July 24th (Fri) – October 4th (Sun), 2026, held at Ueno Geidai Art Plaza (Free admission)
Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ ), a gallery operated on the campus of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts (Ueno, Taito-ku) as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts, will be holding a special exhibition, "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitational Exhibition 2026," from 13:00 on Friday, July 24, 2026.
This exhibition features and sells works by Art Plaza Art Award winners from various eras. Admission is free and photography is permitted.
Special Exhibition "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award 2026" to be held on Friday, July 24, 2026
The Geidai Art Plaza Art Award (formerly the Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize) will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, and is an event that many visitors look forward to every year. This year, we will once again hold an exhibition showcasing new works by award winners of various ages, from current students to alumni who are actively working as artists.
*********************************** "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award 2026" Exhibition announcement page https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/31602/
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■ Exhibition Overview Exhibition Title:Special Exhibition "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award 2026"
Venue:Geidai Art Plaza(12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, within the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts campus) Date:July 24th (Friday) – October 4th (Sunday), 2026 First half: July 24th (Fri) – August 23rd (Sun), 2026 *Doors open at 13:00 only on July 24th Second half: August 28th (Fri) – October 4th (Sun), 2026 *Doors open at 13:00 only on August 28th
Admission fee: Free Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays. *Open on September 21st (Monday) as it is a public holiday.
*Business hours may change. Please check our official website and social media for the latest information.
What is the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza?
The Geidai Art Plaza is a gallery that exhibits and sells works by faculty, staff, students, and graduates of Tokyo University of the Arts (hereinafter referred to as Geidai), which has produced many top artists. Located on the Geidai Ueno campus, it is one of the few places where the general public can freely enter and visit throughout the year. It was launched in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Geidai.
Currently, the university holds exhibitions with different themes every one to two months. Each exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, bringing together works expressed through a diverse range of techniques and approaches unique to Tokyo University of the Arts, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.
Additionally, the white cube (WC) space at the back of the gallery regularly hosts solo and group exhibitions by faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts. This offers a different perspective from the planned exhibitions, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the individual expressions of each artist.
Exhibition view from the three-person exhibition "Craft Ecosystem – A World in Kogei – Kaito Kawasaki, Shunsuke Nomura, Rei Mochizuki" held at WC in May 2026. https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/31552/
The store features a permanent display corner called "LIFE WITH ART," focusing on art that complements everyday life, such as tableware and accessories. They also carry several "Drawing T-shirts" (commonly known as "Doro-T"), each one unique, featuring drawings directly created by artists from Tokyo University of the Arts. Admission to the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza is free.
We generally welcome photography and sharing on social media. Our aim is to create a place where anyone, not just art fans, can easily experience art.
View of the permanent exhibition corner "LIFE WITH ART"
Drawing T-shirt exhibition view
In September 2024, they also opened their official online shop, "The Shop of Tableware and T-Shirts." In addition to one-of-a-kind tableware, cutlery, teapots, and bowls created by artists from Tokyo University of the Arts, they also sell a wide variety of original goods.
Basic Information about Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza
■ Access Nearest stations: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), Uguisudani Station (approximately 10-minute walk)
Get off at Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and walk for about 10 minutes.
Get off at Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and walk for about 15 minutes.
Get off at Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway and walk for about 15 minutes.
Take the Toei Bus Route 26 (Kameido to Ueno Park) and get off at Yanaka bus stop. It's about a 3-minute walk from there.
*Please note that there is no parking available, so please refrain from coming by car.
"The Tokyo University of the Arts' Way of Viewing Art – Become a Tokyo University of the Arts Student This Summer" Venue: Tokyo University of the Arts Museum Date: July 24, 2026 (Friday) to September 23, 2026 (Wednesday/Holiday)
The Tokyo University of the Arts Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo) will be holding "Geidai-style Perspectives on Art – Become an Geidai Student This Summer -" from Friday, July 24th to Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026.
