Introduction
On May 11, 2025, ART RUNWAY® OTSU 2025 was held in front of JR Otsu Station in Shiga, Japan.
This event presented a new form of art performance in which artists themselves walk the red carpet holding their own creations.Sixteen artists—crossing generations and genres—gathered from across Japan (including Tokyo, Wakayama, Mie, Gifu, Kyoto, and Aichi), appearing in the streets with their artworks and leaving a vivid impression on all who witnessed it.
The event was also part of the “Kioku Isekai Geijutsusai” (Memory Otherworld Art Festival), embodying the theme of “turning the town itself into a museum.”
The performance emphasized deep connections with the local community and offered a unique, immersive artistic experience
From Setup to Opening
At 10 a.m., staff and participating artists gathered in front of JR Otsu Station.
However, the one person who didn’t arrive on time was the director, Toyomi Dubai.
The reason? A portion of the stand banners ordered for the artists had arrived with defects, requiring a last-minute reprint. Due to international shipping delays, the replacement banners didn’t arrive until the very morning of the event—at a delivery center in Ogoto. Toyomi rushed there personally to retrieve them and made it back to the venue just in time, joining the team with a slight delay.
Despite the time constraints, preparations steadily moved forward: setting up the red carpet, checking the sound system, and confirming the performance order.
As curious onlookers began to gather, the artists carefully arranged their works, sharpening their focus for the upcoming show.
▪ Stage Setup
A specially prepared stage backdrop and banner stands printed with each artist’s work were arranged, and an 18-meter-long red carpet was carefully rolled out.
Since there were tactile paving blocks in the area, part of the carpet was adjusted and cut to accommodate them.
Before our eyes, the familiar square in front of JR Otsu Station was transformed into a runway stage.
Working together smoothly, all the artists took part in setting up the space, bringing the vision to life.
Flyers designed especially for this day were handed out one by one to passersby near the station.
The moment had come—showtime was just around the corner.
▪ Performance Progression
At exactly 2:00 p.m., the powerful call of MC Toyomi Dubai echoed through the square, signaling the grand opening of ART RUNWAY®.One by one, the names of the artists were announced, and each stepped forward with confidence, holding their own artwork as they walked down the red carpet.
As music—carefully selected to match each artist and their work—played in the background, it was as if beams of light from the heavens illuminated the space, transforming each moment into a unique and radiant stage.
The event featured a two-person MC team, with Jay handling the English segments.
The bilingual artist calls in both Japanese and English conveyed a sense of global reach and inclusivity.
In that moment, the artist’s message, presence, and artwork came together in real-time.
The audience, captivated and fully engaged, could not take their eyes off the runway.
The atmosphere was electric—an energetic vortex seemed to shake the entire JR Otsu Station square.
▪ After the Runway
Following the runway performance and a swift teardown, many visitors stopped by the exhibition booth to share their impressions and heartfelt messages.
Among the voices were words of praise like, “That was an incredible show!”—leaving a lasting impact on both the artists and staff.
Director Toyomi Dubai was interviewed by television media, while the participating artists took part in official photo shoots and interviews for the upcoming official photo book.
Art Runway is more than just walking the red carpet.
Each step taken is part of a greater journey—one that aims to bring the passion of artists to the world.
With that vision in mind, preparations for the next chapter are already underway.
▪ A Message from Director Toyomi Dubai
The idea for Art Runway first came to me on February 12, 2025.
Just four days later, at LOVERSARTS BAR where I casually mentioned, “I’m thinking about doing something called Art Runway,” a photographer immediately raised their hand and said, “I want to join!”
That moment sparked everything into motion.
We applied to showcase at the Kioku Isekai Art Festival, built a website, recruited artists, prepared stage sets, and designed flyers—what followed was a whirlwind of activity.
Now, just under three months later, that dream has become reality.
Even now, it feels a little surreal.
I’m filled with gratitude for all the incredible artists who supported this project.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
