Author: nakano

Tokyo National Museum

Spring has arrived at the museum. The Tokyo National Museum (Director: Makoto Fujiwara) will once again be holding its annual spring event, "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum."
In the main building, you can see masterpieces of Japanese art with a cherry blossom motif in each exhibition room. In addition, about 10 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom one after another in the garden. In addition to viewing the artworks, you can also enjoy a stroll through the garden and various events.

■ Cherry blossom viewing in the main building
In the exhibition rooms of the main building, which mainly exhibits Japanese art, you can see a variety of works, including a painting of a famous cherry blossom spot, "Arashiyama Spring Scene," as well as ceramics and lacquerware with a cherry blossom motif, such as "Colored Cherry Blossom Tree Design Open Bowl" and "Sakura Saigyo Maki-e Inkstone Box."
The captions of the relevant works will have a cherry blossom mark, so please look for it and enjoy the cherry blossoms in the exhibition room.
*The following exhibits on the second floor of the Main Building will be closed until Tuesday, April 7th: "Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings," "Furnishings for Everyday Life," "The Development of Calligraphy and Painting," "Noh and Kabuki," and "Ukiyo-e and Costumes."

[Major exhibits] *All works are from the Tokyo National Museum

1. Spring Scene of Arashiyama (Arashiyama Shunkei), by Shiokawa Bunrin, 1873 (Meiji 6), donated by Shiokawa Bunrin
March 10th (Tue) – April 19th (Sun) Exhibition in the "Modern Art" section on the first floor of the Main Building
Bunrin was born in Kyoto and was active from the end of the Edo period to the early Meiji period, making him one of the painters who laid the foundations for the modern Kyoto art world. Known also as a master of landscape painting, this work depicts a scene from Arashiyama, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The depiction of the misty, hazy atmosphere that envelops the entire painting makes the delicate cherry blossoms in Arashiyama even more beautiful. Bunrin himself donated this work to the museum.

2. Openwork Bowl with Cherry Blossom Design (Iroe Oujuzu Suka Shibachi), by Ninnami Dohachi, Edo Period, 19th Century
March 10th (Tue) – May 31st (Sun) Exhibition in the Ceramics section on the 1st floor of the Main Building
Cherry blossoms in full bloom are depicted on both the inside and outside of the vessel using pointillism with mainly white, red, and blue paint. The multiple openwork patterns near the rim are also skillfully applied, and when you peer into the vessel, you can almost feel the wind rustling the flowers, making this an exciting piece.

3. Sword Guard with Cherry Blossoms and Mountain Magpies, by Tsukada Hidekyo, 1870
March 3rd (Tue) – May 24th (Sun) On display at "Swords" on the 1st floor of the Main Building
As if celebrating the tranquil spring, a mountain magpie dances within the tsuba, and cherry blossoms bloom. The relaxed atmosphere is created by the way the spreading tail and the shape of the cherry blossom branches harmonize with the white space. This tsuba was made shortly after the end of the samurai era, but the engraving techniques and refined sensibility cultivated in sword fittings have had a major influence on modern metalwork.

4. Sakura Saigyo Makie Suzuribako (Sakura Saigyo Makie Suzuribako), Edo period, 18th century
March 17th (Tue) – May 24th (Sun) Exhibition at "Lacquerware" on the 1st floor of the Main Building
The image of a wandering old monk gazing at cherry blossoms is a standard representation of the early modern "Hanami Saigyo" (cherry blossom viewing) scene. The inside of the lid shows a completely different view, overlooking Mount Hiei from the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. In 1189, Saigyo composed his final waka poem with Jien while gazing at Lake Biwa from Mount Hiei, and passed away the following year during the cherry blossom season. The design and composition of this piece is thought to have been intended to evoke in the user the life of Saigyo.

5. Gourd-shaped sake container, made by Funada Ikkoto, Edo period, 1843 (Tempo 14)
March 10th (Tue) – May 31st (Sun) Exhibition at "Metalwork" on the 1st floor of the Main Building
This gourd-shaped sake container is made by joining dark shibuichi (a silver and copper alloy) and red suaka (plain copper) diagonally, and features scattered golden cherry blossoms at the bottom and a silver moon shrouded in clouds at the top. It is the work of Funada Ikkin, who studied under the renowned swordsmith Goto Ichijo.
Cherry blossom viewing has always been accompanied by sake and bento boxes, and this stylish sake container would look great at a cherry blossom viewing party.

