Art from Harajuku, where BEAMS T and GALLERY TARGET meet.

Longer Lengths: We’ve been working together since before I developed my current style—it’s been a really long time. I have fond memories of creating not only T-shirts but also things like cushions. I believe “Beams T” plays a vital role in spotlighting emerging artists and helping to spread their culture. For artists like us, it’s an indispensable platform.

Longer Lengths: I have a lot of good friends who work at "Beams," and I follow them on Instagram, but I always get the impression that they're always hanging out in a group (laughs). I created this piece by overlaying those scenes with a scene from one of my favorite movies. The use of orange accents here and there is another key feature.

Hanai: My first involvement with them was nearly 20 years ago. At the time, I was exhibiting at a group show in California, but since I was just starting out, my name on the poster was really tiny. Even so, the director back then spotted me. When organizing exhibitions, he wanted young customers to pick up the pieces, so he asked me to create lots of small works and sell them at affordable prices. I think that approach is wonderful, and selling T-shirts in addition to artworks really helps raise your profile. I believe it’s thanks to “Beams T” that artists like us have been able to make a living. I’m truly grateful.

Hanai: "BEAMS" is just full of such distinctive characters, isn't it? The staff I've worked with all have such strong personalities—everyone is unique. For this piece, I captured that impression exactly as it is in the artwork. It’s kind of like a gathering of all the people I’ve worked with so far, and the fact that this store is so appealing really comes down to their individuality. I also added a message from me on the T-shirt: “KEEP IT WEIRD” (laughs).

LY: I held a solo exhibition here 15 years ago, and at that time, I created works using only black and white. I remember being in a very troubled and negative state of mind back then. But since then, I’ve had a child, my life has changed, and I’ve come to feel a sense of love for my work and for many other things. It felt like a shift from hate to love, and as the starting point of that change, this exhibition here remains deeply etched in my memory.

LY: Rather than approaching “Beams” objectively, I focused on creating a contrast with the version of myself that used to express myself in this space. Using motifs from that time, I turned my own transformation—the idea that “I’ve changed like this now”—into the artwork itself. It’s like a self-portrait, if you will, containing a timeline that spans from the past to the present.

KYNE: Every time I visit Harajuku, I stop by to chat with the friendly staff and check out my friends’ exhibitions. Seeing my own T-shirts moving inside the display case is an experience unique to “Beams T,” and it brings me a special kind of joy.

KYNE: When you think of "BEAMS," you think of the orange color and the globe logo. Building on that image, I created this design with a composition where the figure’s pose resembles an airplane’s flight path. I made slight adjustments to the design between the artwork and the T-shirt; specifically, for the T-shirt, I incorporated colors unique to screen printing and typographic elements that I don’t usually use. I focused on creating an expression that could only be achieved on a T-shirt.

dugudagii: I used to work part-time in merchandise management. I started making clothes with a friend I worked with there, and that’s how I first got involved with “Beams T.” From there, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute graphics, exhibit my work, and take part in various other projects. I started these activities because I love clothes, and I’m really glad that this led to my involvement with “Beams T.”

dugudagii: This time, I created a two-dimensional piece for the first time in a while. It’s a simple work that focuses on flowers and color as the main motifs, without overcomplicating things. Since I intended to print it on T-shirts, I drew inspiration from silk-screen posters from the 60s and 70s. What’s depicted on the leaves is “1976”—the year BEAMS was founded—and the Taijitu. The Taijitu represents both the good and bad things that have happened in my career as an artist.

FACE: We really have an unbreakable bond. It’s been over 10 years since I first had the chance to work with them. Since then, I’ve been involved in a steady stream of projects. They always give me the freedom to approach things my way and truly value the artist’s vision. I’m so grateful that they helped me bring my vision to life once again.

FACE: BEAMS always comes up with such bold custom designs, doesn’t it? The ones that really stick in my mind are the items where they’ve flipped the products inside out. They take iconic pieces from various brands and reverse the front and back—it’s just so cool. The piece I created this time was inspired by that approach. Since I used different motifs for the displayed artwork and the T-shirt, I’d be happy if you could enjoy that contrast as well.

hi-dutch: I remember that starting in the early 2000s, I was able to hold group exhibitions and solo shows, and the proceeds from those T-shirt sales helped support me. That’s how my connections with the creative scene began, so “Beams T” holds a special place in my heart.

hi-dutch: "BEAMS" is a playful select shop, and the staff are deeply knowledgeable about various cultures. I wanted to create something that would appeal to people like them, and that’s how this piece came to be. Inspired by the shop’s signature color, orange, I created a fictional beverage brand. Since it’s their 50th anniversary, I imagine they used glass bottles back then, so I made sure to incorporate a classic design as a key feature.

JUN OSON: "Beams T" was something I really looked up to. I remember when I first moved to Tokyo nearly 20 years ago, an acquaintance introduced me to the store director, and I had my own artwork printed on a T-shirt. For artists like us, it feels like a rite of passage—that’s the image I have of it.

JUN OSON: While the theme “BEAMS” can be interpreted in many ways, I felt that “fashion” was an essential element, so I created this piece inspired by the style of the 1990s—the era when I first discovered the brand. I used to paint mostly with acrylics, but lately I’ve been using oil paints. I think it’s turned out really interesting, capturing the faded look of denim and the overall vibe. I really hope you’ll check out the actual piece.

YAIRI: The first time we worked together was on the 2022 Fuji Rock T-shirt. I wore that shirt when I attended my very first Fuji Rock. It’s a fond memory—every time I spotted someone at the festival wearing my T-shirt, I felt like I was bowing in gratitude.

YAIRI: The first thing that came to mind was the 40th-anniversary commemorative video for “Tonight’s Boogie Back.” While the group has been a cornerstone of Harajuku culture, it continues to pioneer new cultural frontiers. Wanting to express both of these aspects, I envisioned the airplane in the logo veering off course and soaring into the future. Another key point is that I incorporated a touch of the eerie to ensure it leaves a lasting impression when worn as a T-shirt. This time, everything—from the canvas to the wooden frame—was crafted entirely by hand, so I’d be delighted if you could appreciate the intentional artisanal feel I’ve left in the design.

NAIJEL GRAPH: I’ve been working with “Beams T” for quite some time now—since I was just starting out, so we’ve been working together for over 10 years. This was also the first store to feature my designs on T-shirts. So, I have a strong emotional connection to it. Since so many famous artists have collaborated with them, it’s always been a store I’ve looked up to and hoped to work with someday.

NAIJEL GRAPH: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of “BEAMS” and the 25th anniversary of “BEAMS T,” I created this illustration with the same sentiment as giving a bouquet of flowers. My inspiration came from Andy Warhol’s flower paintings. I drew this piece by sampling those works. I hope that “BEAMS” and “BEAMS T” will continue to lead the way not only in Japanese fashion but also in art and pop culture.