The Superlative Artistry of Japan

This exhibition presents a cohesive collection of works and materials from various different genres that each place great emphasis on highly skilled techniques, ingenious expressions and concepts, and a high level of perfection that take viewers by surprise. Introducing elaborate Meiji era (1868 - 1912) kogei works that played a significant role in initiating the Japonism trend in 19th century Europe as a starting point, the exhibition in addition to numerous contemporary works of superlative artistry, also comprises capsule toy figures and food samples that illustrate a strong commitment to craftsmanship.

Supervised by
Yuji Yamashita (professor, Meiji Gakuin University)

Artists/Works
Satoshi Araki, Riusuke Fukahori, Naoki Honjo, Takahiro Iwasaki, Takeshi Kitamura, Kimiyo Mishima, Naoki Nisiwaki, Yoshihiro Suda, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Hiroaki Umeda, Akira Yamaguchi, Ichiyo Yamamoto / Meiji era Kogei works, Food Samples, Capsule Toy Figures

Dates

2027 first semester Nepal *TBC

2026 second semester Singapore *TBC

2026 second semester Thailand *TBC

2026 first semester Indonesia *TBC

December 20, 2025 - March 29, 2026
Whirinaki Whare Taonga（Upper Hutt, New Zealand)

August 8 - November 2, 2025
Cultural Center, Providencia Cultural Foundation（Santiago, Chile)

June 3 - 28, 2025
Centro Paraguayo Japones（Asuncion, Paraguay)

February 19 - April 20, 2025
National Museum of Oriental Art（Buenos Aires, Argentina)

December 3 - 21, 2024
National Library（Panama City, Panama)

September 27 - November 3, 2024
Casa O' Higgins Museum（Lima, Peru)

July 10 - August 11, 2024
Centre for Contemporary Art（Quito, Ecuador)

April 14 - May 31, 2024
Library and Museum Casa Lleras, affiliated to University of Jorge Tadeo Lozano（Bogota, Colombia)

See past exhibition schedule

Photo of Large Cloisonné Incense Burner with Mt. Fuji and Bird Design
Artist Unknown
Large Cloisonné Incense Burner with Mt. Fuji and Bird Design,
Meiji period (1868 - 1912)
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of Yoshihiro Suda's Work
Yoshihiro Suda
Camellia, 2017
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of Ichiyo Yamamoto's Work
Ichiyo Yamamoto
Peacock Pattern (Decorative Pot), 2017
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of Naoki Honjo's Work
Naoki Honjo
Tokyo, Japan 2005, 2005
(c) Naoki Honjo

Photo of Food Sample
Food Sample (Sashimi Boat), 2017
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of Embroidered Hanging with Yomeimon Gate at Nikko (detail)
Artist Unknown
Embroidered Hanging with Yomeimon Gate at Nikko (detail),
Meiji period (1868 - 1912)
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of Takahiro Iwasaki's Work
Takahiro Iwasaki
Out of Disorder (Section), 2017
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of Takeshi Kitamura's Work
Takeshi Kitamura
Vermilion Tomon-ra Fabric (detail), 2003
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

Photo of YAMAGUCHI Akira's Work
YAMAGUCHI Akira
Department Store: New Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, 2005
(c) YAMAGUCHI Akira, Courtesy Mizuma Art Gallery

Photo of Kaiyodo Capsule Q
Kaiyodo
Capsule Q, 2013 - 2017
Photo by Shu Nakagawa

What We Do