Groovisions | Chappie App | Exhibition Round-up

groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

As part of the release of two new books “groovisions highlight” , “groovisions 100 tools” and their new Chappie app, Japanese design studio Groovisions Inc. is currently holding an exhibition at Gyre building in Omotesando, Tokyo. We went along for a brief look what was on display.

groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

The first room serves as an introduction and showcases a stacked group of printed cardboard boxes featuring Groovision graphics.

Groovisions is a design studio based in Tokyo which is active in a variety of media including music, publishing, product, interior, fashion and the web, focusing primarily on graphic and video. Groovisions was formed in 1993 in Kyoto. The studio became famous by producing films and graphics for PIZZICATO FIVE. Moved to Tokyo in 1997. Major projects include producing CD packages and music videos for groups such as Rip Slyme, FPM (Fantastic Plastic Machine), visual identity and signage for shops such as the 100% ChocolateCafe, art direction and editorial design for magazines such as Metro Min, directing window displays for Maison Hermès, art direction for the “DO MORE WITH LESS 40 YEARS OF THE NORTH FACE” exhibition, the production of motion graphics for Expo 2005 Aichi Japan and production of motion graphics for the an education video by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

In the next room one can find large wooden shelfs with outdoor paraphernalia and original Groovisions products sprinkled in between, such as their stacking helmet KAKUMET for Yellow Inc.

All products appear to have some kind of industrial elegance which seem to work as vehicle to convey the Groovision spirit and aesthetic. Perhaps their art direction work for the “DO MORE WITH LESS — 40 YEARS OF THE NORTH FACE”  exhibition (an outdoor brand) influenced their style.


groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

The exhibition shop counter is staffed with one of their unique Chappie figures. The figures have been produced as physical toys and featured in numerous advertising campaigns in the past. Chappie was created in 1994 as a “human-shaped graphic design system”.

groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition
Physical Chappie figures called Brockmann® (2001)

The figures are also the base for their newly released free Chappie app which allows to create avatar images using ready-made shapes such as face, hair, hats, glasses and clothes.

groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

The app allow users to export their Chappie image and add them to contacts or SNS profiles, but assembled characters can also be traded with a friends app and edited again thereafter.

groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibitiongroovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

Find some details about the two upcoming books releases below:

groovisions highlight
Release date: 7 July 2015
224 pages in softcover
Publisher: Parco Publishing
Price: ¥3,600 (w/o tax)

groovisions 100 tools
Release date: 26 June 2015
224 pages in softcover
Publisher: FUSOSHA Publishing
Price: ¥1,600 (w/o tax)


A third room serves as a screening room for some of Groovisions commercials and music videos such as We’ll Be Coming by the Tartan Specials.


groovisions chappie highligh 100 tools exhibition

The exhibition is still on until 23th August 2015, at GYRE 3F / EYE OF GYRE in Omotesando, Tokyo, further details below:

Date: Friday, 19 June – Sunday, 23 Aug. 2015
11:00 – 20:00
*Monday, 17 Aug. will be closed.
Venue: EYE OF GYRE / GYRE 3F
(5-10-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Entrance fee: free