■ Cherry Blossom Events *No prior registration required, participation is free (however, admission fee is required on the day)

◆ Guided tours and slide talks by volunteers
During the "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" event, volunteer guided tours and slide talks will introduce the trees and cherry blossoms on the premises, as well as artwork related to cherry blossom viewing.
Please check our website for dates, times, and details of volunteer guided tours and slide talks.
*The contents may change depending on the weather, etc.

◆ "Tokyo National Museum Coloring Book"
In conjunction with "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum," you can enjoy coloring the "Colored Cherry Blossom Plate" from our museum collection.
Please also take a look at the colors and expressions used in the works in the exhibition room.

Dates: March 10th (Tue) – April 19th (Sun)
Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm, open until 8:00pm during night hours
Venue: Main Building Special Room 4

◆Cherry Blossom Viewing Yoga in the Horyuji Treasure Museum
We will be holding a "Cherry Blossom Viewing Yoga" event that anyone can feel free to join.

Date and time: Thursday, March 26th
(1) 13:00-13:30
(2) 14:00-14:30
(3) 15:00-15:30 (reception opens 15 minutes before each session)
Location: Entrance to the Horyuji Treasure Gallery
*Only the first 20 people will be accepted, and participation is free (however, admission fee for the day is required)
*Please check our website for details.

Tohaku Haiku Society "A Haiku at Cherry Blossom Viewing"
During the "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" event, we are accepting haiku submissions with a cherry blossom theme. Why not try writing a haiku about a cherry blossom garden or a work of art with a cherry blossom motif?
For details on how to apply, please visit our website.

■About strolling around the garden
In the garden, about 10 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom one after another, including Somei Yoshino, Oshima cherry, and weeping Edohigan cherry. You can also sit on the stone bench in front of the pond and relax and enjoy the view. This is the best season for a stroll, so please enjoy the cherry blossoms in the garden along with the cherry blossom artworks in the exhibition room.

Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm
*Due to weather or maintenance work, the trail may be closed or the walking area may be restricted.
*You cannot enter the tea house in the garden.

■Other special features and projects to be held in March 2026
*For further details, please visit our website.

Special feature: "Calligraphy and Painting in the Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasties: Dreams in Chaotic Times"
January 1, 2026 (Thursday/Holiday) – March 22, 2026 (Sunday) Toyokan Room 8

Special Feature: 60th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and South Korea
"A Treasure Box of Korean Art: Welcoming the Collection of the National Museum of Korea"
February 10th (Tuesday) – April 5th (Sunday), 2026 Main Building Special Room 1, Special Room 2

Special Feature: "The Rich Lifestyle of Formosa (Beautiful Island)" – Materials on the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan –
March 10th (Tue) – May 31st (Sun), 2026 Heiseikan Special Exhibition Room

["Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" Visitor Information]
Date: March 10th (Tuesday) – April 5th (Sunday), 2026
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5pm
* Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. * Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed: Mondays
*However, the museum will be open on Monday, March 30th.
*Rooms 7-10 in the Main Building and the Heiseikan Archaeological Exhibition Room will be closed until Tuesday, April 7th.
*Room 8 of the Toyokan will be closed from March 24th (Tue) to April 7th (Tue).
Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for university students
*Free admission for high school students and younger, those under 18, and those 70 and older.
Please show proof of age when entering the museum.
*Free admission for disabled people and one caregiver.
Please present your disability certificate when entering the building.
*Additional fees apply for paid events.
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit or Uguisudani Station South Exit
15 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station or Nezu Station, or Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Ueno Station
Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Website: https://www.tnm.jp/

*The dates, opening days, opening hours, exhibited works, exhibition period, and event content may be subject to change due to future circumstances. Please check the museum's website for further details.

[Tokyo National Museum] Press release

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Ueno Toshogu Shrine

More than 500 plants of 110 species, including rare varieties such as "Zipangu" and "Shakudou no Kagayaki" and unusual green peonies, decorate the garden in spring.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine (located in Ueno Onshi Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo) will be holding the 47th Ueno Toshogu Shrine Spring Peony Festival from Saturday, April 4th to Wednesday, May 6th, 2026.
The shrine is located in Ueno Park and enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Yoshimune, and Tokugawa Yoshinobu.

This event is attended by many people every year, with over 30,000 people visiting the park last year.

At the Spring Peony Festival, you can enjoy over 500 peony plants of 110 varieties, developed in Japan, China, America, France, etc., along with the changing flowers that vary depending on the variety. In addition to the classic flower colors of red and pink, you can also enjoy rare yellow varieties.

