2026.6.9
Art Gallery Cafe WHAT CAFE to Host “WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.46: U40: Emerging Directors & Curators Under40” Starting Saturday, July 4, 2026
Fourteen directors and curators select and present one featured artist and their works
WHAT CAFE, an art gallery cafe operated by Warehouse TERRADA, will host "WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.46: U40: Emerging Directors & Curators Under40" from Saturday, July 4, through Monday, July 20, 2026.
This group exhibition features gallery directors and curators under the age of 40 who are active in the art industry, presenting artists and their works from unique perspectives. Each of the 14 participating directors and curators has selected one featured artist to design a dedicated exhibition space. Visitors can explore a diverse array of works selected through individual sensibilities, all reflecting contemporary themes such as the digital-native era, globalization, diversity, and environmental issues.
This exhibition marks the second edition of “WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.39: Emerging Directors & Curators U40,” which was held in December 2024. Since its launch in 2020, WHAT CAFE has consistently generated opportunities to showcase and sell works of up-and-coming artists. By providing a collaborative platform for the next generation of directors, curators, and artists, WHAT CAFE aims to further vitalize and contribute to the growth of the art industry.
Overview
Title: WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.46: U40: Emerging Directors & Curators Under40
Exhibition dates: Saturday, July 4, – Monday, July 20, 2026
Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (close at 5 p.m. on the final day)
Venue: WHAT CAFE (2-1-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002)
Entry fee: Free
Official website: https://cafe.warehouseofart.org/exhibition/what-cafe-exhibition-vol-46-edcu40
The exhibit may close during the dates above. Please see the WHAT CAFE website for the latest information.
Director or Curator x Artist
– Ginga Ogishima (FOAM CONTEMPORARY) x Hayato Isozaki
– Mariko Hosoki (YUGEN Gallery) x Kei Imai
– Li Jingwen (Curator) x Kashiu
– Kitanishi (Eunoia) x Haruka Kano
– Kohei Yamada (AWASE gallery) x Dahye Kim
– Junpei Kuroda (keshik.jp) x Kuwabara
– Nanami Sudo (Producer) x Kentaro Shimoyama
– Kosuke Hayashi (GALLERY HAYASHI + ART BRIDGE) x Yukiko Shinkai
– Midori Tanaka (GALLERY SCENA.) x Tsukika Takado
– Toshimitsu Komoda (Marco Gallery) x Koutaro Tsuda, Daisei Suzuki
– Saori Shibata (SHIBATA ART LLC) x Tobias Ross-Southall
– Aoi Kaida (Director) x Masato Nakano
– Ryo Takahashi (Pause One) x Hayato Machida
– Yuko Ajiki (WHAT CAFE) x Haru Matsuura
In random order
Event Information
WHAT CAFE will host a series of exhibition-related talk events on Saturday, July 4, 2026, aimed at deepening the understanding of contemporary art and enhancing the exhibition experience.
Title: EDC Talk Event
Date and time: 2 – 4 p.m., Saturday, July 4, 2026
Admission: Free (no advance registration required)
Venue: WHAT CAFE (2-1-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002)
Official website: https://cafe.warehouseofart.org/event/edc_talkevent_0704
- 2 – 3 p.m.: "New Ways to Support Up-and-Coming Artists and the Role of Contemporary Collectors"
Featuring guest speaker Shinya Obata, who researches design management and curation at the Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University, this session will present new ways to enjoy art in the coming era through case studies on contemporary collectors and initiatives to support up-and-coming artists.
Speakers: Shinya Obata (Associate Professor, the Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University) and Yuko Ajiki (WHAT CAFE)
Supported by: Curation Theory, Practice and Management Endowed Chair of the Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University
- 3 – 4 p.m.: "Cross Talk by Directors and Curators"
Participating directors and curators from the exhibition will share the highlights of the show and unique features of exhibiting artists, followed by a discussion on the current state of both the Japanese and global art scenes.
Speakers: Saori Shibata (SHIBATA ART LLC), Nanami Sudo (Producer) and Kohei Yamada (AWASE gallery)
Facilitator: Yuko Ajiki (WHAT CAFE)
About WHAT CAFE
A space to exhibit and sell artworks by up-and coming artists in Japan. It boasts 800 square meters of luminous, expansive floor space. Works on display are constantly updated––a year-round flow of beauty and cool from the new pantheon of creative visual geniuses. This maximizes the opportunities for artists to be seen, be loved, and sell their work. We hold workshops, events, and meet-ups related to the exhibitions, so you can dive deep and meet like-minded art lovers. It’s a space to experience art with all five senses while enjoying a meal and drinks.
https://cafe.warehouseofart.org
- For Inquiries about the exhibiting works / WHAT CAFE
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WHAT CAFE
E-MAIL : what_cafe@terrada.co.jp