Since opening in 2017, Ginza Six has consistently showcased large-scale art installations in its lofty atrium. The current exhibition by contemporary Japanese artist Kenji Yanobe might just be the shopping centre’s cutest yet.
The Big Cat Bang features a host of astronaut cats scattered throughout the premises. But the pièce de résistance is the showstopping centrepiece suspended from the atrium ceiling, built around a rocket in homage to Taro Okamoto’s ‘Tower of the Sun’, the iconic symbol of the 1970 Osaka Expo.
On display since April 2024, the exhibition is now in its final leg, set to end on September 7 (with the atrium piece on view until September 6). So if you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time, as Ginza Six has planned a few special events for its last hurrah.
At Ginza Six’s main entrance on Chuo Street, you’ll find a new sculpture titled ‘Ship’s Cat Cosmo Red’. This astronaut cat strikes a pose as if it’s about to launch into space.
If you want to own an astronaut cat yourself – and really, who wouldn’t – make sure to visit the Big Cat Bang: The Final pop-up shop on the fourth floor between September 3 and 7. You can pick up a ‘Ship’s Cat (Muse)’ mascot figure for ¥49,500.
For something more affordable, opt for the blind capsule toys (¥500), which feature three figurines: two versions of Ship's Cat and Giant Torayan, the robot sculpture by the same artist on permanent display at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka.
Kenji Yanobe will also be present for an autograph session on Saturday, September 6, at the pop-up. The icing on the cake, however, comes after the exhibition ends: a lottery will be held to give away an actual piece from the ‘Ship’s Cat (Flying)’ installation in the atrium. Details are still to come, but it’s likely this giveaway will be limited to Japan residents, or maybe even those living in Tokyo.
The astronaut cats, officially known as Ship’s Cat, were created by Osaka-born Kenji Yanobe in 2017. He envisioned them as mythical creatures that protect travellers on their journeys. Yanobe’s work often carries a strong social message, but with a dose of whimsical humour. The Big Cat Bang exhibition at Ginza Six marks his first major work in this evolving Ship’s Cat series.
For more information, check Ginza Six’s website.
More from Time Out Tokyo
Film adaptation of cult indie game ‘The Exit 8’ due for release in late August
Roppongi Hills is being taken over by Doraemon for the summer
This exhibition of Japanese art at Haneda Airport features a traditional mobile tea room
Catch 150,000 sunflowers in bloom at Yokosuka Soleil Hill for free
I’m donut? opens a speciality gluten-free doughnut shop in Shibuya
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.