"Geidai-style Art Perspective – Become an Art University Student This Summer" (commonly known as the "Mikata Exhibition") is the inaugural exhibition of a series of events to be held every summer for three years, from 2026 to 2028. This exhibition presents 12 "lectures" given by current faculty members of Tokyo University of the Arts as an "exhibition" within the museum. It offers an unprecedentedly luxurious viewing experience, allowing you to "listen" to art works, primarily from Tokyo University of the Arts' valuable collection, as teaching materials, covering a variety of themes related to art, such as art history, practical skills, expression, appreciation, materials, and conservation and restoration.
We are pleased to announce that the comedy duo Knights will be serving as special tutors for this exhibition. Nobuyuki Tsuchiya will be attending university in April 2026 at the age of 47, and is currently studying art while promoting its appeal. His participation was made possible because of the affinity with the exhibition's theme of "learning about art," based on this experience. The exhibition is structured to resemble a university class, and the "special tutors" have been named to connect visitors with learning and deepen their understanding of the exhibits. Knights will deliver the appeal of the exhibition in an easy-to-understand way from their unique perspective.
This summer, everyone can become an art university student at "Geidai-style Art 'Perspective' – Become an Art University Student This Summer"!
Mikata Exhibition Special Tutors: Knights (Nobuyuki Hanawa, Nobuyuki Tsuchiya)
[Comment upon being appointed as a special tutor] ▼Nobuyuki Hanawa Thank you for selecting me as a special tutor for "Geidai-style Art Perspective – Become an Geidai Student This Summer".
When I searched for "art" on Yahoo, an exchange between a student and a teacher really stuck with me. The student asked, "Even if I'm told to experience first-class art, I don't know what first-class is, and even if others think it's good, I don't think so. What is first-class?" To which the teacher replied, "First-class art is something that truly moves you and that you can admire. If you just follow what everyone says is good, your own heart, which is the most important thing, will die. Discard your preconceptions, and with a blank slate, confront things directly. If you are truly moved as a result, that is 'first-class' for you." I completely agree. As a special tutor, I sincerely hope that you will encounter many moving experiences this summer through the "Mikata Exhibition."
I don't draw pictures at all, but I write more stand-up comedy than anyone else. – From a "second-rate comedian".
▼Nobuyuki Tsuchiya I am very surprised to be appointed as a special tutor for "Geidai-style Art 'Perspective' – Become an Geidai Student This Summer -".
This exhibition is special because it's not just a place to appreciate artwork, but also a place where you can learn about art as if you were taking classes at Tokyo University of the Arts. As someone who has actually experienced the grueling process of getting into art school, I can't help but think, "Why didn't you tell me earlier if I could become a student at Tokyo University of the Arts this summer?!" But the thought of being able to study art at Tokyo University of the Arts is truly like a dream, and I'm already excited.
Knights (Nobuyuki Hanawa, Nobuyuki Tsuchiya) / Profile The comedy duo, consisting of Hanawa (the straight man) and Tsuchiya (the funny man), began their activities in 2001. They are disciples of Keiko Utsumi. They are active in rakugo theaters as members of the Manzai Association, Rakugo Geijutsu Association, and the Sanyutei Koyūzō school. They have many achievements, including reaching the finals of the M-1 Grand Prix, and are active in a wide range of fields, including television and radio. Tsuchiya is currently appearing as a narrator on NHK E Tele's "Mastering Western Art in 3 Months," which began airing in April of this year.
Details for the "Mikata Exhibition" event and workshops have been finalized! Tickets go on sale June 26th (Friday)! Details of the events and workshops for this exhibition have been finalized. Tickets will go on sale from 10:00 AM on Friday, June 26th. The events will include a hands-on experience of "ageutsushi," a Japanese painting copying technique taught in actual lectures by current Tokyo University of the Arts students, an etching experience (a printmaking technique), and workshops for children. No specialized knowledge is required, and it can be enjoyed by children from elementary school age and up, as well as adults.
