Kenji Yanobe Art Pop-up: Exclusive Ship’s Cat Goods in Osaka

Hankyu Umeda Main Store will host a short-term installation and sale by contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe on the 9th floor from May 6 to May 11, 2026. 

Presented as an annex to his show at the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, the pop-up mixes a small installation space with a retail corner offering exclusive collaboration goods and limited-edition art reproductions.

Event highlights

Special installation: Kenji Yanobe’s curated “Amazing Room” annex on 9F

The annex recreates a compact immersive environment that echoes the larger Osaka Nakanoshima exhibition, with site-specific arrangements and windowed display areas designed for close viewing.

The setup blends large sculptural pieces with smaller works and display cases so visitors can experience both Yanobe’s monumental forms and finely detailed objects in one stop.

On the opening day there will be an artist talk at 14:00 and autograph session at 15:00 (first 100; one item per person).
Yanobe’s talk is open to all and will cover the themes behind recent works and the SHIP’S CAT series, followed by a limited autograph session. 

Numbered vouchers will be handed out from 10:00 at the merchandise area; the autograph session is strictly limited to 100 people and each attendee may present one item (book, figure, or similar) for signing.

The first 1,000 customers who buy 2,000 yen plus (tax incl.) of merch receive an original Kenji Yanobe × Hankyu sticker.
The sticker is a small exclusive collaboration item produced for this pop-up; it will be distributed while supplies last and is limited to one per qualifying purchase. Buyers should note that eligibility is per transaction and organizers may set distribution windows during peak times.

Exhibits

Visitors can view recent works including lacquered mixed‑media sculptures and SHIP’S CAT pieces (recurring sailor’s cat motif acting as a guardian figure), plus a version of the long‑running Lucky Dragon model.

The selection ranges from tabletop lacquer works with metal and shell inlay to larger stainless‑steel and FRP sculptures, offering a cross-section of Yanobe’s materials and techniques. The Lucky Dragon model shown is a curated version of the larger concept piece and illustrates Yanobe’s interest in combining industrial fabrication with folkloric and protective imagery. 

Several works on display are available for purchase; gallery staff can provide price and provenance details on request.

Merchandise and dining

Limited‑run Kenji Yanobe × Hankyu tote bags (100 units) and enamel sign reproductions are available.

Merchandise also includes smaller art reproductions, apparel, and limited-edition prints; many items are produced in small runs and may sell out.

Purchases of 2,000 yen (tax incl.) or more at the merch counter entitle the buyer to one entry into the windowed display room, this offers a closer look at select objects behind a controlled viewing environment. During busy periods, staff may impose timed entries to keep the space comfortable and safe.

Ninth‑floor cafes are participating with themed drinks and desserts tied to the pop‑up, from a signature cream soda to a blood‑orange gelato soda, providing easy options for visitors who want to pair the exhibition with a casual bite.

Kenji Yanobe Amazing Room — Annex — Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Dates: May 6 – May 11, 2026
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (final day closes at 5:00 PM)
Location: Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 9th floor — Hankyu Umeda Gallery (Osaka)
Admission: Free (gallery admission); selected works and goods available for purchase
Official Website: https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/index.html
Information and photo source: PR Times