Gallerist Shinji Nanzuka has been an important fixture in Tokyo’s contemporary art scene since the launch of NANZUKA gallery. In these present times, however, NANZUKA has quickly risen as the premiere name in the world of modern art in Japan, especially since the opening of its offshoot, 2G studio. 2G was launched in 2019 and was designed by Daniel Arsham who was also the inaugural artist to show at the space alongside famed illustrator and sculptor Hajime Sorayama.

This year, 2G was the epicenter of some choice exhibitions. The location hosted an impressive roster of artists that included Harumi Yamaguchi and YOSHIROTTEN for a showcase of powerful female illustrations, James Jarvis with his comical designs and collaborative duo FriendsWithYou for its “Little Cloud” show alongside Medicom Toy.

NANZUKA’s main gallery was also a hotspot this year for some must-see presentations. Hajime Sorayama’s “Sex Matter” exhibition which had works exploring the intimacy between robots was shown at the space. A tie-in show called “Trex” by Sorayama was exhibited at 2G studio at the same time. Artist Daniel Arsham returned to work with the famed gallery to present “Relics of Kanto Through Time” which featured Pokémon-inspired sculptures in Arsham’s signature eroded style. Additionally, artists Jonathan Chapline and Keiichi Tanaami also brought their awe-inspiring works to NANZUKA this year.

With 2020 such a big year for the art dealer, NANZUKA also upped the ante with an ambitious move involving food. 3110NZ by LDH Kitchen is NANZUKA’s art gallery by day and Michelin-star sushi restaurant by night thanks to a long-term tenure involving Sushi Saito. The space, designed by Daniel Arsham’s Snarkitecture features cavernous walls, streamlined lighting and cobble stone flooring. Frequent collaborator Hajime Sorayama designed the futuristic typeface logo for the gallery/restaurant.