Purpose of the SmileyWorld® Tokyo Gallery Event
On June 24, 2025, SmileyWorld held a one-night-only art event, SmileyWorld Tokyo Gallery, at STEREO (Shibuya Sakura Stage, Tokyo). The event invited guests to experience the brand’s core concept—emotional expression—through art. A diverse group of artists with unique backgrounds and styles showcased their interpretations of emotions, creating a space where the feelings of the artists and visitors could intertwine and resonate in order to continue the creative and cultural conversation between Europe and Japan that led to the transformation of emoticons into emojis to become the world’s fastest growing language and art form in the history of mankind. SmileyWorld is holding the event to support its international brand partners, engage with Japanese consumers and work with unique creators across the world on exciting projects.
Diverse Emotional Expression by Featured Artists
Ten up-and-coming Japan-based artists gathered at the venue, each presenting original works inspired by SmileyWorld’s visual icons and broader brand’s identity. From Paintings, illustrations to graphic works, the space was filled with creative interpretations of what SmileyWorld—and the idea of happiness and emotional expression—means to each artist. Participating artists included Yuuki Kikuchi, creator of the hit manga 100 Days Before a Crocodile Dies, pop artist Masao Hatayama, and character designer Shinji Kanda, among others. During the talk session, artists shared the inspiration and background behind their creations, giving rise to emotional connections and dialogue with the audience.
Live Commentary by Art Critic “Bijutsu Kaisetsu Suruzō”
Popular on social media and YouTube, the art critic known as “Bijutsu Kaisetsu Suruzō” visited the event, offering live commentary on each artwork. With insightful perspectives mixing artistic intent and cultural context, the live critique session sparked laughter, admiration, and deeper appreciation among attendees.
Artworks on Display
Each artist interpreted SmileyWorld and all that the brand stands for from their own perspective, translating its core values into visual form using a variety of techniques. The exhibition vividly conveyed emotions such as joy, love, hope, and surprise. The space allowed visitors to experience SmileyWorld’s philosophy firsthand: a world connected through emotion.
Participating Artists and Titles (in alphabetical order):
● Aki Tsukamoto – Game Changer
● Asako Iwamizu – HAPPY AND LOVE
● Haruka Yamakawa – SMILEY FLOWERS
● HOLHY – HOPE
● Masao Hatayama – Hapiness Hugs
● Oli – WARP SMILE
● Shinji Kanda – Visual burn
● Shota Nakatsugawa – SmileyWorld
● WOWs – ONE LIFE
● Yuuki Kikuchi – What’shappy?
What’s Next: SmileyWorld® at Licensing Japan 2025
SmileyWorld will be exhibiting at Licensing Japan 2025, held from July 2–4 at Tokyo Big Sight. The works from the Tokyo Gallery event will also be featured there, with Yuuki Kikuchi who will be doing a new piece of art live on the stand from 10am to 3pm on the 4th July. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore global licensing and campaign opportunities with SmileyWorld as a cultural icon of emotional expression.
Licensing Japan 2025 (part of Content Tokyo):
● Dates: July 2 (Wed) – July 4 (Fri), 2025
● Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Hall 2
● Booth Number: 13-35
● Official Website: https://www.content-tokyo.jp/hub/ja-jp/about/lj.html
Note: This is a business trade fair. Advance registration is required for entry.
Stay Tuned for What’s Next from SmileyWorld®
SmileyWorld Tokyo Gallery offered guests a unique opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of human emotion through art. Moving forward, SmileyWorld will continue to deliver new creative expressions rooted in emotion—across lifestyle, art, and culture. In 2027, we will celebrate 30 Years of SmileyWorld, and inviting creators, gamers, innovators, and style leaders, to “Express Your World”. This is an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary, blending the past with the future and sharing a global celebration of creativity and emotional expression.