A city-wide design exhibition titled "Chair Expedition" is set to open across Fukuoka from May 15 to May 31, 2026. The event spotlights chairs from the remarkable collection of the late interior designer Keiji Nagai, who was based in Fukuoka.
During his lifetime, Nagai spent more than half a century amassing approximately 25,000 design products, establishing himself as a world-class collector of rare standing. This exhibition draws from that extensive collection, placing one iconic chair at each of 20 venues across the Tenjin area—including ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. and CASSINA—for a limited-time display.
Rather than a conventional chair exhibition, the event is framed as a "Chair Expedition"—an adventure centered on seeking out, encountering, and learning about iconic chairs. The city of Fukuoka itself serves as the stage, offering visitors a new kind of appreciation experience.
Basic Information
Period: May 15 (Fri) – May 31 (Sun), 2026
Venues: Main venue: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 1F
CASSINA-IXC / Ropponmatsu Tsutaya Books / Kyushu University Ohashi Campus / ACTUS Fukuoka / Dazaifu Tenmangu / Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art / ALSO MOONSTAR / H.L.D. / MUJI Canal City Hakata / Iwataya Main Store / THE CONRAN SHOP / Fukuoka Asian Art Museum / Kashiwagi Craft / JR HAKATA CITY / DICE&DICE / Nishitetsu Grand Hotel / INTER OFFICE / HIGHTIDE / PROPOSTA (in no particular order)
Admission: Free
Organized by: General Incorporated Association Product Design Institute / Kyushu University Faculty of Arts and Science, Ogata Yoshito Laboratory
Co-organized by: K&DESIGN COLLECTION / ONE FUKUOKA BLDG.
Supported by: City of Fukuoka / URBANIX Inc.
※ A separate admission fee is required for the Dazaifu Tenmangu treasure hall only.
※ Opening hours and closures are in accordance with each venue's schedule.
Related Event 1: Stamp Sticker Rally
Original maps are available at each exhibition venue. Collect stickers at each location to receive prizes and raffle tickets. Raffle prizes include a chance to win a masterpiece chair provided by Cassina ixc. (one winner only), as well as original merchandise and items from the Keiji Nagai Collection such as posters and books. Full details are available on the official website and social media.
Related Event 2: Special Program at BUNSHODO HOTEL
The archive hotel and café BUNSHODO HOTEL—built around the concept of "connecting through books"—is hosting a special program featuring furniture from Nagai's collection, including pieces held by MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art, New York), along with related materials and design books placed in guest rooms for a limited period.
Two room types are available: a "guest room" for overnight stays, and a "display room" available as a library space. Guests who book a stay between April 30 (Thu) and May 31 (Sun), 2026, can receive a 20% discount by entering the coupon code "NAGAI2026" at the time of booking. See the dedicated website for details and reservations.
Dedicated website: https://www.ncollection.info
Official website: https://www.chairexpedition.com