The garden is enveloped in fresh greenery and the warmth of spring, and the flowers change with each passing day.
The flowering status will be posted daily on our official Instagram.
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utbotanen_official/

■Outline of the 47th Ueno Toshogu Shrine Spring Peony Festival
Event period: Saturday, April 4th, 2026 to Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 *Open every day during the period
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission)
Admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen, groups (15 or more) 800 yen, admission ticket for the event period 2,500 yen, free for elementary school students and below
Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
TEL: 03-3822-3575 (Peony Garden)
Access: 5 minutes walk from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station
5 minutes walk from Ikenohata exit of Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway
10 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro

[Zipangu]
It is a yellow, thousand-flowered variety, and its fragrance is one of its characteristics.

[Brilliance of Red Copper]
This is a rare variety with yellow and pinkish orange petals.

■ Message from the Director of Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
We have been caring for the peonies throughout the year in preparation for the spring Peony Festival.
The buds are healthy again this year, and I hope everyone will be able to see beautiful flowers.
Please enjoy the spring peonies along with the fresh greenery and seasonal flowers.
Shingo Ono, Director of Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden

■Ueno Toshogu Shrine Peony Garden
Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden was opened in April 1980 to commemorate friendship between Japan and China, on the grounds of Ueno Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as its deity. The strolling Japanese garden is planted with peonies, and currently 500 plants of 110 varieties are cultivated in the spring, and 160 plants of 40 varieties are cultivated in the winter. In addition, in the fall, 200 plants of approximately 100 varieties of dahlias (also known as Tenjiku peonies) are exhibited, allowing you to enjoy seasonal flowers.
Enjoy the Edo atmosphere at your leisure in the lush green Ueno area, located in the heart of Tokyo.
Official website: https://uenobotanen.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utbotanen_official/

[Toshogu Shrine] Press release

See other exhibition information

March 28th (Sat) – May 10th (Sun) 2026 at Ueno Geidai Art Plaza (free admission)

Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ ) is a gallery operated on the campus of Tokyo University of the Arts' Faculty of Fine Arts (Ueno, Taito Ward) as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts. From Saturday, March 28, 2026, they will be holding a special exhibition titled "Energy: What is Energy?" The exhibition will be themed around "energy," and will feature new works by 11 artists affiliated with or alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts. Admission is free, and photography is permitted.

Held on Saturday, March 28, 2026
Special exhibition "Energy: What is Energy?"

The special exhibition "Energy" is themed around energy in a broad sense, including invisible "force," "presence," and "heat." The exhibition features new works by 11 artists affiliated with or alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts, creating a space where the presence of energy can be visualized and experienced through sight, space, and the body. "Energy" is something we come into contact with every day but rarely pay attention to, but through art it allows viewers to reinterpret it sensorily and intuitively, offering an opportunity to ask themselves, "What does energy mean to me?"

***********************************

Special exhibition announcement page
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/30044/

***********************************

■ Exhibition Overview
Special exhibition name: Special exhibition "Energy: What is Energy?"
Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, 12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Dates: Saturday, March 28th, 2026 – Sunday, May 10th, 2026 *No rotation of exhibits
Admission fee: Free
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays *Open on public holidays, closed the following Tuesday
Sponsor: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

*Business hours may change. Please check the official website and social media for the latest information.

■ Exhibiting artists (planned)
Imai Kanma / Ota Takeki / Kakinuma Miyu / Katayama Jo / Sakuta Michiko / Saji Mariko / Segawa Yumiko / Murao Yuka / Fujita Nono / Yamada Yuki / Yoshida Kaho

What is Geidai Art Plaza?

Geidai Art Plaza is a gallery that exhibits and sells works by faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts (hereafter referred to as Geidai), which has produced many top artists. It is one of the precious places on the Geidai Ueno Campus that is open to the public and open to the public throughout the year. It began operation in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Geidai.

Currently, exhibitions with different themes are held every one or two months. Each special exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, bringing together works that are expressed using the diverse techniques and approaches unique to Geidai, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.

Exhibition view of the special exhibition "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Exhibition 2026" to be held in January 2026
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/29190/

The store has a permanent exhibition corner called "LIFE WITH ART" that focuses on art that is close to daily life, such as tableware and accessories. The store also sells several "Drawing T-shirts (commonly known as Doro T)," which are one-of-a-kind items that have been drawn directly by Geidai artists. Admission to Geidai Art Plaza is free.

Taking photos and sharing them on social media is also welcome. We aim to be a place where anyone, not just art fans, can easily experience art.

