
Though Tokyo’s Omotesando district is known for its chic shopping mall and boutiques, you’d find some delightful surprises in the quiet side streets: Today, we visit the tiny world of art we found at the quaint Opa Gallery. Their exhibition features - matchboxes! PingMag lays hands on this universally known household item as it gets hand-designed by 100 different artists!
Written by Ryoko
Translated by Kevin Mcgue
This charming matchbox art is now already in it’s 7th edition, and visitors ranging from children to senior citizens come to look at and touch the minuscule works. An item that undoubtedly appeals to everybody since it is so common in everyday life. So, how did it all start? We asked Opa Gallery owner Nobuo Fujinami:
“The concept of this exhibition was thought up by illustrator Mao Yamaguchi who had her own gallery and shop,” explains Fujinami. “But the idea was so interesting it was decided to take the concept to other galleries as well. Since there was a lot of interest from visitors, we not only opened another exhibition the following year but decided to start holding it every year,” he says.


Tender matchsticks in bloom painted by Hana Asami.

Ziggy Stardust gives you a light. By Keiko Naisu.

At first Fujinami thought that people would be interested in an exhibition of this kind of art in a gallery in general, but he found people were curious precisely because the art is so tiny. Many visitors were so young, they had never struck a match, as well as older visitors who felt nostalgic when they purused the matches.


Wonderful, atmospheric matchbox design by Shinpei Yamada.

Matchbox menagerie including animal by Azumimushi.
One of the biggest draws of this exhibition is the micro size of its works - they can fit in one single gallery. In the first year, 50 artists participated. This year the individual styles of 100 artists are on display. Quite a lot!

From artist 9square comes this matchbox with a tiny bottle inside, and inside that bottle is a matchstick. Nice and dry, of course!

And from Takayuki Rachi we have a cute picture book inside, telling the epic story of a mouse and a matchbox in length.

“When you open a matchbox, it turns into a three-dimensional sculpture,” explains Fujinami. “This is probably what makes it so nice to design with matchboxes rather than working on two-dimensional canvasses. Also, there is the joy of striking a match and the distinct odour that comes with it. Something you don’t get with a lighter.”

A sturdy coat for chain smokers by Chikako Abe.

A four-panel comic by Shigeru Nakamoto.

Cutsie little blue elephants by Chu Ando.

Beautifully dried leave decor by Amusium.e.
Incidentally, when PingMag went to visit the exhibition, we happened to run into two of the contributing artists: One was Simal Miura, who designs T-shirts with match motifs.
For us, he explains: “I have made tiny works before, but there was always something missing. I did the T-shirts because I wanted to do something you can actually use by wearing. Also, it was too much of a pain to go on making small things.” (Laughs)

Artist Simal Miura showing the Tees with his matchstick motifs.

When each turn comes, its head bursts into flames. Then it is all over, leaving the match worthless. Poor one! This T-shirt design shows these used matches in despair.
The other artist we met was illustrator and sculptor Makoto Osanai, who created match creatures with matchsticks inside matchsticks.
She says: “I have always worked with sculpture. This time I did something quite simple, which is matches inside a match.” (Laughs) “I also made a match picture book, and figurines of the characters in that store. And in case you were wondering, you can actually use these matches.”

Osanai with his sweet match creatures.

… and more of his match cuties.
We bet the artists had quite some fun with the making! But equally the visitors who are allowed to freely touch, grab and hold the matchstick works of art!

Oh! Apple-shaped keyholder with a matching matchbox design. By Shigeko Ueda.

Made from ceramic, this delicate one by Nozomi Magai has a miniature children’s swing on top. For your letter case!

A funny frog takes centre stage, by Kotobuki Okada.

A portrait of gallery owner Fujinami by Nobuo Yahagi.

Thanks to Nobuo Fujinami and all of the 100 contributing artists for showing us the tiny, wonderful world of matchbox art. Next time you’ll be shopping in Omotesando, drop by the exhibition!

