Antique Kimono, Reimagined — ikasu Art Exhibition at THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN
53 Works on Display and for Sale, Including 44 New Pieces by Rena Okamoto
THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN will be hosting an art exhibition featuring antique kimono transformed into contemporary textile works, in collaboration with ikasu, a kimono upcycling project. The exhibition runs from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Upcycled Art from Vintage Kimono, in Harmony with the Hotel Lounge’s One-of-a-Kind Space
Russian-born textile artist Rena Okamoto has been gaining recognition both in Japan and abroad for her work that bridges traditional craft and contemporary design through the use of antique and vintage kimono — known in Japanese as jidai kimono. Her upcycling art project, ikasu, breathes new life into worn kimono and obi sashes, honoring the history and memories woven into each piece while reimagining them as modern textile works.
This exhibition draws inspiration from the hotel’s second-floor communal lounge, with all 53 works — including 44 newly created pieces — built around the theme “light and color bleeding into the city at night.” Through layers of delicate textiles and the passage of time, each work expresses a quiet radiance through depth of material and color. Some pieces even incorporate antique paulownia wood tansu drawers as frames — a thoughtful touch that makes full use of every element of the material.
Throughout the exhibition period, the entire hotel lounge will be transformed into a gallery space, creating an atmosphere unlike any ordinary visit. The open, airy setting that defines THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN provides the perfect stage for the art and the architecture to speak to each other — an experience we hope you’ll enjoy.
In keeping with the hotel’s concept of being “a place where people, information, and opportunity converge from around the world,” this exhibition is open to everyone — not just hotel guests. During the exhibition period, LIVERALLY, the second-floor lounge that is normally exclusive to guests, will be open to the public, welcoming locals and curious visitors alike. A seasonal floral art installation celebrating spring will also be on display throughout the hotel.
We hope to see you at THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN.
Exhibition & Public Lounge Access — Details
Dates: Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 / 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Venue: LIVERALLY, 2nd Floor Lounge, THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN
Admission: Free / No reservation required
＜A Selection of Works on Display＞
Works Available for Purchase
All works on display are available to purchase.
Stroll through the lounge wrapped in the colors of spring, take your time with each piece, and find a favorite on the spot. You never know what might catch your eye.
Price: From ¥40,000 per work (tax included)
Rena Okamoto
The artist behind the textile art project ikasu. Born in Russia, Rena Okamoto graduated from an art school in Russia, then earned a bachelor’s degree in Japanese cultural studies and a master’s degree from the University of Tokyo. After working as a creative professional at a major Japanese advertising group, she went independent. A certified kimono meister, she creates works that bring together traditional craft and contemporary design through the use of antique and vintage jidai kimono.
Her work has been shown internationally, including at World Art Dubai and the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai, as well as at galleries and hotels throughout Tokyo. In December 2026, she is also set to exhibit in Miami during Art Basel Miami.
THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN is a lifestyle hotel defined by its elegant yet playful design. With terrace rooms and a bar overlooking Tokyo Tower, it offers a truly luxurious urban escape.
Hotel Information
Hotel Name: THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN
Address: 1-5-23 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
Phone: 050-3733-9296
Access: 3-minute walk from Azabujuban Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line / Toei Oedo Line) 10-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line)
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