In conjunction with the Mori Art Museum's 10th anniversary exhibition, "LOVE: Forms of Love in Art," a cafe expressing the worldview of artist Yayoi Kusama, "My Beloved Me," opened in Roppongi Hills. It will be open until August 18th.
The cafe's interior and menu are inspired by Kusama's work. Yayoi Kusama herself attended the opening party. "I feel spiritually uplifted by the mysterious movement of the polka dots hanging from the ceiling and the polka dot patterns on the walls. I have dedicated myself to art as a messenger of peace and love. Painting is so important to me that I would commit suicide if I didn't paint. I sincerely and deeply hope that we can eliminate conflict, poverty, and terrorism as soon as possible, and that many people can live in peace of mind. Welcome today," she said, before reciting four of her own poems.
The menu featured key themes from Kusama's signature works, such as "polka dots," "pumpkin," and "macaroni." The "Polka Dot Gateau Chocolat" (1,200 yen) comes in two colors, with a planned daily limit of 30 of each color. Other dishes include the "Pumpkin Mousse and Caramel Patissiere Dot Roll Cake" (700 yen), "Cream Cheese Sauce with Three Types of Short Pasta" (1,200 yen), and "Three Original Squash" served in original "Polka Dot Glasses" (700 yen each). The adjacent merchandise shop will be selling limited-edition dinner plates featuring Kusama's paintings. Only 500 of each size, large (33,600 yen) and medium (26,250 yen), are available, each with a serial number. Additionally, the "My Favorite Me" tea set, consisting of a cup and saucer, pot, and cake plate, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Roppongi Hills, and the original artwork for the dinner plate, scheduled for release this summer, are on display at the A/D Gallery in Roppongi Hills (until August 20th, admission is free). Other events planned include DVD screenings and special events featuring artists connected to the artist.
Roppongi Hills is currently also home to two other attractions featuring Kusama: Polka Dot Garden, a beer garden at the Big Roof Plaza, and Polka Dot Terrace, a standing bar at 66 Plaza.