Exhibition view of the permanent corner "LIFE WITH ART"

Drawing T-shirt exhibition view

The official online shop, "Tableware and T-shirt Store," is scheduled to open in September 2024. In addition to one-of-a-kind tableware, cutlery, teapots, tea bowls, and other items created by Geidai artists, it also sells a variety of original goods.

Official online shop "Tableware and T-shirt store"
https://geidaiartplz.base.shop/

Geidai Art Plaza Basic Information

■ Access
Nearest station: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), Uguisudani Station, approx. 10-minute walk
About a 10-minute walk from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Approximately 15 minutes' walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
About 15 minutes walk from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway
Take Toei Bus Route 26 (Kameido – Ueno Park) to Yanaka bus stop and walk for about 3 minutes

*There is no parking lot, so please refrain from coming by car.

■ Official SNS accounts
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/geidai_art_plaza
X:
https://x.com/artplaza_geidai
Podcasts (Spotify):
https://open.spotify.com/show/2FlkumYv9ScWy69UlBtqWy
Threads:
https://www.threads.net/@geidai_art_plaza

■ 2025-2026 Exhibition
January-March 2025 Special Exhibition "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Exhibition 2025"
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/26551/
March-May 2025 Special Exhibition “Welcome to the art zoo!”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/27319/
May-July 2025 Special Exhibition "Chasing Windmills: Regards to Don Quixote"
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/27855/
August-October 2025 Special Exhibition "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition"
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/27804/
October-November 2025 Special Exhibition "Time After Time"
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/28865/
December 2025 – January 2026 Special Exhibition "Made in Art"
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/29525/

■ Inquiries
Frequently asked questions are here
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/qa/

[Shogakukan Inc.] Press release

See other exhibition information

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

The exhibition "Swedish Paintings: Nordic Light, Everyday Brilliance" will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo) from Tuesday, January 27th to Sunday, April 12th, 2026.
Starting at 10:00 on Friday, November 28th, we will be selling discounted weekday tickets and tickets with original exhibition merchandise. These will be available until stocks run out, so don't miss out!

Weekday-only tickets

❖ [Weekdays only] Advance pair tickets
This is a set of two general advance tickets at a great price.
You can purchase this ticket for 200 yen cheaper than regular advance tickets (600 yen cheaper than purchasing a regular ticket).

Sales price: 4,000 yen (tax included)
Sales period: November 28th (Friday) 10:00 ~ until sold out
Sales location: Available at ARTPASS and other play guides

*This is a set of two general advance tickets ( available only on weekdays ).
* Only one set per person can be purchased.
*This ticket can only be used on weekdays. It can also be used by one person on different dates.

❖ [Weekdays only] Ticket with audio guide
The navigator for the audio guide for this exhibition is JUJU, who has experienced the charm of Nordic items and culture as the MC of the NHK program "The World is Full of Things I Want."
With narration by voice actor Hino Satoshi, we will explore the charm of Swedish paintings!
This is a great value ticket that includes one general advance ticket and one audio guide exchange ticket.

[JUJU profile]
She made her major label debut in 2004. At age 18, she moved to New York, where she experienced a variety of musical cultures, including jazz, hip hop, club music, and soul, and launched her career as a singer. While releasing numerous hits such as "If You Want a Miracle…" and "Yasashisa de Afureru Youni," she has also attracted attention for her life's work of conveying stories through song, singing classics that transcend genres, Japan and the US, and generations, including the Japanese cover album "Request" series and the jazz album "DELICIOUS" series. In spring 2026, she will release the Western cover album "Showa Western Music: Jun Kissa JUJU 'Time Travel' produced by Masataka Matsutoya," and will embark on a nationwide hall tour to promote the album, "Junkissa JUJU 'Time Travel' directed by Masataka Matsutoya," starting in June.

Sales price: 2,700 yen (tax included)
Sales period: November 28th (Friday) 10:00 ~ until sold out
Sales location: Limited sale at Lawson Ticket
*This is a set ticket that includes one general advance ticket and one audio guide exchange ticket ( both valid only on weekdays ).
*Only one ticket can be purchased per person.
*Audio guides will be available for rental at the entrance to the venue only on the days and periods when the exhibition is open. The app version cannot be used.

