To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Japanese art supply brand Kitpas has launched “Kitpas Window Art in PARIS,” a collaborative project featuring artist Shusaku Sato. The initiative marks two decades of the dustless crayon’s existence by bringing its signature window-based mural technique to the French capital, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to community-based art and eco-friendly materials.
The project, which began rolling out in late 2024, utilizes the company’s proprietary water-soluble crayons to transform glass surfaces into temporary canvases. According to Nihon Rikagaku Industry Co., Ltd., the manufacturer behind the Kitpas brand, the goal is to bridge cultural gaps through interactive art, allowing participants to draw directly on windows without the need for permanent adhesive or difficult cleanup.
The Evolution of Kitpas and Sustainable Art
Kitpas crayons were first introduced by Nihon Rikagaku Industry, a company headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan, that gained international recognition for its inclusive hiring practices, particularly its long-standing commitment to employing individuals with intellectual disabilities. The product was designed to be non-toxic and versatile, capable of being used on paper, whiteboards, and glass.
The brand’s 20th-anniversary milestone reflects a shift in how stationary products are being integrated into public art installations. By partnering with Shusaku Sato, a creative practitioner known for his ability to translate complex visual narratives into accessible public displays, the brand is positioning itself as more than just a manufacturer. For further details on the company’s corporate philosophy and history, see the official Nihon Rikagaku Industry corporate website.
Shusaku Sato and the Paris Installation
Shusaku Sato has been tapped to lead the artistic direction of the Paris project. His work typically emphasizes the intersection of urban architecture and ephemeral art. In the context of the “Kitpas Window Art in PARIS” campaign, Sato is tasked with demonstrating the potential of these crayons in a European cityscape, which often presents different architectural challenges compared to the retail spaces in Japan where these arts are commonly performed.
The use of windows as a medium serves a dual purpose: it minimizes the physical footprint of the art installation while maximizing visibility for passersby. Because Kitpas crayons are water-soluble, the artwork can be removed with a damp cloth, a feature that aligns with the transient nature of urban pop-up installations. This method has been previously documented in various community art projects across Japan, where it is often used in schools and public retail corridors to encourage collaborative creativity.
Why Public Art Initiatives Matter
The decision to host this anniversary celebration in Paris underscores the growing global interest in “placemaking”—the process of creating quality public spaces that contribute to people’s health, happiness, and well-being. By choosing a major cultural hub, the organizers are testing the viability of their “Window Art” concept in a market where public art is highly scrutinized and deeply embedded in the city’s identity.
Recent trends in the art supply industry show a significant pivot toward sustainable, low-waste materials. According to industry reports from the Art Materials Retailers Association, consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that offer high performance with minimal environmental impact. Kitpas, which uses paraffin wax and is designed to be easily wiped away, fits into this broader consumer demand for “greener” artistic tools.
What Happens Next for the Kitpas Anniversary
Following the Paris launch, the organizers have stated that they intend to document the process of the window installations to create a digital archive of the 20th-anniversary activities. While no further international locations have been officially confirmed as of early 2025, the brand continues to promote its workshops throughout Japan and select international retail partners.
For those interested in following the progress of the anniversary events or learning more about the specific techniques used by Sato, the brand provides updates through its social media channels and official regional distributors. As the project continues to evolve, the focus remains on the accessibility of the medium—ensuring that art remains a tool for connection rather than just a commercial product.
Readers are encouraged to share their experiences with Kitpas art or comment on the role of public mural projects in their local communities below.
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