[Workshop] ●Let's create artwork using animal motifs! (Children's Workshop) Instructor: Sunao Maruyama (Design Department, Design Major)
Become an animal! A crafting workshop for children.
Date and time: August 2nd (Sunday), 1:30 PM
• Price: 1,000 yen / Capacity: 20 people / Duration: 120 minutes / Target audience: Elementary school students and older, up to under 18 years old
● Etching experience (printmaking workshop)
Instructor: Seiichiro Mitsuida (Painting Department, Printmaking Laboratory)
We will perform etching, one of the copperplate engraving techniques.
Date and time: August 5th (Wednesday), 1:00 PM
• Price: 3,000 yen / Capacity: 12 people / Duration: 180 minutes / Target audience: Elementary school students and older
● Copying experience (Japanese painting workshop) Instructor: Keishi Takashima (Department of Painting, Japanese Painting Major)
This workshop offers a hands-on experience of "ageutsushi," a technique for copying Japanese paintings that current students at Tokyo University of the Arts learn in their actual lectures.
・Date and time: August 28th (Friday) 13:00-/15:00-, August 29th (Saturday) 13:00-/15:00- 2 times each day, 4 times in total
• Price: 3,000 yen / Capacity: 15 people per session / Duration: 90 minutes / Target audience: Elementary school students and older
*Please check the official website and ticket sales page for important information regarding participation in the workshop.
• Ticket sales start date: June 26th (Fri) 10:00 AM (first-come, first-served basis)
• Ticket sales outlet: Art Exhibition Navi Ticket App (credit card payment only)
*You will need to download the "Art Exhibition Navi Ticket App" in advance. https://aejtickets.api.yomiuri.co.jp
【event】 ● Mini Concert We will be holding a mini-concert by two students from the Instrumental Music Department of the Graduate School of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Date and time: July 28th (Tue), 2 PM
Venue: Entrance Hall, Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum
• Program: Duet for Violin and Viola in G major, K.423
• Admission: Free (however, a ticket for the day is required)
*No advance registration is required. Please come directly to the venue on the day of the event.
*Participation may be limited depending on the number of participants.
● Mini-lectures by university lecturers A short lecture (approximately 20 minutes) about the exhibition will be given by the curator in charge and an instructor.
• Date and Time: Wednesday, July 29th, 3:00 PM onwards; Ryo Furuta (General Supervisor, University Art Museum)
August 12th (Wednesday) 3:00pm – Takashi Murakami (University Art Museum)
Friday, September 11th, 3:00 PM – Yasushi Okada (Specialization in Cultural Heritage Conservation)
Venue: Entrance Hall, Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum
• Admission: Free (however, a ticket for the day is required)
*No advance registration is required. Please come directly to the venue on the day of the event.
*Participation may be limited depending on the number of participants.
●Museum Start A-I-U-E-O related projects This three-day program allows you to encounter the perspectives of professors, students, and artists from Tokyo University of the Arts, and explore your own unique perspective. Together with Professor Takenori Miyamoto (Oil Painting Major, Painting Department) and Professor Sunao Maruyama (Design Major, Design Department), who are in charge of the exhibition's lectures, we will look at the artworks, put our feelings into words, and engage in activities to express ourselves. • Dates: August 21st (Fri) – 23rd (Sun)
• Target age: 15-18 years old (University students are not eligible)
• Capacity: 20 people
– Participation requirements: Participants must be able to attend all three days.
• Participation fee: Free
Application deadline: July 30th (Thursday)
*Please check the official website of Aiue for details on how to apply. https://museum-start.jp/program/family/mikatalabo
[Special Ticket Information] Advance tickets are selling fast! Parents and children alike can become "art university students" this summer?! ●Parent-child ticketprice: 2,100 yen This ticket set includes one general admission ticket and one admission ticket for junior high/high school students.
It is also possible to enter on separate days. • Sales outlet: Seven Tickets • Sales period: On sale now until September 23rd (Wednesday, public holiday) 15:00
Join your fellow students! Let's become "Geidai students" together!