Goods set ticket

❖Ticket with original sauna hat
Appreciating art is a luxurious time to "harmonize" the mind. This ticket includes an original sauna hat to deepen that "harmonizing" experience. The hat, made from high-quality Imabari towels, is decorated with embroidery of the Dalahäst, a traditional Swedish craft known as the "horse that brings happiness." In Sweden, saunas are called "Bastu," and are said to be an important time to reset the mind and body. Get off to a lucky start in the coming Year of the Horse with the Dalahäst, the horse that brings happiness!

・Unisex (free size)
・Material: Imabari brand, 100% cotton
Antibacterial and deodorizing fabric (SEK mark certified)
・Country of manufacture: Japan

Sales price: 7,000 yen (tax included)
Sales period: November 28th (Friday) 10:00 ~ until sold out
Sales location: Limited sale at Lawson Ticket
*Sales will end once the planned number of tickets is reached.
*The image is for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product.
*The original sauna hat can only be exchanged at the special shop within the venue on the opening days and during the opening hours of this exhibition.
*Available in the limited color (navy) for the goods set ticket.

❖Ticket with original Kewpie costume
This ticket comes with an original costume Kewpie doll dressed in the official Swedish national costume. It features a blue dress, yellow apron, and white hat. It's 100% Swedish! This adorable Kewpie doll is exclusive to this exhibition and is packed with the charm of Sweden.

・Body size: Approx. W27 x H36 x D16 mm
Material: Body: ATBC-PVC, Fabric: Polyester
Strap/Polyester, Iron, Brass
・Country of manufacture: Japan

Sales price: 3,200 yen (tax included)
Sales period: November 28th (Friday) 10:00 ~ until sold out
Sales location: Limited sale at Seven Ticket
*Sales will end once the planned number of tickets is reached.
*The image is for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product.
*The original costume Kewpie can only be exchanged at the special shop within the venue on the opening days and during the opening hours of this exhibition.
*The strap color (orange) is available only with the goods set ticket.

How to purchase

●Official ticket ARTPASS

●Electronic ticket "ASOVIEW!"
*When entering, you will need to complete the entry procedure on your smartphone. You will not be able to enter with a printed ticket or a screenshot of the screen.

● Electronic ticket "Sma Ticket"
*When entering, you will need to complete the entry procedure on your smartphone. You will not be able to enter with a printed ticket or a screenshot of the screen.
*To use Smart Ticket, you must install the ePlus app (free). Please check the recommended environment before using.
How to purchase Smart Ticket: https://eplus.jp/sf/guide/spticket

◎If you purchase your ticket at any of the ticket agencies listed below, you will need to get a paper ticket at a convenience store. You will not be able to enter by presenting your payment history or a screenshot of your ticket.
Please check the website of each retailer for fees and sales end dates before purchasing.

● Seven Ticket
In-store sales: Seven-Eleven stores (in-store multi-copy machines)
How to purchase in store: http://7ticket.jp/go/i000008

● Lawson Ticket
L code: 34607
In-store sales: Loppi machines in Lawson and Ministop stores
How to purchase in store: https://l-tike.com/concert/mevent/?mid=391437

● e+ (eplus)
In-store sales: FamilyMart stores (in-store multi-copy machines)
How to purchase in store: https://support-qa.eplus.jp/hc/ja/articles/6638367888665

● Ticket Pia
P-Code: 995-747
In-store sales: Seven-Eleven stores (in-store multi-copy machines)
How to purchase in store: https://t.pia.jp/guide/sej-t.jsp

● Boo-Woo Ticket

● CN Play Guide
In-store sales: FamilyMart stores (in-store multi-copy machines)
How to purchase in store: http://www.cnplayguide.com/familymart/

●Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Advance tickets will be sold at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Museum Shop.
Regular tickets for the duration of the exhibition will be sold at the ticket counter of Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
During busy times, it may take some time from the time of purchase to the time of entry.

[Exhibition Overview]
Sweden is a country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. This exhibition is a comprehensive introduction to paintings from the Golden Age of Swedish art, which has been attracting worldwide attention in recent years.
In Sweden, a young generation of artists began studying in France around 1880, and became fascinated with Realism, which portrays humans and nature as they are. When they returned home, they aimed to create art that was uniquely Swedish and reflected the country's identity, portraying nature, the people around them, and the brilliance hidden in everyday life in intimate and emotional expressions.
With the full cooperation of the Nationalmuseum of Sweden, this exhibition explores the uniquely Nordic sensibility of living in harmony with nature through fascinating paintings produced in Sweden from the late 19th century through to the 20th century.