Exhibition poster: A tiny world designed in matches by 100 artists.
Info:
Original Match Label & Match Box Art Exhibition Vol.7
Location: Opa Gallery, Tokyo.
Running until Monday, January 28th.
Open every day except Thu from 11am to 7pm.
96 Comments
-
The Ghetto in Shin-Okubo: A Love For Skate CultureCategory: Features Japan Street Art
January 21, 2008 -
Oshiri Kajiri Mushi: Attack of the Bottom Biting Bug!Category: Features Film / Animation Illustration Japan Music
January 18, 2008 -
Chim↑Pom: An Art Squad of 6Category: Features Film / Animation Japan
January 17, 2008
As of December 31, 2008, PingMag and sister site PingMag MAKE are both on extended hiatus, and will not be updated for the foreseeable future. We are eternally grateful for your fantastic support over the years.
Important Notice
31 Dec 2008
Ryu Itadani: A World in Colors
29 Dec 2008
Magibon: From YouTube to Japan
26 Dec 2008
Benedetta Borrometi: Cheerful Paintings for All
24 Dec 2008
Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future
22 Dec 2008
Cute and Pop! 60s Girls Comics by Eico Hanamura
19 Dec 2008
Japan’s Hi-Tech Toilets
17 Dec 2008
Amusement: Gaming Culture Meets Art and Fashion
15 Dec 2008
HIROCOLEDGE: A New Tradition that Blends into Modern Times
12 Dec 2008
Masato Seto: The Sweet Allure of Betel Nut Beauties
10 Dec 2008
-
None found









