Step Into a Dream of Light and Shadow at UNWIND GALLERY – jobin. Exhibit Now Open

UNWIND GALLERY: A Fantastical Hotel Gallery Where Classic Architecture Meets Contemporary Art

Located in Otaru, Hokkaido, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is a boutique hotel with a unique sense of style. It was originally built in 1931 as the first hotel in Hokkaido exclusively for foreign guests, known as the former Ecchūya Hotel. The building’s historic charm and architectural beauty remain, enhanced by bold renovations that add a modern sensibility.

The hotel hosts a variety of initiatives that reflect its appeal to both domestic and international guests. As part of these efforts, the hotel opened UNWIND GALLERY in November 2022. This in-house gallery showcases seasonal exhibitions by artists connected to Hokkaido, with the goal of sharing Hokkaido’s culture with the world.

The gallery is set in a fantastical space that preserves the Art Deco style popular in the West from the mid-1910s to the 1930s. Here, visitors can enjoy contemporary artworks. The gallery also offers “Art Pairing Cocktails” inspired by the themes of the exhibitions, giving guests a chance to experience the art through taste and scent. Some works are also available for purchase. In addition, the gallery hosts events that allow guests to meet the artists, making art feel even more accessible.

To make art easy and enjoyable for everyone — whether you’re staying at the hotel, live in the area, or are just passing by during your trip — admission is free and open to all.

jobin. Solo Exhibition: “Emitting Light”

The 12th installment of this gallery series features the first solo exhibition in Otaru by sculptor jobin., who is based in Sapporo, Hokkaido. jobin. studied architecture as a student and even chose “Otaru” as the theme for their graduation project, showing a strong emotional connection to the city. They were deeply moved by Otaru’s winter scenery — where historic buildings are covered in pure white snow and glass floats glow gently with candlelight.

jobin. creates unique three-dimensional installations, mainly mobiles that sway with the air, using materials such as wire. For this exhibition, themed “Creating and Emitting Soft Light That Feels Like a Beloved Memory Across Time and Place,” jobin. presents 25 pieces — 11 previous works and 14 new ones. These include “akari” (light-themed) pieces made with wire structures combined with paper.

In “Emitting Light,” the gentle movement of the mobiles, their shapes and soft lights, and even the shadows they cast under the gallery lights all come together to form a delicate, immersive experience. During the day, sunlight gently filters into the space. At night, the soft lighting and cool summer breeze of Otaru create a completely different atmosphere. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, the exhibition offers unique moments to enjoy. Step into the world of soft “light” and “shadow” that jobin. has created — a perfect stop during a summer stroll through Otaru or a relaxing date.

Art Meets Taste and Aroma. Deepen the Art Experience with Pairing Cocktails

One of the unique features of UNWIND GALLERY, located in the shared space of the hotel, is that the hotel’s bar — Bar Ignis Otaru — is also part of the gallery experience. To help guests fully engage their senses while enjoying the exhibition “Emitting Light” by jobin., a special Art Pairing Cocktail inspired by “light” is available for a limited time during the exhibition.

This cocktail features tequila — perfect for summer — combined with rhubarb liqueur, which has a unique aroma and tangy flavor. It’s a sophisticated drink with a refreshing bitterness. A stem of thyme floats upright in the glass, gently swaying like a mobile, adding a delicate visual touch. Enjoy this drink slowly, taking in its soft light-like color and graceful motion.

Exhibition Overview

• Exhibition: jobin. Solo Exhibition “Emitting Light”
• Location: 1st Floor, UNWIND GALLERY, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
• Exhibition Period: June 1, 2025 (Sunday) – August 30, 2025 (Saturday)
• Admission: Free
  • The gallery is open to everyone — whether you’re a local or just stopping by during your travels — with the hope that more people can enjoy art casually and freely. (Open daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM)

About jobin.

jobin.

Sculptor
Born in Ebetsu City, lives in Sapporo
jobin. creates a floating, airy world of art through mobiles, lighting, illustrations, and words — all used to express subtle elements like wind, light, and shadow. Centered in Sapporo, jobin. has held major solo exhibitions in locations such as the Glass Pyramid at Moerenuma Park, Sentpia in Higashikawa, and the Mombetsu City Museum. In recent years, jobin. has also exhibited across Japan, including at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, and in cities such as Tokyo (Ginza), Osaka, Beppu (Oita), Kiryu (Gunma), Kyoto, and Hiroshima. jobin.’s work has also been featured in TV commercials and Instagram content for ROYCE’ Chocolate.　Instagram

UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU

Originally built in 1931 as Ecchūya Hotel, the first hotel in Hokkaido catering to international guests, this historic building has witnessed significant events. It served as an officers’ club during wartime, was later requisitioned by the U.S. military, and is now designated as an Otaru City Historical Landmark and part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Modern Industrial Heritage Sites.

Following years of closure, the building was reborn as a boutique hotel, preserving its historical charm while incorporating bold, modern renovations. UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is committed to fostering organic exchanges between travelers and the local community, offering a distinctive blend of classic elegance and contemporary creativity.

Hotel Information

• Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
• Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
• Access: Approximately 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station via JR Hakodate Line, followed by a 10-minute walk to the hotel

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