It looks like painter Ryoji Nakajima’s “Animal Parade Cultural Festival” will be held at Space R, located along Chaya Sakura-dori in Chayanomachi.
Source: Space R official website
Painter Ryoji Nakajima’s “Animal Parade Cultural Festival”
This solo exhibition features Ryoji Nakajima, an artist known for his simple, charming animal illustrations, which appear on merchandise, book covers, and many other media. This year, the event will bring together merchandise, calendars, diaries, and original artwork, as well as exclusive items available only during the exhibition.
When is it?
Friday, October 23–Wednesday, November 18, 2026
11:00–18:00 (closed Thursdays)
Where is it?
Second floor of Space R (a combined café, lifestyle shop, and gallery)
Here’s the location on the map ↓
The address is 1-12 Chayanomachi, Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture.
What will be happening?
- A wide selection of Ryoji Nakajima’s merchandise, calendars, diaries, and original artwork 🐘
- Limited-edition items available only during the exhibition 🎁
- Mr. Nakajima will be at the gallery during the event 🎨
- Workshop: “I’ll Draw Your Pet” (reservation required)
- Mr. Nakajima will draw your beloved pet on the spot and present you with the framed artwork. The session takes approximately 90 minutes 🐶
- There will be seven sessions in total: October 25 (Sun.) at 11:00 and 14:00; October 31 (Sat.) at 11:00 and 14:00; November 4 (Wed.) at 13:00; and November 8 (Sun.) at 11:00 and 14:00 🗓️
- Workshop: “I’ll Draw Your Favorite Animal” (no reservation required)
- Purchase at least ¥500 worth of “Animal Parade” or Ryoji Nakajima merchandise and follow the Instagram account to receive a free signature and animal doodle on the spot 🐱
- There will be four sessions in total: October 25 (Sun.), October 31 (Sat.), and November 8 (Sun.) from 13:30 to 14:00, and November 4 (Wed.) from 14:30 to 15:00 ✏️
- Visitors are welcome to browse the shop freely during the workshops 👀
How much does it cost?
Admission is free
“I’ll Draw Your Pet”: ¥22,000 (tax included; one pet per A5-size artwork, including framing)
※Additional charges may apply if you would like two or more pets included.
“I’ll Draw Your Favorite Animal”: Free (with a purchase of ¥500 or more and an Instagram follow)
What is the capacity?
The “I’ll Draw Your Pet” workshop is limited to one participant per session. Registration will close once all sessions are filled, with priority given to first-time participants. Reservations are limited to one session per person.
There is no limit on the number of participants for “I’ll Draw Your Favorite Animal,” although you may have to wait depending on how busy it is that day.
How to apply
No application is required to enter the venue.
Reservations are required for “I’ll Draw Your Pet.” Apply using the reservation form below.
https://www.secure-cloud.jp/sf/1395714805gUUzoJuL
For inquiries about applications, call TEL: 0797-38-2949 (Space R, Attn: Matsuda). Inquiries are accepted from 11:00 to 18:00, except Thursdays. If the person in charge is unavailable, they will return your call.
No reservation is required for “I’ll Draw Your Favorite Animal.” Participants will be accepted in order on the day.
Visitors are also asked to bring their own shopping bag, such as a reusable bag or paper bag. Some items may sell out.
For event details, click → here
Final thoughts
Ryoji Nakajima’s illustrations may be simple, but they have a boldness and charm that appeal to both children and adults. His work has reportedly also been used in picture books and healing art for pediatric wards. Most of all, we’re really intrigued by the workshop where he draws your pet right before your eyes. Each session is limited to just one participant, so if you’re interested, be sure to book early!
あなたの好きな動物は？
