As the end point of the Silk Road, the ancient capital of Nara was a place where Eastern and Western cultures intersected, resulting in the blossoming of new values and art. However, throughout its history, the city has also experienced drought, famine, and epidemics such as smallpox, as well as the construction of the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple, and later turbulent times such as the abolition of Buddhism and religious confusion.

These elements form the soil of Nara, creating its appeal as a city where different cultures and identities intersect in complex ways.

However, this silence can sometimes slow down the breathing of new life. This exhibition focuses on the unique metabolic speed of this ancient city and the challenges facing young artists in the art industry.

In the art world, even talented young artists face limited opportunities to shine, and few opportunities to showcase their work. Furthermore, the difficulties of surviving as an artist are becoming increasingly apparent. This exhibition explores the challenges and solutions to these problems. Numerous works will be on display that connect the ancient capital of Nara with the art world and unlock its potential. The artists' works will translate the landscape and culture of the ancient capital into the language of contemporary art, conveying new appeal from Nara. Through a dialogue between ancient and modern times, these works will serve as a window connecting Nara's past and future.

Nara Tsutaya Bookstore is located in the heart of Nara City, but it is a place that offers a calm atmosphere and a rich time, and its interior decoration and collaborations that suit the character of the area seem to be its special features. The exhibition will be held in our space, which is an affinity with the concept of this exhibition, "The relationship between the ancient capital and art," and is a bookstore that is highly conscious of nature and has the ability to attract customers.

The theme of this exhibition, "East Wind Thawing," is the first seasonal word in the 72 seasons, a seasonal calendar that divides Japan's seasons into five-day periods and describes changes in the weather and flora and fauna.

In Japan, it has been said since ancient times that the New Year begins when the ice on rivers and lakes begins to melt due to the warm winds blowing from the east.

Through this theme, we hope to breathe new life into the city of Nara and allow people to experience the charm and intrigue of contemporary art.

The venue will be decorated with warm art that utilizes a variety of styles and forms of expression, and that will ease the chill of your senses like an east wind.

Furthermore, even though it is a bookstore, visitors will be able to casually appreciate the art and interact with it. Art and the audience will become one, and new emotions and realizations will emerge.