Sugicodama & Codama Exhibition
Shimpei Arima
– The Echo of the Forest
We are pleased to present the first exhibition in Switzerland of Sugicodama — the signature work of Japanese sculptor Shimpei Arima — as part of the AKA popup experience in Zurich.
Each Sugicodama is handcrafted from Japanese cedar (sugi), a tree deeply rooted in Japanese landscapes and culture. These sculptural forms capture the warmth of wood, the softness of nature, and the timeless stories carried by ancient forests. Some are made from trees over 1000 years old; others are shaped from cedars growing near the artist’s home in Kyushu.
The exhibition features a total of 30 sculptures, including 14 pieces from the Sugicodama series and 16 from the Kodama series. While Sugicodama centers on the spirit of Japanese cedar, Codama explores memory and materiality through various other types of wood. Together, the two series invite us to reflect on time, nature, and the quiet presence within trees — an echo from the forest that transcends species and place.
The exhibition will be open to the public during the AKA popup period on limited dates and times. Please see the detailed schedule below and plan your visit accordingly.
Location:
Utoquai 55, Zurich
Part of AKA – The Essence of Japan by Toyota
Exhibition Dates & Times:
Thursday, 12 June 17:00 – 19:00
Friday, 13 June 17:00 – 19:00
Saturday, 14 June 17:00 – 19:00
Thursday, 19 June 18:00 – 19:00
Friday, 20 June 18:00 – 19:00
Saturday, 21 June 18:00 – 19:00
Though these viewing windows are limited, each moment offers a rare and intimate opportunity to experience the quiet presence of cedar — its scent, form, and spirit. We invite you to listen for the kodama - 木霊, the echoing voice of the forest, as it resonates through these works, far from their roots yet close in essence.
Join us and encounter the gentle strength of Sugicodama and Codama.
About the Artist
Shimpei Arima - 有馬晋平
Born in 1979 in Saga Prefecture, Shimpei Arima is a sculptor based in Ōita, Japan. Working primarily with Japanese cedar, he creates tactile sculptures that resonate with viewers' senses and speak to a shared memory of nature. His signature series, Sugicodama, has been widely exhibited in Japan and abroad.
Arima's artistic process emphasizes harmony with material and environment, drawing from the animistic traditions of Japan and a deep reverence for trees as living beings. Through careful carving and polishing, he reveals the essence of wood — its history, voice, and spirit.