[Event Overview]
Exhibition title: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum 100th Anniversary Commemoration: Swedish Paintings: Nordic Light, the Brilliance of Everyday Life
Date: January 27th (Tuesday) – April 12th (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Special Exhibition Room
Closed: Mondays, February 24th (Tuesday) *However, open on February 23rd (Monday, national holiday)
Opening hours: 9:30-17:30, until 20:00 on Fridays (last entry 30 minutes before closing)

Organized by: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), NHK, NHK Promotion, Tokyo Shimbun
Sponsored by: DNP Dai Nippon Printing Supported by: Embassy of Sweden Special cooperation: Nationalmuseum of Sweden
Cooperation: All Nippon Airways, Lufthansa Cargo AG Planning cooperation: S2

Admission fee: Tickets will go on sale on Friday, November 28th
Adults: 2,300 yen (2,100 yen), university and vocational school students: 1,300 yen (1,100 yen), those 65 and over: 1,600 yen (1,400 yen)
Free for those under 18 and high school students
*Prices include tax
*Advance ticket prices in parentheses *Free admission for those with a Physical Disability Certificate, Love Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, or Atomic Bomb Survivor Health Certificate, and their accompanying person (up to one person)
*Those under 18, high school students, university/vocational school students, those over 65, and those with various certificates must present proof of their age.
*Free admission for university and vocational school students only on weekdays from January 27th (Tue) to February 20th (Fri).

Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)

*The session period, opening hours, and closed days may be subject to change.
Please check the official exhibition website for the latest information.

Official exhibition website: https://swedishpainting2026.jp
Exhibition Official X・Instagram: @swedish2026

[Travel information]
Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art: April 28th (Tue) – June 21st (Sun), 2026 (planned)
Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art: Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, October 4th, 2026 (planned)

*This exhibition is part of the Swedish Embassy Year of Cultural and Scientific Cooperation in Japan 2026.

[Swedish Paintings: Nordic Light, Everyday Sparkle Public Relations Office] Press release

See other exhibition information

Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum

Venue: The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts
Date: July 24, 2026 (Friday) to September 23, 2026 (Wednesday, holiday)

The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts (Ueno Park, Tokyo) is pleased to announce that it will be holding the exhibition "Geidai-style Art Friend: Become a Geidai Student This Summer" from Friday, July 24th, 2026 to Wednesday, September 23rd (national holiday).
Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan's only national comprehensive arts university, was founded in 1887 as the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and the Tokyo Music School, and over its 140-year history has been a hub for arts education and research, producing many outstanding artists and researchers. While the university enjoys nationwide recognition, the specific type of university and the type of students who attend it are not widely known, and in recent years interest has been building, as evidenced by the best-selling book "The Last Unexplored Place: Tokyo University of the Arts – The Chaotic Everyday Life of Geniuses" (2016, Shinchosha).

A simulated experience of art education at Tokyo University of the Arts.
This exhibition is part of a series called "Geidai-style Art's Friend," which will be held every summer for three years from 2026 to 2028. Comprised of a variety of themes related to Tokyo University of the Arts, this will be the first attempt to allow visitors to appreciate artworks while experiencing lecture-style exhibitions planned by current professors and lecturers.
The first exhibition in 2026 will focus on the Tokyo University of the Arts collection and approach "art" from various angles, including art history, practical skills, expression, appreciation, materials, preservation and restoration, etc. The venue will also feature workshops that people can easily participate in, and the exhibition is planned to be an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way for people of all ages to "take" "lectures."
Located on the university campus, this museum will provide visitors with the opportunity to virtually experience what it's like to be an art university student and learn about the depth and enjoyment of art.
Tokyo University of the Arts is putting all its efforts into this new exhibition, "Geidai-style Art Friend: Become a Geidai Student This Summer," and the first of these exhibitions will be held in the summer of 2026. We hope you will look forward to it.

[Event Overview]
Exhibition title: Geidai-style Art "Friendship" – Become a Geidai student this summer –
Dates: July 24th (Friday) to September 23rd (Wednesday, national holiday), 2026 *Scheduled
Venue: Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum Main Building Exhibition Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4[Ueno Park, Tokyo]
[Location] 12-8 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
Organizers: Tokyo University of the Arts, Yomiuri Shimbun
Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum official website: https://museum.geidai.ac.jp
Official website: Under preparation
*Details will be announced on the official website as soon as they are decided.

