Mr. Ko Kono creates wonderfully beautiful works in leather.
http://ko-kono.com
October 28, 2019 — Encounter and Dream
By chance, when I guided the sculptor and member of the Academy of Fine Arts, Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli, and his wife Monica, who were staying and creating in Uda-Matsuyama for an art event, to Gallery Muun in Murō, Nara, Mr. and Mrs. Ko Kono were holding their exhibition there. Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli was especially impressed while looking at Mr. Kono’s leather works.
Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli and the Buddha statue he created in Uda-Matsuyama at that time
Florence, Italy—the very home of leather craftsmanship.
For a professional in the arts there to take such an interest!
From that moment, I began to dream of one day having the people of Florence see Mr. Kono’s works.
March 18, 2025 — Asking Mr. Ko Kono’s Permission
I felt the time had come. But I could not proceed alone. So, after visiting Mr.Kono’s exhibition at the Kawano Residence in Izumi, I went to his Rasenkan studio and asked whether I might move forward with this idea. To my delight, I learned that Florence was also a place of longing for him. I brought back with me a catalog of his works, which I would also use at La Neige when introducing his art, so it could be shared with people in Italy.
March 21, 2025 — Reaching Out to Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli
I decided to ask Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli directly: “Do you think it would be possible to exhibit Mr.Ko Kono’s works—the ones you saw in Murō six years ago—in Florence, so that the people of Florence can see them?”
If he had said, “That’s impossible,” I was ready to give up.
But that very day, he replied, “I’ll research it. Please send me some photos of the works.”
So I sent photos by email, and mailed him the catalog.
May 21, 2025 — Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli’s Research Results
I thought he must be very busy, and after all, he was doing this voluntarily, so I wondered how it might turn out. Then—what joy!—he sent me detailed information, in both Italian and English, about two recommended venues for this purpose. I was moved to tears of gratitude.😭❤️💖
The first was the venue we ultimately hoped for:
La Sala delle Esposizioni dell’Accademia delle Arti del Disegno — the exhibition hall owned by the Academy of Fine Arts.
The second was:
La Società delle Belle Arti, Circolo degli Artisti, “Casa di Dante” — the exhibition space at Dante’s House.
Both seemed wonderful; we would have to visit to truly understand.
July 23, 2025 — Visiting the Two Candidate Venues
In July, although the Dante’s House venue was closed for the vacation season, they kindly agreed to open it specially for us (again, I was overwhelmed with gratitude😭❤️💖).
On July 23, I was shown both venues. After returning to Japan, I reported to Mr. Kono and conveyed our wish to aim for October 2027 at La Sala delle Esposizioni dell’Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, since preparations would require at least two years.
I also expressed my hope that once the plan was confirmed, even though I have no prior experience organizing an exhibition abroad, with such a clear goal many people would surely come forward to support us.
We would like to share a glimpse of the venue, the La Sala delle Esposizioni dell’Accademia delle Arti del Disegno.
September 20, 2025 — Official Availability
We received confirmation of available dates and again requested October 2027.
September 30, 2025 — Official Decision
Following the Academy Council’s decision, a contract dated the 25th arrived.
October 1, 2025 — Contract Signed
We signed the contract, made the necessary payment, and secured the venue for October 2027.
On October 3, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. (Japan time)
I received the contract signed by the president, and it was officially confirmed that we will have the venue in October 2027.
Just then, from October 4, Ko is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery Muun (夢雲, literally “dream” and “cloud,” with a play on the English word moon) — the very place where he first met Professor Valentino Moradei Gabbrielli!
Wanting to inform visitors of this Florence project right from the opening day, I created this page as the destination for a QR code, which I placed on postcards to be delivered to Muun in time.
It is thanks to ChatGPT that I, with only hazy Italian and modest English, have managed to come this far. I will surely continue to rely on its help. Over the next two years, I also hope to become more capable in Italian.
October 4, 2025 — The postcard arrived at Gallery Muun
October 10, 2025 Visit to Gallery Muun for Mr.Kono’s Exhibition
I visited Gallery Muun to see Mr. Kono’s leather works and the Rasen-kan exhibition.
These are the kinds of leather artworks that are planned to be displayed at the Accademia — of course, that will be the main exhibition.
At the same time, I hope that part of Ko’s private collection of snail specimens from his personal “Rasen-kan” museum might also be exhibited at the Museum of Natural History.
October 29, 2025 Meeting for the Upcoming Exhibition
We held a meeting in preparation for the exhibition.
I received information about shipping companies and have begun inquiring about possible costs.
As we learn more, we will continue to share updates on this site.
November 27, 2025 Visited the Fine Art Department of Yamato Transport to inquire about shipping.
If large-scale works are to be transported, it would likely require sea freight, with an entire container reserved.
At the latest, the shipment would need to be dispatched by June 2027.
Since any shipping company would require detailed dimensions of all crates for the works, we decided to resume arrangements after April 2026, once each piece is finalized.
April 24, 2026 Visited the Miurart Village, where the largest work intended for shipment, “Kirin,” is stored.
At last, we were able to see it in person. The curator kindly prepared it for viewing.
This image (right) shows the work when it was exhibited at the museum’s Up And Coming exhibition in 2023.
(Photo courtesy of the museum.)
Although the global situation remains uncertain,
we firmly believe that the exhibition will be successfully held in October next year.
We will continue our preparations with that conviction.
Here we are now ↓
Right next to the exhibition venue is the Geology and Paleontology Museum.
As Ko is also well known as a collector and researcher of snails, I would like to explore the possibility of holding a related exhibition there at the same time. If this becomes possible, it would truly make this a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition period—something only Mr. Ko Kono could realize!
Progress Update
December 24, 2025
Inquiry sent to the Geology and Paleontology Museum regarding the possibility of collaboration
January 7, 2026
Received a positive response and replied immediately.
Here we are now ↓
Please note that, as this venue is an academic exhibition hall, works cannot be sold.
From the beginning, our aim has been to introduce Ko’s works from Florence to audiences around the world. The costs of shipping, installation and deinstallation are expected to be considerable. In addition, Mr.Ko Kono’s travel and accommodation expenses will also need to be covered. For these reasons, we sincerely ask for your support. We also plan to set a fundraising goal and invite contributions toward this project.
We hope this will also become an occasion for visitors to join special tours from Japan, as well as a reunion for friends coming from many different countries.
Although the exhibition is officially organized by La Neige, a non-profit general incorporated association, my hope is that our exhibitions will always be realized through the support and involvement of many people — like the names appearing in the end credits of a film.
People who wish to support La Neige, or Ko Kono, or more broadly, the introduction of Japanese artists to audiences overseas — and conversely, the introduction of international artists to Japan — will all come together to make these exhibitions possible.