nice1 !!
: )
Posted by: MiCurseZ on January 25th, 2008 at 1:11 am
First photo I love watch ‘OneMans’ they are so funny and Yamaguchi from ‘Tokio’ is so freaking hot!
Posted by: miguchi on January 25th, 2008 at 4:59 am
That looks awesome! Will it come to London, PLEASE!
Posted by: Badger on January 25th, 2008 at 5:07 am
hello pingMAG!
See my papertoys …
I hope you like it :¬)
http://www.cubotoy.co.nr or
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cubotoy/
Posted by: Angello Garcia Bassi / CUBOTOY on January 25th, 2008 at 5:26 am
You guys should see the portraits of matches that my partner in design Thijs Verbeek made, no photoshop!!! He has lit about 2000 matches to come up with a small selection in which you can actually see faces
http://thijsverbeek.nl/index1.html
Posted by: vos broekema on January 25th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Haha nice! I love the match dolls!
Posted by: Akai on January 25th, 2008 at 7:44 am
[...] from Ping mag has written a feature on Matchbox Art. Share [...]
Posted by: Global Voices Online » Japan: Matchbox Art on January 25th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
sisi, you can make it!~
Posted by: x-noise on January 26th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Quite unique
Posted by: Siggy on January 26th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
the big one is cute
Posted by: Sergey Epifanov on January 29th, 2008 at 6:48 am
i love these, they are so cute! it makes me want to go and make things now
Posted by: dendoo on January 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
[...] via [...]
Posted by: 奇妙的火柴盒艺术(Wonderful Matchbox Art) on January 31st, 2008 at 2:14 am
[...] para visitar el país del sol naciente, siempre podéis leer el artículo que hemos encontrado en pingmag, en donde hablan de OPA y su curiosa exposición: cajas de cerillas ilustradas por más de 100 [...]
Posted by: Barcelona’s Chiringuito » Archivo del weblog » Arte en diminutivo on January 31st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
this is amazing. very inspirational and definitely reenforces the idea that good things come in small packages…
Posted by: nicool on February 5th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
[...] found an old post about match box arts at ping online magazine. Not sure if you need to warm match boxes (isn’t it rather dangerous?) but they are [...]
Posted by: Match box warmer? : not coconut on June 3rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi….
i need a picture who communicate with a matchbox connectivity concept both side hand to hand matchbox hold on human
Posted by: Kamran Khan on September 6th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
[...] Matchbox art Published September 26, 2008 graphic Found on PingMag. [...]
Posted by: Matchbox art « on September 26th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
hi
This is yogesh from India.a passionate philumenist and designer by profession.I was thinking possibility of holding this exhibition in India. With a multi cultural background and rich heritage of art,it would be nice to see various artists from india participating and giving a new identity to this art.
Would be glad to hear from you.
brgds
yogesh
Posted by: yogesh on January 6th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
[...] Though Tokyo’s Omotesando district is known for its chic shopping mall and boutiques, you’d find some delightful surprises in the quiet side streets: Today, we visit the tiny world of art we found at the quaint Opa Gallery. Their exhibition features - matchboxes! Read the full story>>> [...]
Posted by: Kevin Mcgue - Tokyo-Based Journalist & Filmmaker » Wonderful Matchbox Art! on March 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
[...] na: http://pingmag.jp/2008/01/24/match-exhibition/ Rating 3.00 out of 5 Share/Save Subskrybuj You can skip to the end and leave a response. [...]
Posted by: 7rano – portal dla ludzi ceniących dobre projektowanie » pudełka od zapałek on August 2nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
http://www.matchboxprojects.com
Posted by: Anonymous on November 30th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
[...] For more information, please visit PingMag [...]
Posted by: Match Label & Match Box 2008 « Desain Grafis Indonesia on February 20th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
[...] Read the English version at PingMag» [...]
Posted by: Kevin Mcgue | “Wonderful Matchbox Art!” Translation on April 17th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
你的火柴盒艺术真棒极了,我不会说外语,也不知道你能否看懂我们中文,但是我还是很佩服你,做出那么多有意思的小火柴盒,我一直想自己开个这样的专卖店,就是找不到进货的地方,要是我们离的近些多好啊,我就可以进你的货了,呵呵。
Posted by: 偶然 on September 20th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
您的作品实在是太棒了,太漂亮了,我虽然不懂你们日本话,但是还是抑制不住内心的激动,我一直都在想着自己开个这样有个性的火柴盒店,就是找不到进货的地方,可找到您了,可惜又离的太远了,真遗憾呀!
