A woodblock print exhibition by painter MAJIO, “Ushitora Magio Print Exhibition,” is currently being held at Ohata-cho’s specialty coffee shop, Ushitora Coffee Shop (Ohata-cho, Mutsu City). .

MAJIO is a Tokyo-based painter from Hirosaki. In addition to drawing and printmaking, he has a wide range of expressive activities such as video works and providing formative works for outdoor festivals. From 2012 (Heisei 24) to 2015 (Heisei 27), the “Yagen Onsen 400th Anniversary Festival Minakada Festival” held in Ohata, Mutsu City, and the “Ohata Hachimangu Shrine Togyo Procession 300” held in 2018 (Heisei 30). Year Memorial Minakada Festival" as a general director.

This exhibition will display 16 works selected from the print calendar "Seasonal Tour", which has been in production for 8 years this year. In addition to decorating the store with works that express spring, summer, autumn and winter with various designs and motifs for each year, independent prints will also be exhibited.

Mr. MAJIO has been friends with Mr. Shuichi Yamada, the owner of the venue, Ushio Coffee, for 10 years. “The year after the earthquake, I met Shuichi through a mutual acquaintance. Shuichi, who is also active as a designer, shared his background and passion for manufacturing. I know everything about sweet and sour,” recalls MAJIO.

The mural painted in the store is a collaboration between MAJIO and Ushio Coffee, which was completed in July 2021. “The desire to do something together with MAJIO took shape,” said Mr. Yamada. "Because it's not just a picture, but the parts are also hung, it's a work that can be enjoyed by transforming it according to the season," he said. Currently, the parts are removed and the prints are displayed on the mural.

According to MAJIO, each season, woodblock prints are completed by hand for about 12 hours a day, including sketching, carving, and printing, over the course of two weeks. It will take about two months to complete everything. Calendars are made to order, and about 130 to 150 copies are produced each year. Regarding the calendar for 2024, he says, "Right now, I'm at the stage where I have various images in mind. As I make each year, my standards become higher, so I'm looking forward to seeing what it will look like."

At the exhibition, you can purchase prints, as well as goods such as postcards and stickers.

MAJIO says with a smile, "I want you to enjoy your time while drinking coffee and listening to background music, rather than setting yourself up just because it's art." MAJIO will be in the gallery on June 24th.

Business hours are from 12:00 to 18:00. Closed Mondays and Thursdays. Until June 25th.