Zushiya Ginza Main Store, operated by Hoshi Co., Ltd. (brand name Alte Meister; headquartered in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture), a manufacturer and retailer of Buddhist altars, ritual objects, and memorial tablets, is holding the special exhibition "A Moment of Calm: Hanasanga 'Forms of Prayer'" through Sunday, August 9.
Exhibition Overview
- Title: A Moment of Calm: Hanasanga "Forms of Prayer"
- Dates: Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Venue: Zushiya Ginza Main Store, B1 Gallery
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the final day); closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Admission: Free
The works are created by Hanasanga, an artist unit made up of three members: Michiko Hanawa, Reiko Yamaguchi, and Masako Kawahara. All three previously worked as designers at a major paper company, and for years they have continued to create warm, inviting hariko (traditional Japanese papier-mâché) pieces that use classic techniques while fitting naturally into modern living spaces.
The zodiac animals and lucky charms the three create are brimming with a charm that brings a smile to anyone who sees them. This marks the gallery's second exhibition by the group, following their first in 2023. This time as well, the exhibition features Jizo and Bosatsu figures created around the theme "Forms of Prayer," and visitors have praised the gentle, comforting expressions on their faces.
New works are also on display this time, including Fujin and Raijin (the Wind God and Thunder God) and Fudo Myoo, along with everyday pieces such as photo frames adorned with daruma dolls and beckoning cats. Enjoy a relaxing moment that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
About Hanasanga
In 1991, at the request of Japan Create at the Seibu Department Store Ikebukuro branch, the three began creating hariko dolls that carried on the tradition while bringing a fresh sensibility to the craft. Since then, they have held the "Hanasanga Hariko Exhibition" every December at Matsuya Ginza, centered on zodiac animals and lucky charms, continuing to this day. The name "Hanasanga" is formed by taking one kanji character from each of the three creators' surnames.
Zushiya Ginza Main Store
- Phone: 03-3538-5118
- Address: Ginza 105 Building, 1F/B1, 1-4-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Access: 3-minute walk from the Kyobashi exit of JR Yurakucho Station / 2-minute walk from Exit 5 of Ginza-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line / 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyobashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (located along Namiki-dori street; look for the green sign)
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Website: https://www.zushiya.com/