Posted by: 偶然 on September 20th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
For more information, please visit PingMag
Posted by: altın çilek form seti on March 18th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
It is nice to find a site about my interest. My first visit to your site is been a big help. Thank you for the efforts you been putting on making your site such an interesting and informative place to browse through. I’ll be visiting your site again to gather some more valuable information. You truly did a good job.
I hope you have a nice day! Very good article, well written and very thought out. I am looking forward to reading more of yoursdgsdg posts in the future.
Posted by: men watches online on May 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 am
I really like your website. I’m looking for a lawnmower repair in
Posted by: Riding Lawn Mower Store on May 24th, 2011 at 10:27 am
All we need to do is take a good look at our selves, and then be honest with the findings. If you need to work-out just do it. The more you wait the more you will need to do, to finish your goal
Posted by: weightlifting routines on June 3rd, 2011 at 9:44 am
Great website. I like this info your providing.
Posted by: Anonymous on June 3rd, 2011 at 8:03 pm
~ If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. ~
Posted by: Demand Lead Generation on June 11th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Buddha
Posted by: Demand Lead Generation on June 12th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Thanks for the information about this topic.
Posted by: innovative healthcare on June 15th, 2011 at 1:31 am
Here’s another great article on the subject: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/why-do-we-need-personal-development-to-be-successful
Posted by: personal development on June 16th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Turbine Idroelettriche
Posted by: energie rinnovabili on June 17th, 2011 at 9:34 am
simlpy love your site. you did a super job in creating it.
Posted by: tips and ideas for singles on June 20th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Great topic,I will post a link to this page on my blog.
Posted by: Financial Advisor Marketing on July 2nd, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Wonderful knowledgeable and organized site.
Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 12th, 2011 at 8:23 am
I am looking for hotels in london. I like the facilities available, great stuff.
Posted by: hotels,london hotels on July 19th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
bu aksam olurum :)
Posted by: goruntulu sohbet on July 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 am
Will, collect, matchboxes. <3
Posted by: Fence New Jersey on July 31st, 2011 at 5:22 am
Good range from funky to dainty boxes. Nice feature!
Posted by: Wedding Video Philadelphia on July 31st, 2011 at 5:39 am
These are all too cute to disregard!!!
Posted by: Pergola Construction on July 31st, 2011 at 5:47 am
All about matches and boxes! Haha fascinating.
Posted by: Video Production Company Philadelphia on July 31st, 2011 at 5:49 am
kahkaha felsefe edebiyat seo bizim isimiz tum kelimelerde kafaya oturun google arayin profeseonel diye gelin cikaralim
Posted by: goruntulu sohbet on August 6th, 2011 at 1:02 am
I believe you convey some fascinating points that not too many people discuss . It’s fascinating to see it from this perspective. I really enjoyed the post!
Posted by: Bill Poulos Forex on August 10th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
I am an enormous fan of forex and finance so I find this topic very interesting. I always like to undertsand a new means of taking a look at it. Thanks for the information.
Posted by: Viral Marketing Examples on August 17th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Apply for Jobs in the Government Sector. 100% Free, Register Now!
Posted by: Government Jobs on October 19th, 2011 at 4:56 am
Good Aritcle
Posted by: All Failure on October 21st, 2011 at 1:31 am
Stress Management Products and Services
Posted by: Stress Management on November 2nd, 2011 at 1:15 am
Gran articulo. Somos seguidores vuestros desde hace tiempo y queriamos aprovechar este comentario para felicitaros por vuestro blog y por el trabajo que estais haciendo en los articulos…
Posted by: Jamon Iberico on November 2nd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
χριστουγεννιατικα δεντρα, χριστουγεννιατικα στολιδια
Posted by: χριστουγεννιατικα δεντρα on November 6th, 2011 at 4:57 am
Very Nice! makes me remind the coloured performance of the early pink floyd!
Posted by: christian louboutin on November 10th, 2011 at 1:36 am
http://www.happyseasons.gr Online Store
Posted by: χριστουγεννιατικα ειδη on November 11th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
It is felt that this was the information that we want to have.
