“Shell Ash Plaster” Art Exhibition Opens in Kumamoto

BAUBIO Japan Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Hidenori Yamakawa / Headquarters: Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture) will host the “Shell Ash Plaster Art Exhibition,” featuring works created using “shell ash plaster,” a traditional material made from seashells from the Ariake Sea, at THE FUN house Kumamoto Branch starting Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The exhibition will run through Sunday, August 2, and admission is free.

From Shell Ash Plaster to Art

Shell ash plaster is a natural material created by burning seashells, turning them into ash, and returning them to human life.

This traditional building material, passed down since ancient times, has been transformed into new works of art through the creative sensibilities of the artists.

This exhibition features works that bring out the unique texture and character of shell ash plaster.

“From a wall material to a medium for expression.”

The exhibition invites visitors to discover the new possibilities of shell ash plaster, where natural materials and culture intersect.

[Background]

Plaster is a traditional Japanese material that has long been used in temples, shrines, and castles.

One of its raw materials is “shell ash,” which is produced by burning seashells from the Ariake Sea.

Shells that have completed their life cycle are burned, turned into ash, and returned to human life.

This process reflects the cycle of nature and the wisdom of our ancestors.

Shell Ash Plaster, Born from Shells from the Ariake Sea

At BAUBIO Japan Co., Ltd., we have worked with “shell ash plaster” for many years through our plastering business. In April 2025, we officially took over the shell ash plaster manufacturing business from Tajima Shell Ash Works and are moving forward with efforts to pass traditional techniques and culture on to future generations.

This art exhibition is an initiative to introduce shell ash plaster, which has long been passed down as a building material, as a medium for artistic expression.

Through this exhibition, we hope to offer many people an opportunity to experience the white texture of shell ash plaster, the character of handcrafted work, and the stories held within the material through art.

Burning Seashells, Turning Them into Ash, and Finishing by Hand

[Painting the Memories of the Ariake Sea]

The most critical step in making shell ash is “shirobe-yaki” (shell ash firing).

Air, humidity, temperature, the condition of the kiln, and the amount of fuel.

This work, which involves managing the fire while carefully assessing various conditions, is less a task than a dialogue with the material.

The experience and intuition accumulated through working with nature underpin the quality of shell ash plaster.

Along the coast of the Ariake Sea, there is a shell ash culture that has been nurtured over a long history.

However, today, these techniques and this culture are gradually disappearing.

What we want to preserve is not merely a manufacturing method.

It is the wisdom of living in harmony with nature.

A culture passed down through the generations in this region.

And a legacy that must be handed down to future generations.

Within a single wall lie the bounty of the Ariake Sea, the handiwork of artisans, the wisdom of our ancestors, and hopes for the future, all layered together.

When you touch our shell ash plaster, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the stories that lie within it.

Shell Ash Craftsman

Kenji Sakaguchi

[Exhibiting Artists]

・Takashi Hamada

Drawing on “color hearing,” a form of synesthesia in which sounds appear as colors, he creates works centered on the theme of “sound.”

While being mindful of the unique Japanese sensibility toward sound, the beauty of traditional Japanese colors, and the significance of composition, he has developed series such as fully abstract works, “Trace,” “Precious,” and “Noise.”

In this exhibition, visitors can experience his unique artistic expression as he engages with the material of shell ash plaster.

・Hygge

This group operates under the theme “making things Hygge,” aiming to add a touch of richness and joy to everyday life.

Haruka Kakiuchi / Graphic Designer

Miki Tomoshige / Interior Planner

Mutsuko Hasuo / Artist

Nobuko Yoshimoto / Graphic Designer

・Yumi Onishi

・Mami Ogata

・Kenji Sakaguchi (Shell Ash Craftsman)

Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of works in this exhibition will be donated.

[Exhibition Overview]

Title: Shell Ash Plaster Art Exhibition

Dates: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – Sunday, August 2, 2026

Hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free

Venue: THE FUN house Kumamoto Branch

Address: 1F, 266-12 Iwano, Ueki-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 861-0136

Access: Across the street from the main gate of the Kita Ward Office

Participating Artists: Takashi Hamada / Hygge / Yumi Onishi / Mami Ogata / Kenji Sakaguchi (Shell Ash Craftsman)

Organizers: BAUBIO Japan Co., Ltd. / Yanagawa Shell Ash Research Institute

Inquiries: 096-335-7520 (THE FUN house Kumamoto Branch)

Venue: THE FUN house Kumamoto Branch

[Artists in Attendance]

Depending on the date, participating artists are scheduled to be present at the venue during the exhibition period.

This will also be an opportunity to speak directly with the artists about their works, so please take this chance to visit.

〇 July

22 | Takashi Hamada, Yumi Onishi, Mami Ogata, Kenji Sakaguchi

23 | Staff

24 | Yumi Onishi

25 | Hygge

26 | Staff

27 | Takashi Hamada, Yumi Onishi

28 | Staff

29 | Takashi Hamada

30 | Kenji Sakaguchi

31 | Yumi Onishi, Takashi Hamada

〇 August

1 | Staff

2 | All participating artists

*Artist availability is subject to change.

Please check our website for the latest information.

Shell Ash Plaster Art Exhibition Flyer (Front)

Shell Ash Plaster Art Exhibition Flyer (Back)

[About BAUBIO Japan Co., Ltd.]

BAUBIO Japan Co., Ltd. is a plastering contractor based in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Through the manufacture and application of shell ash plaster, a natural material, we are working to preserve the traditional techniques and culture passed down in our region and carry them on to future generations.

In April 2025, we acquired the business from Tajima Shell Ash Works, which has long manufactured shell ash plaster using shells sourced from the Ariake Sea. Moving forward, we will continue to aim for the production of high-quality materials and a stable supply, contributing to a sustainable future through building materials that are gentle on both people and the planet.

[Company Overview]

Name: BAUBIO Japan Co., Ltd.

Address: 766-4 Yoshikai, Mitsuhashi-cho, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture 832-0802

URL: https://baubiojapan.co.jp