From Friday, June 20, 2025, Jinny Street Gallery—a street-side art gallery in Jingumae 2-chome—will launch a new exhibition titled “Yuasobi”, meaning playing in hot water. This special event is a collaboration with Kosugiyu Harajuku, a public bathhouse that opened last year in the new landmark shopping complex Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “Harakado”.
This exhibition invites you to rediscover the essence of traditional Japanese sento (public bath culture) through the lens of contemporary art. 33 artists, both from Japan and abroad, present works centered on the theme of “hot water,” exploring its cultural and sensory significance through various mediums including photography, illustration, installations, and 3D objects.
Jinny Street Gallery, located in the heart of the Jingumae 2-chome shopping district, was founded on the belief of “connecting people and the city through art.” As an open and accessible street-side gallery, it strives to create a welcoming space for everyone—mirroring the inclusive spirit of the traditional sento (Japanese public bath), where people of all ages and backgrounds gather.
By honoring local culture while embracing new forms of expression, Jinny Street Gallery and Kosugiyu Harajuku aim to create places that feel both comforting and creatively inspiring. This collaborative exhibition is a natural extension of that shared mission—small yet meaningful spaces that connect people and community.
The “Yuasobi” exhibition brings together 33 artists from Japan and around the world. Their works—ranging from photography and illustration to installation and sculpture—explore the meaning of sento and the idea of “playing in hot water” through fresh and personal perspectives.
Each artist delves into the theme using their unique sensibility and style, transforming the streetlamps of Jinny Street Gallery into a lively and expressive stage. Among the participating artists are creators selected through an open call for Kosugiyu Harajuku visitors, adding an even deeper layer of local connection and community involvement to the exhibition.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Kosugiyu Harajuku, the gallery invites visitors to stroll from art to bath and back again—creating a relaxing and immersive experience that blends everyday life with creative discovery. This gentle fusion of art and hot water is the true charm of “Yuasobi.”
To mark this occasion, a limited-edition “Jinny Lemon Sour” drink will be sold exclusively at Kosugiyu Harajuku. Created in collaboration with Open Book, a lemon sour specialty bar in Shinjuku, the drink features a uniquely designed label inspired by the themes of both Jinny Street Gallery and Kosugiyu.
From June 20 (Fri) to June 22 (Sun), a special collaboration bath, the “Jinny Street Gallery Lemon Sour Bath” will be held at Kosugiyu Harajuku, blending the post-bath ritual with creative refreshment.
Jinny Street Gallery