Posted by: Black Friday Family Handyman on November 12th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
It good article.
Posted by: Black Friday D55146 on November 12th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
It good article. Black Friday D55146
Posted by: Black Friday D55146 on November 13th, 2011 at 12:03 am
Nice for me Black Friday Dewalt D55146
Posted by: Black Friday Dewalt D55146 on November 13th, 2011 at 12:03 am
Great post Good content. Thanks you.
Posted by: black friday canon powershot on November 13th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
That was exactly what I was looking for. mbvm
Posted by: men watches online on November 23rd, 2011 at 10:21 am
Free Indicateur,Free Expert Advisor,feedwikipedia,forex wikipedia.
Posted by: forex wikipedia on November 23rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
anuncio, anuncios, anuncie, anunciar, classificado, classificados, classificados gratis, anuncios classificados gratis, imovel, imoveis, autos, automoveis, automovel, veiculos, carros, motos, celulares, video-games, computadores, dominios, cameras digitais, livros, quadinhos, revistas, cds, cd, dvds, DVD, hd, informatica, eletro-eletronicos, eletronicos, audio, video, decoracao, joias, relogios, esportes, lazer, negocios, filmadoras, videos, selos, moedas, ferramentas, antiguidades, raridades, oportunidades, promocoes, empregos, curriculos, servicos, artigos esportivos, empresas, produtos, vestuario, revistas, Sao Paulo, sp, Rio de Janeiro, rj, parana, pr, classificados, katavendo, kata-vendo, catavendo, cata-vendo, an�ncios, gr�tis, gratuitos, gratuitamente, empregos, oportunidades, comprar, vender.
Posted by: Kata-Vendo - Bons ventos para seus neg�cios on November 24th, 2011 at 11:28 am
school of thai massage and spa certificaes Association of thai treditional medicine Appoved by the Ministry of Health
Posted by: School of thai massage on November 25th, 2011 at 12:54 am
จากประสบการณ์กว่า 20 ปี เกี่ยวกับธุรกิจยา และอาหารเสริม พร้อมความมุ่งมั่นที่จะพัฒนาอาหารเสริมของไทยให้ทัดเทียมกับระดับสากล เพื่อตอบสนองทุกความต้องการของทุกกลุ่มผู้บริโภค ทั้งเรื่องของคุณภาพ และราคา จนได้รับการยอมรับจากกลุ่มผู้บริโภคจากหลากหลายสาขาอาชีพ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น กลุ่มนักธุรกิจ พนักงานออฟฟิศ แม่บ้าน นักเรียน นักศึกษา ไปจนถึงกลุ่มศิลปิน ดารา นักแสดง
Posted by: อาหารเสริมนาตาลีเดวิส on November 26th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Anuncie no Katavendo e usufrua DE TODOS OS BENEFICIOS OFERECIDOS, NO KATAVENDO voce encontra: anuncio, anuncios, anuncie, anunciar, classificado, classificados, classificados gratis, anuncios classificados gratis, imovel, imoveis, autos, automoveis, automovel, veiculos, carros, motos, celulares, video-games, computadores, dominios, cameras digitais, livros, quadinhos, revistas, cds, cd, dvds, DVD, hd, informatica, eletro-eletronicos, eletronicos, audio, video, decoracao, joias, relogios, esportes, lazer, negocios, filmadoras, videos, selos, moedas, ferramentas, antiguidades, raridades, oportunidades, promocoes, empregos, curriculos, servicos, artigos esportivos, empresas, produtos, vestuario, revistas, Sao Paulo, sp, Rio de Janeiro, rj, parana, pr, classificados, katavendo, kata-vendo, catavendo, cata-vendo, an�ncios, gr�tis, gratuitos, gratuitamente, empregos, oportunidades, comprar, vender.
Posted by: An�ncios Gr�tis, An�ncios Classificados - Kata-Vendo on November 29th, 2011 at 11:06 am
wow… is cool….
Posted by: toko jasa on December 1st, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Amritsar Temple Pictures,Golden Temple Amritsar Pictures,Harmandir Sahib Amritsar,Swarn Mandir,Darbar Sahib Amritsar, Durgiana Mandir Amritsar,Bada Hanuman Mandir Amritsar,Holy City Amritsar, City Amritsar Pictures, Famous Amritsar Places,Shivala Bagh Bhayian Mandir,Badra Kali Mata Mandir,Chintpurni Mata Mandir,Ram Talai Mandir,Ram Tirath,Model Town,Mata Lal Devi Mandir,Sheeda Sahib,Vaishno Devi Mata Bhawan Pictures,Radha Sawami Baba Ji Pictures,Veer Bhan Shivala,Gurdwara Chheharta Sahib,Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir,Gurdwara San Sahib,Banke Bihari Mandir,Gurdwara Goindwal Sahib,Baba Budha Sahib,Bohli Sahib, Itihasik Temples Pictures Download,Baba Bhoot Nath Maha Kaleshwar Mandir
Posted by: Abhinav Duggal on December 3rd, 2011 at 1:15 am
I have recently started a website, the info you offer on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Posted by: Arleen Duquette on December 5th, 2011 at 1:30 am
Great information keep the cool updates coming.
Posted by: Anonymous on December 7th, 2011 at 10:25 am
I think this is all politics
Posted by: Abdominal muscle on December 8th, 2011 at 3:53 am
smacktom.com provides premium accessories for cell phones with free shipping
Posted by: smacktom on December 13th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
