Jiro Osuga’s Interactive Tokyo

The term ‘universe’ is often used to describe the environment in which an artist works. Some might say that painter Jiro Osuga has been less ambitious in proposing a visit to his ‘planet’, but it has the advantage of being concrete. After launching the first part of Planet Jiro in 2013, dedicated to London, his adoptive city, the second part of the platform brings together the artist’s work devoted to his birthplace, Tokyo.

Jiro Osuga offers the public the opportunity to discover his art in an interactive manner; his works are grouped under several themes and, on Planet Jiro, visitors can take a taxi, go inside a café, or admire the cherry blossom in Japan.

Creating curiosity

The artist, who had no previous experience in coding, created the platform himself. When the visitor arrives on Planet Jiro (and chooses to go to Tokyo), they have several options. The first involves a wander through the city streets, with paintings by the artist dedicated to urban life and its symbols—a condensed version of everything that comprises Tokyo life. They can stroll through quiet neighbourhoods and share the residents’ routines, or enjoy the iconic districts decked out in neon lights and other illuminated signs. After this first experience, the visitor can choose to discover the city’s restaurants or its cafés, where customers sit facing the window to work. Further on, they can explore department stores or the metro. Jiro Osuga’s project offers a look at all aspects of modern life and his artistic practice.

In a time when museums are striving to reinvent themselves to encourage the public to explore their offerings and collections virtually, Jiro Osuga is a true pioneer.

The journey starts here.