[Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore] "Art Masks" that parents and children can coordinate in collaboration with children's artists KANTA & KAEDE will be available for pre-sale nationwide from Thursday, December 24th

2020.12.24 Press Releases
CCC Art Lab Co., Ltd.

-Pre-sale will be held at Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore and online store-

Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has created a new art mask as part of its "Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore Art Mask" series in collaboration with KANTA & KAEDE, a brother and sister with autism who are active as children's artists. It will be available for pre-sale from December 24th at TSUTAYA bookstores nationwide. This time, the masks are art masks that parents and children can enjoy coordinating together.

■Special page: https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/blog/stationery/17834-1628321223.html

KANTA & KAEDE have attracted attention as children's artists and are expanding the scope of their activities, being featured in numerous media outlets. Based on their drawings, we have designed two sizes of masks that can be worn by both parents and children. Considering that it will come into contact with children's sensitive skin, the mask is made of 100% cotton gauze, making it breathable, light, and gentle to the touch.

• The background behind the birth of the KANTA&KAEDE collaboration art mask

KANTA and KAEDE are a brother and sister with autism who are active as children's artists. The two artists, who love drawing, each create a world where you can sense a story in the pictures, and the colorful hues make you feel excited, warming your heart and making you feel positive.

When I spoke with the parents of the two children in preparation for this project, they told me that "in today's society, the future career options for people with disabilities such as autism are extremely limited." They are taking on various challenges with the hope that "they will turn their passions into professions and soar high in the future."

By turning their creations into masks, they hope to bring joy to both those who wear them and those who see them, helping them to enjoy their daily lives.

■Special page: https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/blog/stationery/17834-1628321223.html

・Artist profile

KANTA & KAEDE

The older brother, Kanta Wajima, 14, and the younger sister, Kaede Wajima, 12, are autistic siblings who are child artists. He began working as an artist in 2016, presenting artworks and publishing picture books.
In addition to being featured in numerous media outlets, the brand has also attracted attention from companies, and in 2019 it released a collaborative shoe with Onitsuka Tiger, which attracted a lot of attention. In July 2020, his first solo exhibition, "KANTA & KAEDE," was held in the exhibition corner on the first floor of the Chunichi Shimbun Hokuriku Headquarters.

◇Wajima Kanta

Born in September 2006. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. She loves animals and began drawing pictures of them at around the age of three. His current interests are anime, manga, and rakugo. Kanta's famous quote: "Always listen to your heart"

◇Wajima Maple

Born in November 2008. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. I love fairy tales and magical worlds. At the age of six, she began making paper cutouts of Little Mermaids and Cinderella and playing storytelling games. Kaede's famous quote: "A carp trap with sparkling icicles on a winter's day"

KANTA&KAEDE official website: http://wajiya-kanazawa.com/work.html

• Introducing 4 types of masks

1. Maple Snip

The motif is paper cutting, a style that Wajima Kaede is good at, and it is finished in a timeless monochrome style. Each one has a different pattern, so you can choose the one you like.

2. Dress

The design is based on a princess motif drawn with a unique touch. The pink beige color makes it easy for adults to wear, and the mask exudes a gentle and elegant feel.

3. Friends of the Earth

The design is based on animals and is both pop and calming. This mask features various animals and will make you feel peaceful.

4. Music Red

The design is based on musical instruments and uses similar colors. This mask, which makes you feel as if you can hear the harmony, gives us the power of music.

• Product details
"Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore ARTMASK" KANTA & KAEDE collaboration version
Types | 4 patterns, 8 types (4 for kids, 4 for adults)
Price: Children's 1,400 yen (plus tax)
Adults: 2,200 yen (plus tax)
Material: Outer: 100% polyester; Lining: 100% cotton; Ear straps: 92% nylon, 8% polyurethane

*Please check the online site for other notes and product details.

Sales locations: Pre-sale at Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore from December 24th. The book will be available at select TSUTAYA bookstores from January, with plans to expand gradually.
Cooperation: W Lab Co., Ltd.

• What is "Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore's ART MASK"?
The masks, which were sold exclusively at Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore, were part of the GINZA ART MASK PROJECT, a charity project to support medical workers. The first wave was launched in July 2020, and the second wave was released in October in collaboration with contemporary Japanese artists.
This charity project ended with the masks designed by contemporary artists in October, but we received many requests from across the country for more production of these art masks, as well as requests from people who wanted to see them in person before purchasing. As a result, in November 2020, we changed the name to "Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore ART MASK" and expanded sales of the art masks to TSUTAYA and Tsutaya Bookstores nationwide.

• Store Information
Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore connects art, Japanese culture, and daily life through books, and proposes a "life with art."
Address: GINZA SIX 6F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Phone number: 03-3575-7755
Business hours: Please check the store website.
Homepage: https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GINZA.TSUTAYABOOKS/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GINZA_TSUTAYA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginza_tsutayabooks/

Inquiries regarding this matter
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd.
Public Relations Officer: Motonaga
TEL: 03-6800-3570