Hyatt Regency Tokyo

2025

Photo by：Miki Shimamura

 The title Kōbai Nioi (紅梅匂) means "the fragrance of red plum blossoms" and also refers to a Heian- era layered kimono color combination. The word "niou" (匂) signifies not just scent but also an intangible atmosphere and the transition of colors. This painting uses a traditional urasai-shiki (裏彩色) technique, where vibrant base colors seep through layered washi paper, creating delicate gradations and depth. By blending upper and lower layers, the past and present intertwine, generating unexpected visual expressions.　Located near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and adjacent to Shinjuku Central Park, The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a place where tradition and cutting-edge technology blend together. This piece, which is conscious of both tradition and modernity, embodies the dynamic contrast between order and chaos, and stillness and movement, that is characteristic of Shinjuku. Art, like tradition, is not merely a preservation of the past but a foundation for new creation. I hope this work fosters reflection and inspiration for all who encounter it.