A Splash of Summer: Live Entrance Painting by Artist Kazunobu Nakamoto at slash kawasaki
Step through the doors of slash kawasaki and you’ll find yourself in a one-of-a-kind space that offers a break from the ordinary.
This summer, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new “entrance painting” created in collaboration with artist Kazunobu Nakamoto. The colorful piece now adorns our hotel entrance.
His signature style blends pop-art charm with just a hint of mischief—featuring characters that are not quite human, but undeniably adorable.
This is Nakamoto’s third time painting the slash kawasaki entrance, bringing a fresh seasonal energy to our hotel once again.
In this article, we dive into the artist’s thoughts behind the piece, along with all the little details he carefully crafted—shared through an in-depth interview.
Q1. This time, we asked you to create a piece based on the theme of “early summer fireworks.” How did you approach this idea?
Nakamoto:
I knew I wanted to make the fireworks big and bold.
Then I imagined some unique, quirky characters enjoying the show.
slash kawasaki isn’t your typical business hotel—it has a real personality. It’s unmistakably part of LIVELY HOTELS, and I wanted my art to reflect that individuality in a fun and cohesive way.
This is my third time painting the entrance here, and every time, I keep that fusion in mind.
Q2. What were some of the details you focused on while creating this piece?
Nakamoto:
One of the great things about illustration is how it can bring out the unreal.
Rather than drawing fireworks as they are, I wanted to add some joy and personality—so now they have faces! I even hid the “/” symbol from slash in the design.
The characters watching the fireworks include cute monsters and animal-hybrid beings.
On the right, one of them is taking a silly selfie with a firework.
On the left, others are chatting, eating ice cream—just enjoying the night.
I also worked in some subtle references to the hotel:
You’ll find elements like “5th” and “5” for slash kawasaki’s 5th anniversary, “s” for slash, and “20th” and “GA” for Global Agents, the operator celebrating its 20th year.
Q3. You’ve stayed with us several times and often share your experiences on Instagram. What do you personally love about slash kawasaki?
Nakamoto:
It’s a fun, creative hotel with so much personality.
I love how it offers unexpected ideas—like this painting project. You won’t find that in typical business hotels. The staff is also top-notch: professional but with their own flair.
I enjoy the little details, like the stylish floor numbers by the elevators, or the seasonal decorations around the hotel logo outside. It’s all done with such subtle care, and you can feel the team’s love for the brand. The whole hotel feels like an art space.
You can tell the staff are enjoying their work—and that joy spreads to the guests.
Also, the breakfast is amazing. Honestly, I could skip breakfast at other hotels, but here it’s a must. The room service is great, too. I haven’t tried the restaurant at night yet, but I’m looking forward to it. (Even the restroom on the first floor smells nice—just saying!)
And the projector in the room? Incredible. Whether you stream something or mirror your phone, it turns your stay into something really special.
One more thing—the reclining bed is life-changing. I’m not a morning person, but thanks to the alarm feature, I wake up smoothly and can make it to that delicious breakfast on time.
There’s so much I love about slash kawasaki…
Oh, I haven’t been to the rooftop terrace yet—but that’s something to look forward to next time!
And there are still services I haven’t experienced yet. That’s what makes this hotel so exciting.
Thank you, Nakamoto-san, for your passion and thoughtful words.
Your comments truly capture what makes staying at slash kawasaki special—our whole team was moved by your story.
If you’re visiting this summer, don’t miss this unique piece of live entrance art, where Nakamoto’s vibrant imagination meets the one-of-a-kind personality of slash kawasaki.
Artist Profile
Kazunobu Nakamoto
A designer and illustrator known for bold, colorful works featuring whimsical non-human characters with irresistible charm and a touch of darkness. Despite having a cat allergy, he lives with a cat. Love wins over the itch. Instagram