[Teachers participating in this exhibition] *In alphabetical order
Daigo Ushijima (Intermedia Art Department, Intermedia Art Major)
Yasushi Okada (Cultural Heritage Conservation)
Hiroshi Kumazawa (University Art Museum)
Naoki Sato (Art Studies major, Department of Art)
Keishi Takashima (Japanese Painting Department, Painting Department)
Tomoko Taguchi and Ni Xue (Future Creation and Inheritance Center)
Ryo Furuta (General Supervisor, University Art Museum)
Sunao Maruyama (Design Department, Design Major)
Seiichiro Miida (Painting Department, Oil Painting Major (Printmaking))
Takenori Miyamoto (Oil Painting Department, Painting Department)
Murakami Takashi (University Art Museum)

[Works to be exhibited]

Yuki Ogura, "Path," 1966, Tokyo University of the Arts

Kuroda Seiki, "Dr. Tulp's Anatomy Lectures," 1888, Tokyo University of the Arts
Original work by Rembrandt van Rijn

Right) Shintaji, "Study of wood carving techniques using Kaikei's Seated Vairocana Statue," 1987
Tokyo University of the Arts
Left) Kaikei and An'ami "Seated Vairocana" Kamakura period/late 12th century – early 13th century
Tokyo University of the Arts

Tokyo University of the Arts (exterior)

[What is Tokyo University of the Arts?]
Tokyo University of the Arts is Japan's only national comprehensive arts university. It was established in May 1949 as a successor to the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now the Faculty of Fine Arts) and the Tokyo Music School (now the Faculty of Music), both of which were founded in 1887. It comprises two faculties and 10 departments: the Faculty of Fine Arts (Department of Painting, Department of Sculpture, Department of Crafts, Department of Architecture, Department of Art) and the Faculty of Music (Department of Composition, Department of Vocal Music, Department of Instrumental Music, Department of Conducting, Department of Musicology), as well as an affiliated library.
Since then, the university has expanded and reorganized its faculties several times, and currently consists of two faculties and 14 departments: the Faculty of Fine Arts (Department of Painting, Department of Sculpture, Department of Crafts, Department of Design, Department of Architecture, Department of Interdisciplinary Art Expression, Department of Art) and the Faculty of Music (Department of Composition, Department of Vocal Music, Department of Instrumental Music, Department of Conducting, Department of Traditional Japanese Music, Department of Musicology, Department of Musical Environment Creation), as well as facilities such as the affiliated library, university art museum, and performing arts center.
In addition to Ueno Park, the university also has campuses in Toride City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Senju, Adachi Ward. For approximately 140 years since its founding, the university has been at the center of art education and research, producing many outstanding artists, researchers, and educators in the arts field.

[From the "Geidai-style Art Friend" Secretariat] Press release

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Fukuoka's Christmas Advent, which has been visited by a total of 12 million people, finally comes to Tokyo

Location: Ueno Park, Hakamagoshi Square
Dates: 2025/11/19 (Wed) – 12/25 (Thu) Opening hours: 11:00-22:30 every day
11/19 (Wed) 18:00 Lighting Ceremony with surprise guest appearance

Official website: https://christmas-advent.jp/ueno/

"Christmas Advent," a winter tradition in Fukuoka, kicked off again this year on Saturday, November 1st at various locations across the city. Boasting a cumulative total of approximately 12 million visitors, this event is beloved by people of all ages and nationalities as a "Christmas to enjoy with all five senses" that combines light, music, and art. It will finally be held for the first time on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, at Hakamagoshi Square in Ueno Onshi Park, Tokyo. The lighting ceremony, which begins at 6:00 PM, will feature the Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, the Mayor of Taito Ward, the Chairman of the Ueno Tourism Federation, and tenor Kazuma Kudo of the female vocal unit "Luminous," among others, taking to the stage for a spectacular ceremony filled with light and sound.

Date and time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Location: Ueno Park, Hakamagoshi Square
Speakers: Fukuoka Prefecture Governor Seitaro Hattori, Taito Ward Mayor Yukio Hattori, Ueno Tourism Association Chairman Nobuhiro Nagaoka, General Producer Takehiro Saeki, and female vocal unit "Luminous" tenor Kazuma Kudo

A Christmas culture woven together with light, sound and art, passing it on to the future

Until now, Christmas events in Japan have mainly been consumer experiences such as "seeing" illuminations and "eating" at markets.
By holding the event in Tokyo, we aim to create an "experiential culture" that will transform the entire city into a theater. Our goal is not an "event" but "culture."
By combining the three pillars of light, sound, and art, people can experience happiness such as love, joy, peace, and hope through their five senses.
This sense of happiness spreads as altruism and empathy, creating a "chain of happiness" throughout the city. By 2030, we aim to become the world's largest Christmas market with 300 stores, surpassing the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany (approximately 280 stores). From Fukuoka to Tokyo and the world.
Now, in an age when people seek security and hope, we will deliver the "Happiest Christmas in the World" by wrapping the city in love and light.

