I.C.Agency Inc. (based in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), in collaboration with Saito Kikaku, Career Consulting, and Amita M.C.F., presents 120 artworks commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ album debut at the Hanshin Umeda “Retro Expo.” Running for six days starting April 10, the exhibition will be showcased at Hanshin’s Umeda main store.
Photo – courtesy of I.C.Agency ©
The Retro Expo, spanning April 10 to 15, 2024, offers a platform to address the challenge of preserving traditional crafts in Japan, from Fukushima Akabeko to Noto Wajima-nuri, 13 years post-earthquake. Amidst a resurgence in the use of natural materials in merchandise, the collaboration with the Beatles, iconic figures of the 20th century, aims to rejuvenate Japanese traditional crafts alongside Western cultural innovation.
In anticipation of the Osaka Expo in 2025 and the Osaka Casino IR in 2029, they seek contributions not only from domestic enthusiasts but also from international fans, fostering collaborations that embody the essence of “Japanese” culture. With 2024 marking the globalization of Kabuki, Japanese cuisine, and cultural exports, coupled with the internet’s role in bringing the world closer, there’s a rising trend of what we term the “JAPANESE INVASION.”
