Botteghe di Tokyo at TENOHA Milano, designed and curated by Laura Micalizzi, inspired by L’Ippocampo’s “Tokyo Storefronts” book showcasing artwork by Mateusz Urbanowicz.
Tokyo Storefronts by L’Ippocampo
The Exhibition
"Botteghe di Tokyo" is an exhibition that celebrates the intersection of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary art. The exhibition was held at the TENOHA building in Tokyo and featured the work of several artists, including Laura Micalizzi and Mateusz Urbanowicz.Laura’s work consists of the architectural design of the space including an exciting customer journey through an imagined Tokyo dotted with painted shopfronts. Urbanowicz's work, on the other hand, depicts the city's traditional storefronts through watercolor paintings that capture the essence of traditional Japanese architecture.Customer Journey
Guests exchange their online ticket for the "Tegata." Holding this sacred wooden token, they traverse a red bridge, venturing into the otherworldly. The journey starts in the ethereal Yuki Onna room, a snowy landscape bathed in moonlight. Stepping through a haunted house portal, they embark journey through a labyrinth of tales and chambers. Each story is accompanied by captivating explanations and immersive effects. As the expedition draws to a close, guests pass through the Fox corridor, composed of sixteen diminishing Torii arches, creating an awe-inspiring perspective. Finally, they reach the gift shop, inspired by the Ikiryo story. Along the way, guests encounter fragrances, sounds, and special effects like gusts of wind, wisps of smoke, and interactive lights.
Social Media
Social media posts reached hundreds as numerous visitors shared pictures of themselves, capturing the essence of a virtual journey to Japan. We offered the opportunity of wearing Japanese uniforms so that people could feel more immersed in the space, some passionate Japan lovers also showed up wearing Manga outfits of their own.
