An exhibition by woodcarving bear artist Yuki Takano, titled "Yuki Takano Exhibition: kuma-chan," will be held at B GALLERY on the 5th floor of BEAMS JAPAN (Shinjuku).
2026.05.02
An exhibition by woodcarving bear artist Yuki Takano, titled "Yuki Takano Exhibition: kuma-chan," will be held at B GALLERY B GALLERY the 5th floor of BEAMS JAPAN (Shinjuku) from Saturday, May 16th to Monday, June 8th, 2026.
In recent years, Hokkaido's wood-carved bears have been attracting attention not only in the world of crafts but also in the arts. Yuki Takano, a leading contemporary artist of this craft, has set up his studio in Shikaoi Town, which offers a panoramic view of the Tokachi Plain, and continues to create his work there. He creates wood-carved bears that have evolved uniquely based on Hokkaido's traditions, as well as wood-carved mountains that depict the Tokachi mountain range, which can be seen from his studio.
His style is extremely distinctive, and among his representative works, the "Kumachan" series has gained widespread popularity as a unique style that combines the cuteness and abstractness of the bear carvings from Yakumo Town, which are considered two origins of wood carving bears in Hokkaido, with the roughness that is characteristic of wood carving bears made by the Ainu people.
This exhibition will feature the first public display and sale of soft vinyl figures from the "Kumachan" series. The lineup includes two versions: the first model, the Precog Blue version, and a BEAMS JAPAN Special order orange version, both available in limited quantities. Each piece is numbered by the artist himself.
Regarding the sale of the "Kuma-chan" soft vinyl figures from the "Yuki Takano Exhibition," which will be released on Saturday, May 16th, please review the following information and cooperate in adhering to the rules.
Regarding the sale of soft vinyl figures
<Sales Terms>
Both the Precogni Blue version and the BEAMS JAPAN Special order Orange version are limited to one per customer.
<Sales Method>
Sales will be conducted using a "numbered admission ticket distribution system."
【整理券配布時間】
May 16, 2026 (Sat) 10:00-10:30
*Admission tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Starting at 10:00, our staff will guide you in order, so please line up according to their instructions.
*If you line up before 10:00 AM, your queue will be invalid. Please follow the staff's instructions and line up within the designated time.
*If you do not arrive at the designated meeting time indicated on your numbered ticket, you may not be admitted.
*Distribution of admission tickets will end after 10:30.
<Regarding the implementation of free admission>
After the numbered ticket entry period ends, we may implement "free entry" if there is still stock available. Whether or not this will be implemented and the start time will be announced on the official BEAMS JAPAN Instagram account "@beams_japan" as soon as it is confirmed.
*Please refrain from checking stock by phone.
*Please note that sales methods and various rules may be subject to change depending on the circumstances on the day.
In addition, we are also planning to hold a lottery sale for our wooden bear sculptures.
*Please see below for details.
Furthermore, during the exhibition period, we plan to hold talk events where we will discuss the background of the production and the thoughts behind the creation.
*Please see below for details.
Please take this opportunity to take a look.
Wooden bear sculptures available by lottery.
Lottery application period: May 16, 2026 (Sat) 11:00 AM - June 8, 2026 (Mon) 8:00 PM
Winner notification email: June 12, 2026 (Friday)
・You can apply at the B GALLERY on the 5th floor of BEAMS JAPAN (Shinjuku) during the application period indicated.
・Only one entry per person is allowed.
Please check the venue for details regarding the artwork and other information.
talk show
- Date and time
- May 16th (Sat) 19:30-20:30
- Lottery reception date and time
- May 2nd (Sat) 11:00 - May 7th (Thursday) 23:59
If you would like to participate in the talk show, please fill out the application form below.
This will be a valuable opportunity to hear about the thoughts and feelings behind the artwork, so please join us.
[Notes regarding the event]
・We regret that we cannot allow accompanying guests to enter.
・The gallery will be temporarily closed during the talk show.
Depending on the crowd situation, we may implement entry restrictions.
Please note that the start and end times may change depending on the progress of the event on the day.
Profile of woodcarving bear artist, Yuki Takano
Born in Hokkaido. Wood carving bear artist.
During his university years, he studied reproductive biology while also interacting with top artists active on the world stage. After graduation, he remained involved in art, and after joining "graf," he worked in furniture making based in Osaka. After becoming independent, he moved to his hometown of Hokkaido and began learning bear carving on his own. He currently exhibits his work at art fairs and solo exhibitions, and has received high praise from art collectors.
Solo exhibition
2024 "Someone is there" Precog Gallery (Tokyo)
2023 "Star" Gallery ON THE HILL (Tokyo)
2022 "Kumayama 2022" Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore (Tokyo)
2021 "Kumayama" CIBONE (Tokyo)
- Event period
- 2026 May 16, 2026 (Sat) - June 8, 2026 (Mon)
- Holding store
- 「ビームス ジャパン（新宿）」5F〈B GALLERY〉