Hanamizuki Rose-chan

ISHIKAWA Kazuharu's brand new artwork in Tokyo! This work has been installed at Tamagawa Takashimaya Department Store in Futako Tamagawa. By using yarn, he created " Hanamizuki Rose-chan " which is a mascot character celebrating the 55th anniversary of Tamagawa Takashimaya. He did live painting on the 11th of November on the birthday of the store and completed this.

Access: Exit from the west side of Futako Tamagawa Station. Then you'll find the unique facade of the department store designed by a renowned architect KUMA Kengo on the left. You can find Ishikawa's artwork on the ground floor of the main building.

Rose is the symbol flower of Takashimaya, long established department store in Japan.

"Rose-chan " was born as a mascot character in 1962, designed originally by the painter TAKAOKA Tokutaro.

"Hanamizuki Rose-chan" is a special version of Rese-chan, which is dressed in Hanamizuki(dogwood), symbol flower of Futako Tamagawa where Tamagawa Takashimaya is located and designed by UMEKAWA Kimiko, who won the internal competition among the staff of Takashimaya.

Ishikawa was commissioned to create this "Hanamizuki Rose chan" by using yarn.

He says, "When I was told to express " Hanamizuki Rose-chan freely, I felt that it's like a relay. I've been passed the baton of history, and the relationships built between the department store with its customers, town and environment.

Live drawing is like an improvisation.

White wall, spot light, comfortable atmosphere created by the staff members of Takashimaya and smiles of audience at the venue have had some great influence on my line.I made this artwork with with the respect for everybody who loves Rose-chan ."

I hope you visit and enjoy my Hanamizuki Rose-chan. Thank you.