The world of Ryohei Yanagihara, an illustrator who loves ships, expands!
Enter an artistic space!
YOKOHAMA ART SPOT FILE
Near the sea, ships, and the works of an author who loved Yokohama
Yanagihara Ryohei Art Museum
The Yanagihara Ryohei Art Museum opened on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, inside the Yokohama Port Museum, where the Nippon Maru, a sailing ship symbolizing Minato Mirai, is preserved and open to the public. It is the only museum in Japan with a permanent exhibition of the works of illustrator and painter Yanagihara Ryohei (1931-2015), who created Uncle Torys, the popular mascot character for Suntory's Torys Whisky, a symbol of the Showa era. The decision to open the museum in this location, where Yanagihara was friends with him, was based on his unparalleled love of ships and the desire of his family to make the 4,848 pieces he donated to Yokohama City in 2016 "available for many people to enjoy."
The Nippon Maru sailing ship is moored right in front of the museum. Incidentally, the "Full Sails Display" event, where all sails are unfurled to show the Nippon Maru how it looked when it was in service, is also held here on a regular basis, and is well worth seeing! (For details on the event dates, click here !)
Now let's head to the Yanagihara Ryohei Art Museum.
From the entrance to the permanent exhibition room, you'll find the Yokohama Port Museum! It's a good deal to purchase a combined ticket that allows you to visit the Nippon Maru, Yokohama Port Museum, and Yanagihara Ryohei Art Museum all at once.
[Single-theater ticket] Adults ¥400, 65 and over ¥250, elementary, junior high, and high school students ¥200 [Combined ticket] Adults ¥600, 65 and over ¥400, elementary, junior high, and high school students ¥300 (Only elementary, junior high, and high school students have a special price of ¥100 on Saturdays for both single-theater and combined tickets)
The exhibition room is divided into four themes: "Ryo. and Ship Paintings," "Illustration and Design," "Uncle Tris and Advertising," and "Special Feature Exhibition."
"Ryo. and Ship Paintings" zone. "Ryo." is the signature that Yanagihara wrote on his works. The exhibition mainly features paintings of ships created using the original paper cutting method of cutting and pasting colored paper, as well as oil paintings, watercolors, and lithographs.
There is also an exhibition that recreates Yanagihara's studio, where he is surrounded by his children (works).
"Illustration and Design" Zone. Here you can learn about the diverse activities of illustrators and graphic designers, including graphic design, illustrations, animation, manga, bookbinding, and picture books.
These are the things that Yanagihara loved to wear. Jackets, turtleneck sweaters, hats... they're so stylish. There are also cameras, glasses, etc... Just like his artwork, you can't help but stare at them carefully.
The animation of Uncle Tris is also wonderful!! (If I had my way, I'd like to watch it while drinking alcohol...♡)
This is an exhibition on "How to Make Monochrome Papercuts." Papercuts, which are used for monochrome printing such as newspapers and magazines, are made using black, dark gray (actually moss green), and light gray (actually a dull pale yellow-green) paper. Three sheets are stacked on top of each other, a rough sketch is made in pencil, and then the pieces are cut out with a single-edged razor blade... Come to the venue and read the captions to find out the secrets behind the work.
The "Uncle Tris and Advertising Zone" showcases his work from his time in the advertising department at Kotobukiya (now Suntory), which marked the beginning of his career as an illustrator and graphic designer, through Uncle Tris' advertising copy, illustrations, posters, novelties, and more.
(Dads of the Showa era! Doesn't this ad bring back memories?)
The "Special Exhibition" zone, which was open on the day of the visit, featured an exhibition titled "60 Years of Uncle Tris," which featured illustrations and novelties to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Uncle Tris's birth in July 2018. Currently, "Ships and Ports of Yokohama" is being held in its place.
Uncle Tris toothpick holder (1970s)...I want it!!
Leaving the impressive exhibition room behind, we headed to the Museum Shop, where we were greeted by Uncle Tris holding a flag. Immediately inside, we found a newly opened Ryohei Yanagihara merchandise corner.
There will be a wide selection of items, including lithographs, original frame stamp sets, postcards, mobile cleaners, mugs, picture books, and more, all featuring Yanagihara's works!
To commemorate your visit to the museum, purchasing a postcard is a must!
Ryohei Museum postcards: 108 yen each (tax included)
This is what caught my eye. It's a pin badge of Uncle Tris dressed as various characters. There's a Sailor, a Shinsengumi, a Daikoku, and even a Western Uncle Tris! (lol)
Pin badges ¥648 each (tax included)
The works of Yanagihara Ryohei, who loved ships, are being displayed in a place where ships are moored right in front of him... As I looked at each piece, I realized how thoughtful it was. If you visit Minato Mirai, try walking towards the sailing ship Nippon Maru. There, you will find the cute, stylish, and very cool "Uncle Tris" waiting for you.
