Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Osaka Art & Design 2026 is like a treasure hunt. This four-week-long creative festival features a host of exhibitions, events and activities across the city's main hubs, from Umeda, Nakanoshima and Abeno to Honmachi, Shinsaibashi and Namba. And it's not just museums and galleries either. You'll find visual arts, installations, product designs and more in a wide variety of spaces including department stores, train stations, commercial facilities and home interior shops. Since its debut in 2023, the city-wide festival has become a staple in Osaka’s annual art calendar. Last year, it attracted 760 creators with exhibits scattered across 65 venues.  The theme for 2026 is 'Infinitize Your Creation/Imagination', which aims to channel the global inspiration from last year's Osaka Expo into new creative expressions. You can expect works by emerging Japanese and international artists and designers across various disciplines. Highlights include installations by contemporary artist Yuichi Hirako at Hankyu Umeda Main Store's display windows on the concourse floor (May 20–June 22) and the Festival Plaza (May 27–June 8) on the 9th floor, as well as a group exhibition inspired by the mythical phoenix at Daimaru Shinsaibashi (May 29–June 25). Kenji Yanobe will showcase his beloved ‘catstronaut’ character, Ship’s Cat, at two venues. A newly configured parent-and-child installation, ‘Cosmo Red’ and ‘Little Cosmo Red’, will make its debut at Grand Green Osaka South Building's 'Valley...

One of Japan’s most distinctive ceramic styles, Kutani ware originated in the mid-17th century in the historical Kaga region of present-day Ishikawa prefecture. This painted Japanese porcelain is highly prized for its vivid colours and intricate hand-painted imagery. The iconic Seisen Kiln in Kaga City – a Kutani ware specialist founded in 1868 – unfortunately fell dormant following the death of its master potter in 2014. Now, ongoing revival efforts are bringing the historic site and its legacy back into the spotlight. Japanese ceramics collectors and design lovers can admire the exquisite works produced by this kiln at a pop-up exhibition on the seventh floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store. Here you’ll find new pieces created by contemporary artisans using preserved and restored antique molds salvaged from the heritage kiln. Alongside these modern recreations are rare, original pieces that were produced more than 50 years ago. Best of all, many of the pieces here are up for sale, with prices starting from ¥9,900. So whether you’re a serious collector or simply looking to elevate your home with unique Japanese craftsmanship, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to learn more about – and even own a piece of – the beautiful Kutani ware.