Takise Momoe

From Japan

Graphic designer

Tokyo native Takise Momoe, who has lived in Shanghai for over 15 years and has split her time between Shanghai and Tokyo since 2003, now considers herself a "half Shanghainese". She is currently studying at the College of International Education at Shanghai University of Engineering Science.

In her leisure time, Takise enjoys exploring the streets, visiting small shops, and capturing the city's daily scenes with her paintbrush. Over the years, she has created over 100 watercolor paintings of Shanghai's small shops.

One of her favorite breakfast spots is a steamed bun shop on Ningbo Road, where the affordable and delicious buns and friendly owner make the place charming to her. A traditional shaved ice and sugar-roasted chestnut shop on South Shaanxi Road also features in her paintings. She has compiled these artworks into calendars and gifted them to the shop owners.

During her explorations, she discovered Shanghai’s first Manner Coffee shop and witnessed the transformation of the China Textile Planning Institute of Construction’s fifth warehouse into a retro industrial-style cafe and bar.

Takise describes Shanghai as a city full of wonders, vastly different from her first visit 30 years ago. She admires the diverse commercial culture that blends harmoniously across the city. Shopping in the vast malls and bargaining in local markets provides an experience that feels unique compared to Tokyo.

Recently, Takise concluded a solo exhibition and charity sale, turning her watercolors into cultural products like calendars. She donated the proceeds to support the children in schools involved in Project Hope.

Looking forward, she plans to continue using her art to document the everyday scenes and vibrant life of Shanghai.

Source: news.xinmin.cn