“Through Matthew, I fill the world with sparkling happiness, rewriting my past as an act of salvation, creating a world that deeply heals the hearts of viewers.”
The Artist Behind the Happiness
Ko-Hey! Arikawa is a creator whose work radiates happiness, nostalgia, and emotional healing. While his early years were not shaped by a loving family environment, a transformative chapter began when he was placed in a large family in Okinawa. There, surrounded by warmth and care, he experienced for the first time the profound love that would ultimately define his artistic vision. These formative years ignited his signature “sense of happiness,” a recurring theme in his work.
Arikawa began his artistic journey painting on the streets, gradually evolving into a celebrated figure in contemporary art. Since 2005, he has hosted the annual large-scale solo exhibition Ko-Hey! Arikawa EXPO®, a dynamic event that draws over 10,000 visitors each year, with a total of over 200,000 visitors to date. The EXPO has become a hallmark of his career, uniting audiences across generations through a shared love for his art.
Central to Arikawa’s creative universe is his iconic character, “BEST FRIENDS Matthew-kun”, a whimsical red-haired boy whose image has become synonymous with his work. Through this character, Arikawa connects with people across Okinawa and beyond, bridging generations and cultures with his joyful creations.
At the core of Arikawa’s artistic philosophy is an unshakable commitment to joy. His works are not merely decorative; they offer viewers a sense of comfort, belonging, and emotional rejuvenation. By crafting a world imbued with love and happiness, Arikawa transforms his personal story into a universal narrative of healing and hope—one that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Ko-Hey! Arikawa: A World Built Around Matthew
One of the most significant facets of Arikawa’s artistic practice is the creation of his alter ego, “Matthew-kun.” This whimsical red-haired boy inhabits a sparkling, joy-filled universe, designed as a utopia where happiness reigns supreme. For Arikawa, Matthew is more than just a character—he is a symbolic extension of the artist himself. Through Matthew, Arikawa revisits and rewrites his own childhood memories, offering himself and his audience a redemptive sense of healing and closure.
The inspiration behind Matthew’s world can be traced back to Arikawa’s formative years in Okinawa, where he was captivated by the colorful vibrancy of 1970s and 80s American culture. For the young artist, imported toys and candies were not just objects—they represented an almost magical sense of possibility and joy. These memories became a powerful emotional reservoir from which Arikawa would later draw the visual and thematic elements of his work. Motifs such as triangular-roofed houses, red apples, and birdsong frequently appear in his creations, serving as symbols of happiness and simplicity.
Matthew’s world is more than a visual narrative; it is an immersive experience that captures the artist’s longing to recreate a childhood brimming with love, wonder, and security. This unique approach has helped cement Arikawa’s reputation as an artist who transforms personal vulnerability into universal connection. Audiences of all ages are drawn to the warmth and purity of Matthew’s world, finding in it a reminder of their own cherished memories and aspirations for happiness.
Crafting Creativity: The Studio as a Sacred Space
For Arikawa, creativity is not simply a product of skill or inspiration—it is deeply intertwined with the environment in which he works. His studio is more than a workspace; it is a sanctuary that embodies his values and memories. Filled with cherished toys, trinkets, and mementos from his childhood, the studio serves as a physical manifestation of his artistic philosophy. Each object within the space carries personal meaning, functioning as silent witnesses to his creative process.
Arikawa believes that a harmonious environment is essential to nurturing creativity. Maintaining his studio is a ritual that goes beyond cleanliness—it is an act of care and gratitude. Every item is treated with respect, as though it possesses a soul, and this reverence infuses his work with an intangible warmth and vitality. By creating a space that reflects his inner world, Arikawa aligns himself with the emotional and spiritual flow that fuels his art.
This meticulous attention to detail is evident in every piece he produces. Arikawa’s studio becomes a microcosm of the themes he explores in his work: love, connection, and the transformative power of happiness. It is here that his thoughts, emotions, and memories converge, resulting in art that resonates with authenticity and depth.
Ko-Hey! Arikawa: Redefining the Art Experience
Over the past two decades, Arikawa has pursued a vision of creating an alternative art market that prioritizes artistic freedom and inclusivity. This ambition has taken shape through his annual Ko-Hey! Arikawa EXPO®︎, an exhibition unlike any other. By personally overseeing every aspect of the event—from planning and production to customer engagement and sales—Arikawa has established a space where art transcends traditional boundaries.
The EXPO is not merely an exhibition; it is an experience designed to bring people together. Arikawa’s goal is to create a family-friendly environment where visitors of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, can enjoy art in a meaningful way. This vision reflects his belief that art should not be an exclusive domain but rather a communal celebration of creativity and love. By fostering an atmosphere of connection and inclusion, Arikawa’s exhibitions have become cherished events that leave lasting impressions on attendees.
Looking ahead, Arikawa dreams of taking the Ko-Hey! Arikawa EXPO®︎ to a global audience. He envisions a world where families everywhere can come together to experience the joy and wonder of his art. This aspiration is rooted in his unwavering commitment to spreading happiness and fostering human connection—values that define not only his work but also his life as an artist.
