Key Facts
• June 20, 2025: Exhibition opens at TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Kikuyo, ends June 29.
• Kohei Higashi, 41, uses newspapers to sculpt lifelike animal figures.
• Approximately 30 pieces displayed, including dolphins, coelacanths, and a 30 cm whale.
• Higashi began using newspapers as a material during his time as a kindergarten art instructor.
• Designs incorporate headlines and colors, such as red for a rooster’s comb.
• Visitors can see live demonstrations from June 27 to 29.
• Animals feature local references like “Aso” and “Yamaga” to highlight Kumamoto.
• Parent-child visitors enjoyed interactive activities, such as crafting rabbit faces.
• Higashi aims to create “local works” emphasizing Kumamoto’s identity.
Summary
Kohei Higashi, a sculptor from Kikuchi City, is showcasing his unique newspaper-based animal sculptures at TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Kikuyo until June 29, 2025. The exhibition features around 30 lifelike pieces, including aquatic creatures like dolphins and coelacanths, as well as a 30 cm whale. Higashi, a graduate of Sojo University’s Faculty of Arts, began using newspapers as a material during his time as a kindergarten art instructor, valuing their accessibility for children. His designs creatively incorporate headlines and colors, such as red for a rooster’s comb, to bring the animals to life. The sculptures also include local references, such as “Aso” and “Yamaga,” reflecting Higashi’s dedication to creating works rooted in Kumamoto’s identity. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations from June 27 to 29, and interactive activities have been a hit with families. Higashi’s innovative approach highlights the potential of everyday materials in art while celebrating his local heritage.