its a nice and interesting post, congratulations and happy holidays!
Posted by: diet and fitness on December 20th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Nice website to watch music, movies and tv shows online.
Posted by: Desi Forums on December 21st, 2011 at 9:11 pm
This is the only blog that can keep you updated with latest information in every sphere of life. Whatsoever it may be health, automobile, science and technology.
Posted by: Online Information on December 22nd, 2011 at 10:34 pm
This is a extermely nice website with very interesting articles. I have bookmarked and will check back often. Thank you for your contribution.
Posted by: Truth about Abs Product on December 29th, 2011 at 3:32 am
Great post. Keep them coming. Washington DC Sightseeing Tours.
Posted by: washington dc tours on January 2nd, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Hay very nice blog , keep it up buddy
Posted by: Jammer on January 2nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Free Gps Tracking spy mobile software download, Track online location of Any Android, Windows Mobile, iphone, blackberry or Symbian cell phone using Google Map tracker from your computer.
Posted by: Free Gps Tracking Mobile cell phones spy software download on January 2nd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Hey this is awesome blogs. Keep posted usefull information. Thank you
Posted by: roll up awnings on January 5th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Cele mai noi stiri
Posted by: news on January 7th, 2012 at 4:39 am
Thank you. O like this post. I would like to share at my facebook account.
Posted by: zayifla on January 11th, 2012 at 4:58 am
Thank you. I’ll sharing the post at my twitter.
Posted by: Laptop Özellikleri on January 12th, 2012 at 5:16 am
Thanks for this post. It is very useful. I hope you will write an article. This issue again.
Posted by: illslick on January 17th, 2012 at 4:36 am
Online store Stopitnow Ego-T
Posted by: ηλεκτρονικο τσιγαρο on January 19th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Alamanda.my offers the same online marketplace like other website but with better and more friendly interface!. Buy and sell everything here or you can find jobs, services, properties and other stuff too. Feel to use the website conveniently and have fun.
Posted by: Malaysia's Online Marketplace on January 22nd, 2012 at 1:58 am
After years of development and months of testing, 1tradezone.my announces that the service is ready for the small business to start selling on the internet for free which would otherwise cost hard earned money on other sites.
Posted by: Malaysia's Online Marketplace on January 23rd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
This piece of information is a gem for me, very helpful, really a great piece of writing, thanks for the effort made, really impressed.
Posted by: Costume Jewellery on January 24th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Thanks for this post. It is very useful.
Posted by: renoverin on January 25th, 2012 at 11:27 pm
If you are seeking a well-seasoned group of veteran painting and decorating professionals in the London area, your search is finally over when you discover the greatness of DecorCraft Services. With over 50% of our customers coming from the good works they tell others about, the clean and expert atmosphere that our professional crew of painting and decorating professionals will bring is phenomenal. We are respectful and complete every assignment that we are given in the most accurate and timeliest of fashions, and take into account the budget that you may have set for the project.
Posted by: Painting and Decorating on January 26th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
MOTET GbR Deutsch Polnische Band. Live-Musik incl. DJ Service
Posted by: MOTET- POLNISCHE Live Musik NRW MOTET POLNISCHE -Live Musik NRW on January 27th, 2012 at 3:36 am
Hi ….. I have information about Whirlpool washers, you should read them and get tips and tricks commersial business with Whirlpool washers.
Posted by: whirlpool washers on January 27th, 2012 at 9:58 am
Polnische-Band-Hochzeit, Polnische-Hochzeitsband NRW Polnische Hochzeitsband Hochzeitsmusik Polnische Hochzeit
Posted by: Polnische Band | Polnische Hochzeit | Deutsch polnische Band on January 27th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
MOTET-Tanzmusik f�r alle. Wir werden Sie begeistern!
Posted by: Anonymous on January 29th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Aylık kiralık daire kampanyalarımızı takip edin, beş yıldızlı otel konforunda, SPA, türk hamamı, açık ve kapalı havuz farklılığına 99 TL ye sahip olunuz
Posted by: istanbul günlük kiralık on February 9th, 2012 at 7:41 am
more.
Posted by: advertise to millions on February 16th, 2012 at 7:40 am
Wonderful Matchbox Art! good post629
Posted by: air multiplier on April 21st, 2012 at 12:32 am