It’s easy to miss the The Mass‘ unassuming concrete box-like structures, located just behind Harajuku’s bustling Cat Street and Omotesando Street. As a private gallery and exhibition space, it is completely unlike the rest.

The minimalist design was created by Tokyo-based architect Nobuo Araki / The Archetype, merging concrete with bold steel doors and detailed key brass with wood features. Each of the gallery’s entry points showcase protruding overhead eaves and entrance steps, a key signature design feature by the architecture providing protection from seasonal weather.

The Mass’ visual identity was created by revered Japanese typographer and artist Fumio Tachibana, whose own sculptural artworks can be found positioned in various locations around the exterior it is a subtle touch to the restrained yet creative space.
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Without an appointed curator or gallery director, The Mass is private and independent in the way it holds its exhibitions led by owner Masayuki Nishimoto. Championing art and culture-based exhibitions, past exhibitions include New York photographer Henry Leutwyler’s Document to Hiroshi Fujiwara’s 71-84 punk archive exhibition on display.

The Mass
5-11-1 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Words: Joanna Kawecki
Photography: Benjamin Hosking