On October 21st, Isetan Shinjuku opened an event showcasing the achievements and appeal of Rene Naito, "Roots of Kawaii: Rene Naito - Past, Present, and Future," from the second basement floor to the sixth floor of the main building. The opening ceremony held on the same day to commemorate the exhibition featured guests Junko Koshino, who was friends with Rene Naito, and Mirei Kiritani. Known as "Roots of Kawaii," illustrator Rene Naito (1932-2007) established the "Kawaii culture"—a girls' pop culture—in Japan, instilling values such as freedom and equality and a positive lifestyle in young girls of the time through her illustrations. The sixth-floor event space will feature approximately 200 exhibits, including original illustrations and designs from Rene Naito's early creative career through to his final years. Also on display are publications and photographs from the time, popular merchandise, and homage works by young creators. Additionally, a special eat-in corner called "RUNE PARLOUR," a limited-time parfait shop created in collaboration between fruit specialty store Shinjuku Takano, Isetan Shinjuku, and Rune, offers fruit parfaits (strawberry, mango, cantaloupe, apple, and pear, ¥2,400 each), which were Rune's favorites. On the first floor, The Stage, in collaboration with Kyoto-based illustrator Yuki Nakamura, who was heavily influenced by Rune, has created a virtual space called "Rune Naito's Room." Items on display include a dyed pouch (¥10,000) by Kyoto yuzen brand meib, a head dress (¥58,000) and a party bag (¥54,000) from naeclose, an accessory shop based in Sanjo, Kyoto. The second-floor TOKYO Kaihoku (Tokyo Liberation Zone) is themed "A Scene I've Seen Somewhere," and features dresses, skirts, scarves, and guitar-shaped clutch bags, all of which express Rene's unique worldview with themes like "Flowers and Guitars." Each floor of the main building also features items that showcase Rene's charm and reflect his unique style. Koshino, who attended the exhibition's opening ceremony for the press on the same day, commented, "I kept saying 'kawaii' (cute) at the Rene exhibition. Rene has firmly retained the image of the modern, charming, and cute style of the 1950s. Both Rene and I were fascinated by Isetan Shinjuku back then, and it's wonderful that an exhibition can now be held in such a location. I can only imagine how happy Rene would have been if he had been here."

In addition, Hiroshi Onishi, president of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, said, "As part of our efforts to actively promote things that are highly rated in Japan, we decided to implement this project because we believe that 'Kawaii' like this also appeals to the five senses of people from overseas. We would like to continue projects like this as part of global content, not as a passing fad, as a form of 'Cool Japan' that only Japan can create."
【Event Information】
"Roots of Kawaii 'Naito Rene' Exhibition ~Past, Present and Future~"
Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, B2F to 6F (6th floor event venue closes at 6pm on the 26th)
Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Dates: October 21st to 27th (6th floor event venue closes at 6pm on the 26th)
Time: 10:30am to 8pm *Last admission 30 minutes before closing each day
Admission fee to the Naito Rene Exhibition on the 6th floor of the Main Building: Adults and university students: 1,000 yen (tax included), high school and junior high school students: 800 yen (tax included), elementary school students and younger: free