Hey all! I want to show you a cool place in Tokyo you probably never heard about!
Thanks to Tim for writing this article.
What is Pixiv?
Pixiv is one of the largest online communities for Japanese creators with a heavy emphasis on illustrators and art.
It is a platform that allows illustrators to post their artwork and receive feedback from fans via a rating system and comment section.
Photo Credit: Kantoku
Works are organized by an extensive tag structure and a large variety of genres.
In addition to illustrations, the site also has a growing section for manga and novels (in Japanese). In addition, the platform is used to hold both user-organized and official contests.
Pixiv launched back in 2007 and has grown into a massive global community with over 20 million members, 43 million submissions, and receives over 3.7 billion page views monthly.
The website is entirely free to sign up and use.
What is the pixiv WAEN GALLERY by Twin Planet x pixiv?
The pixiv WAEN GALLERY is an art gallery that mainly holds popular Japanese illustrators’ solo exhibitions.
They display the works of various creators of all genres, from photography to three-dimensional objects.
The gallery focuses on Japanese cultural areas like art, fashion, music, and illustrations. Additionally, they sell original goods, hold live drawings, talk shows, autograph sessions and provide a place where illustrators and fans can interact.
It is jointly operated by pixiv and Twin Planet, which is a marketing/talent agency.
Many upcoming Japanese illustrators have their “first” solo exhibit at the WAEN GALLERY such as Shigure Ui (yes, the VTuber).
Keep in mind though, the exhibits change regularly lasting about a month on average. Before you plan your trip, check out their website to see who is being showcased!
Click here for the official website.
How much does it cost?
Most exhibits are free to enter and the goods range in price.
They will have a list of goods for each exhibit on their website, so you can check what items you are interested in and how much it will be.
How to get there?
The gallery is close to Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ and Omotesando Station.
Address: 5-46-1 Jingumae, TWIN PLANET South BLDG Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Open 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm 7 days a week (Holiday hours may change.)