■ Highlights [Light] A huge 5m wide Santa Christmas tree lights up, creating a new winter attraction

Ueno Park is garnering attention as a new spot for Christmas illuminations in Tokyo. At its center will be a giant Santa Claus measuring 5 meters wide and 3 meters tall. Countless illuminations will envelop the trees, transforming the entire park into a fantastical world of light. During the day, Santa, surrounded by the green trees and clear blue sky, welcomes visitors as a photo spot in harmony with nature. At night, the park is completely transformed, with countless lights enveloping it, creating a romantic and fantastical atmosphere. The scenery of Ueno Park changes with the changing seasons, adding a new story to winter Tokyo.

■ Highlights [Sound] Live performances by artists held daily (free)

A variety of artists will perform on the festival stage every day, creating a special evening of classical and pop music. The opening act will be "Luminous," a female vocal unit with music college alumni. Their vocals, as their name suggests, "emit light," bringing a vibrant color to a range of songs, from classical to pop. Next up will be young tenor Kazuma Kudo, who has won numerous awards at international opera competitions. He will captivate the audience with his clear voice and passionate performance. Starting on Sunday, December 14th, musical actress and singer Rinko Matsubara, who has earned acclaim for her roles in numerous classic musicals, including Eponine in "Les Sérables" and Hélène in "Miss Saigon," will make a special appearance. Her overwhelming expressiveness and clear vocals, cultivated on stage, will deliver a moving moment on a winter night.

■ Highlights [Art] A huge 6m-wide mural by emerging artist Torigoe Kazuki

A huge mural, measuring 6 meters and 3 meters wide, will be exhibited at the venue. Created by Fukuoka-born artist Kazuki Torigoe, known for his rough brushstrokes and unique technique known as "beyond stroke," the mural will envelop the space with overwhelming energy that stirs the emotions of viewers. It has also attracted attention as a work that inherits the spirit of the avant-garde art movement known as the "Kyushu School."

Kazuki Torikoshi
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1986. Graduated from the Kyushu branch of Nippon Designer Gakuin. Known for his abstract expressions that seem to violently wrestle with the canvas. In order to get to the depths of human emotions and existence, he established his own unique technique, "Beyond Stroke," which goes beyond the limits of brushstroke. His intense expressions also evoke the spirit of the "Kyushu-ha" avant-garde art group that was born in Fukuoka.

■Other attractions [food and drink]
Introducing a mug exclusive to Ueno, Tokyo! A lineup of delicious gourmet foods that draws long lines in Fukuoka every year
Tokyo Ueno Limited Edition Mug (From November 28th)

The venue will be decorated with a variety of authentic gourmet foods that will warm your heart. This year, 12 popular Fukuoka restaurants will be gathering in Tokyo, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors. Highlights include the ningyo-yaki (dumpling) of "San-chan," the official Christmas Advent mascot, which draws a line every year in Fukuoka, and the "Guru-Guru Sausage," made with an exquisite blend of coarsely ground pork, with a crispy skin and fragrant flavor. On cold nights, you can also enjoy rich hot chocolate in a Tokyo-exclusive mug. The melting texture and deep cocoa aroma will gently envelop you in the winter.
*Tokyo limited edition mugs will be on sale from Friday, November 28th

■ Highlights [Merchandise]
Limited-edition winter goods and artisan craft items imported directly from Europe
"Snow globe" and "candle holder"

At the venue, you'll also want to check out the craft items that will add color to your winter. One of them is a snow globe made with highly purified water from Austria. Carefully selected for its clear water and delicate snow powder, the slowly falling snow creates a fantastical world. It's a soothing item that captures the essence of winter, and just looking at it will soothe your soul. Also on display will be a clay candle holder crafted using traditional German techniques. This masterpiece of artisanal craftsmanship is made by layering colorful clay to create patterns, and when lit, the image appears. The soft light of the candle will envelop your table or windowsill, creating a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a European winter market. Both are perfect as a treat for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.

■ Operating company overview
Christmas Advent Office
Planning and management: Planning and management: Mr.Weihnachtsmann Co., Ltd.
Christmas Advent 2025 Tokyo Ueno Official Website
https://christmas-advent.jp/ueno/

From the press release of Mr. Weihnachtsmann Co., Ltd.

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