/AMAHARE, it is Mr. Tanaka's "B-side" creations.
Grounded in unwavering technique yet intricately twisted in expression, they possess a distinctively PUNK essence.
It is as if they are boldly asserting, "Why am I so unconventional? Yet, isn't it captivating?"
This time, these seemingly rebellious pieces—though truly gentle at heart—take the stage in unprecedented quality and volume!
Indeed, it promises to be a thrilling LIVE performance for us all.
We will no longer let them be called B-sides!
Still, We Love POP
Teapots, mugs, and those beloved free-cups.
Mr. Tanaka delicately balances his own artistic desires while gracefully fulfilling the expectations of those who hold his work.
Look closely—when these five Utsuwa are lined up side by side, do they not shine like a brilliant POP band?
But We Also Want to Hear PUNK
In truth, we have a deep affection for the PUNK-spirited pieces that the modest Mr. Tanaka occasionally sends us as quiet experiments for our permanent collection.
When visiting his studio before the exhibition, we carefully gathered one-of-a-kind creations that were hidden deep within the shelves, as if shyly avoiding the gaze of others.
Brimming with a rebellious spirit yet possessing a supreme melodic sense, these pieces will undoubtedly captivate you, just like an unforgettable song.
Beyond the Formal: サドウグ (SADOGU)
For long-time admirers of Mr. Tanaka, the use of Katakana notation for tea utensils—stylized as チャワン (CHAWAN), フタモノ (FUTAMONO), and ミズサシ (MIZUSASHI)—is a familiar and endearing touch.
By eschewing the formal Kanji characters for "Tea Utensils" (茶道具), he reflects his humble reverence for the profound traditions of the Tea Ceremony. To him, these are サドウグ (SADOGU)—a personal, contemporary interpretation that bridges tradition with his own artistic rhythm.
The harmonious pairing of such サドウグ is a true mixture of POP and PUNK.
To be welcomed and entertained with tools that pulse with such vibrant, live energy—what a delightful way to share a moment over tea.
NO YAKIMONO, NO LIFE !
The allure of Mr. Tanaka's creations extends beyond Utsuwa, beautifully encompassing flower vases and art objects.
Placing his work in a living space brings a radiant elegance, much like flowers in full bloom. It is as if a resonant anthem echoes gracefully throughout the room.
A life without Mr. Tanaka's yakimono, which transforms ordinary days into profoundly emotional moments, is simply unimaginable!
NO YAKIMONO, NO LIFE !