"OWL," likely to be the final solo exhibition of Nishiyama Tadao, a woodcarver living in Higashikawa, Kamikawa, Hokkaido, will be held at Midori-so Gallery in Nakameguro, Tokyo, from December 16th to 24th.


Nishiyama Tadao, born in Hyogo Prefecture, is now 80 years old. In his youth, he worked as an accessory designer in Asakusa, Tokyo, but then, fleeing a certain event, he moved to Akan, Hokkaido, and began working as a woodcarver. He has lived in the area for the past 30 years, deepening his connections with the Ainu people who have taken root there and teaching them everything he knows.

After leaving Akan, he moved between Sapporo and Furano, embarking on a variety of successful businesses, including galleries, restaurants, and hotels. He settled in Higashikawa, where he currently lives, along Hokkaido Route 1160, and opened a shop called "Owl Shop," selling owl-themed woodcarvings.


This exhibition traces its origins to the relocation of freelance photographer Yasunaga Centaurus to Higashikawa with his family. One day, Nishiyama Tadao showed him the piece featured most in this exhibition: a candlestick made from the iron parts of an old, discarded hoe, saying, "I haven't shown this to anyone yet, but I'd love to hear your thoughts."

Yasunagi was so impressed by the candlesticks' appearance that he wanted more people to see and experience them, and this exhibition was born. The exhibit features several actual candlesticks, 50 photographs of the Yasunaga Centaur, as well as the owls that Nishiyama Tadao continues to carve and create from wood.

The radical attitude of Nishiyama Tadao, reflected in his candlesticks, seems to be the polar opposite of the idyllic serenity of Hokkaido and a rebellion against modern Japanese consumerism. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience his work.