This September, Tully's Coffee in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will be transformed into a vibrant space of color, nostalgia, and hope. Visual artist Dennis Sun, a Filipino creator based in Japan, presents "The Best Of Luck (ラッキー)," a solo exhibition running from September 1 to October 31, 2025. Through a collection of new and previous works, the show explores good luck symbols and personal talismans in uncertain times.

We sat down with the artist to talk about the exhibition's themes, process, and what "luck" really means.

Q: Your new exhibition is titled "The Best Of Luck (ラッキー)." Where did the idea come from?

A: The idea started with a simple question: What do we hold on to when things feel uncertain? I noticed how people turn to small symbols—charms, gestures, sayings—for comfort. "Good luck" can be something you say without thinking, but sometimes, it's a quiet wish full of hope. I wanted to explore that.

How did you choose the pieces for this exhibition?

The exhibition features a mix of old and new works. Some older pieces already played with the idea of luck and superstition, and I felt they still had something to say in this context. The newer works were made specifically with this theme in mind—drawing from both Filipino and Japanese lucky symbols like the daruma, maneki-neko, anting-anting, and even lucky colors. There’s a lot of layering, personal memories, and playful detail.

How has living in Japan influenced your art?

Japan has a quiet poetry in how it treats everyday life and rituals. There’s deep symbolism in objects here—from seasonal customs to shopfront charms. Being immersed in that has definitely deepened my attention to detail and appreciation for everyday “magic.” At the same time, I bring my Filipino lens, which is full of its own superstitions, humor, and warmth. The combination is very present in this show.

What do you hope visitors will feel or take away from this exhibition?

I hope they leave with a smile—or at least a sense of warmth. Maybe a little curiosity about their own personal lucky objects or rituals. We all need reminders that we're not alone in hoping for something good. Especially now.

Why a coffee shop? Why Tully’s in Shinjuku?

I like the idea of art living in everyday spaces. Not everyone walks into a gallery, but many people stop by a café. It’s where people slow down, take a break, or meet friends—an environment that feels natural, warm, and human. It felt right to present this exhibition about quiet hope and good luck in a space that’s open and accessible.

Tully’s is one of my favorite cafés in Japan—the coffee is great, and the atmosphere is always lively. Their Shinjuku branch is especially vibrant, full of both locals and visitors from around the world. Since Shinjuku is one of the busiest places in Tokyo, it felt like the perfect spot to share this work with as many people as possible.

Last question—do you believe in luck?

I believe in the power of small things—kindness, timing, intention. Whether that’s called luck, magic, or something else doesn’t matter. Sometimes, the belief itself is what helps us keep going.

デニス・サンへのインタビュー：「The Best Of Luck（ラッキー）」

今年の9月、東京・新宿のタリーズコーヒーが、色彩とノスタルジー、そして希望に満ちた空間へと生まれ変わります。日本を拠点に活動するフィリピン出身のビジュアルアーティスト、デニス・サンによる個展「The Best Of Luck（ラッキー）」が、2025年9月1日から10月31日まで開催されます。新作と過去作品を織り交ぜた展示は、不確かな時代における幸運のシンボルや個人的なお守りについて探ります。

今回は、展覧会のテーマや制作過程、「ラッキー」とは何かについて、アーティスト本人にお話を伺いました。