The "Design Ah! neo" exhibition opened on April 18, 2025, at TOKYO NODE in Toranomon Hills, showcasing a dynamic exploration of design through the lens of everyday actions. This exhibition is a concept expansion of the popular NHK E-tele program "Design Ah! neo," which has previously attracted over 1.16 million visitors.
Located 220 meters above ground and covering 1,500 square meters, the TOKYO NODE gallery offers stunning views of the Tokyo Tower. The exhibition runs until September 23, 2025, and features 35 interactive works centered around verbs such as "aru-ku" (walk), "tabe-ru" (eat), "suwaru" (sit), and "motsu" (hold). Each exhibit invites visitors to engage with design in a playful and thought-provoking manner.
Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by a massive hanging letter "A," symbolizing the theme of the exhibition, which is further emphasized by a "garden of verbs" that illustrates various daily actions. The first section, themed around "walking," includes an engaging piece called "Walking Catalog," where participants pose as instructed, creating a flipbook effect that visually represents the act of walking.
Subsequent rooms explore different verbs through interactive installations. For instance, "Tabe-ru" features an experience where guests can feel as if they are being picked up by oversized chopsticks, while "Suwaru" showcases a variety of chairs made from familiar materials that invite visitors to reconsider their functionality. The installation "Motsu" displays around 1,500 handles, prompting visitors to think about the concept of holding.
In addition to these exhibits, the gallery includes multimedia experiences such as a 360-degree video room featuring a dance film with the letter "A" and an interactive piece called "DO IT!" where the movements of participants sync with on-screen visuals.
The exhibition's creative team includes renowned figures such as Takumi Sato, the overall director, who emphasized the importance of nurturing a design mindset from a young age. Sato stated, "We all collaborated to find the theme of 'actions,' as there is nothing in daily life that is unrelated to design. I hope visitors will leave feeling that 'design is interesting' and that it has the power to enrich the world."
Visual director Yugo Nakamura expressed pride in the quality of the works presented, remarking, "I believe we've created a collection of outstanding pieces. The exhibition is designed for children, but it doesn’t treat them as children, making it enjoyable for adults as well." Music director Shuta Hasunuma added that the collaboration with top-tier creators has resulted in an exhibition that is both engaging and enriching.
The exhibition is not just about viewing; it’s an immersive experience that encourages active participation. Visitors will find interactive sections that echo the themes of the TV program, allowing them to enjoy familiar content in a new way.
As part of the exhibition's celebration, a special shop on the 45th floor will sell official catalogues and over 60 types of original merchandise. Additionally, a unique menu featuring 15 special items inspired by the exhibition will be available at cafes and restaurants throughout Toranomon Hills.
One of the highlights is the "CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025 at ROPPONGI HILLS," which commenced on April 18, 2025, and runs until April 29, 2025. This event features selected sake breweries and exclusive gourmet offerings. Yamamotoyama's Fujie Tea Shop will participate from April 23 to April 28, providing limited-edition dishes that incorporate domestic nori seaweed and high-quality tea.
Visitors can enjoy hand-rolled sushi, houji tea dashi chazuke, and unique sweets that highlight the flavors of Japanese cuisine. The event will feature 10 sake breweries daily, with a total of 120 breweries participating over the course of the festival.
Tickets for the "Design Ah! neo" exhibition are priced at 2,500 yen for general admission, 1,200 yen for high school and junior high school students, and 1,000 yen for elementary school students, with free entry for children under two. Reservations are recommended, especially for the special experiences available during the event.
As the exhibition continues, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and design, encouraging visitors of all ages to engage with the world around them through the lens of everyday actions. Whether through interactive installations or the delightful offerings at the special shops and cafes, the "Design Ah! neo" exhibition is set to inspire and entertain throughout its run.
For more information, visit the official exhibition website at https://exhibition-ah-neo.jp/.