●Friend Discount: Pair of university student admission tickets – Price: 1,900 yen Junior high and high school student admission ticket pair: Price 900 yen You can purchase discounted pair tickets for university students or junior/senior high school students. Entry on separate days is also possible.
• Sales outlet: Seven Tickets
• Sales period: On sale now until September 23rd (Wednesday, public holiday) 15:00
＼Additional announcement of special tickets with fun perks for the "Mikata Exhibition"!／ Additional tickets will be available from 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 1st.
Ticket with Mikata Exhibition Completion Test (Quiz Rally)
This ticket includes a completion exam (quiz rally) related to the lectures and exhibited works. At the venue, you can get a performance stamp based on your correct answer rate, and all purchasers will receive a certificate sticker!
●Both advance and same-day tickets cost the regular price + 500 yen.
●Release date: July 1st (Wed) 10:00 AM
Student ID included ticket
The ticket comes with a printed "student ID" form that you can use to write in your portrait, name, and other details. Present the printed "student ID" form at the venue to receive a random official merchandise postcard.
●Both advance and same-day tickets cost the regular price + 300 yen.
●Release date: July 1st (Wed) 10:00 AM
*Image is for illustrative purposes only.
[Highlights of this exhibition] 1. Take university lectures as part of an exhibition! Tokyo University of the Arts is a hub for artistic geniuses and prodigies. But what kind of classes are offered there? From practical training to lectures, this is a unique opportunity to experience a part of art education at Tokyo University of the Arts. This is the first attempt to "exhibit" various "lectures" designed for an exhibition within the museum. You can "take" lectures such as "Basic Painting Practice" and "Introduction to Western Art History" simply by viewing the exhibition!
2. As an intensive summer course, as an experiential learning activity during summer vacation This exhibition, themed around university lectures, is designed to be easily understood by both adults and children, focusing on actual works of art. Several interactive exhibits are available for families to enjoy together. Workshops will also be held during the exhibition period. Why not delve deeper into a lecture that interests you and use it as a summer vacation project?
3. Learn how to appreciate art through authentic works! Although it's presented as a class, it's not a lecture using slides. It's a class using real art, including numerous masterpieces such as Yuki Ogura's representative work "Path." In addition to works by past professors such as Seiki Kuroda, Eisaku Wada, and Tanaka Hirakushi, and alumni such as Tsuguharu Fujita, you can learn how to "look" at art through the diverse Tokyo University of the Arts collection, ranging from works by Van Gogh to works by students.
[Event Overview] Exhibition Title: Geidai-style "Perspective" on Art – Become a Geidai student this summer –
Date: July 24, 2026 (Friday) to September 23, 2026 (Wednesday/holiday)
Closed on Mondays (except August 10th (Mon) and September 21st (Mon/National Holiday)).
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
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 110-8714
Admission fee (tax included): General admission 2,000 yen (1,800 yen)
University students: 1,200 yen (1,000 yen)
Junior and senior high school students: 600 yen (500 yen)
*Prices in parentheses are advance ticket prices.
*Free for elementary school children and younger.
*Admission is free for persons with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver.
(Please present your disability certificate or similar document upon entry.)
<Sales Schedule>
▽Advance tickets: On sale now until July 23rd (Thu) 23:59
▽Same-day ticket: July 24, 2026 (Friday) 0:00 to September 23, 2026 (Wednesday/Holiday) 16:30
*Please note that the sales period and entry system may be changed due to crowd conditions or other circumstances.
Organizers: Tokyo University of the Arts, Yomiuri Shimbun
For inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Official website: https://geidai-art-mikata.jp
Tokyo University of the Arts Museum official website: https://museum.geidai.ac.jp
[Faculty members participating in this exhibition] *In alphabetical order
Daigo Ushijima (Department of Advanced Art Expression, Advanced Art Expression Major)
Yasushi Okada (Specializing in Cultural Heritage Conservation)
Hiroshi Kumazawa (University Art Museum)
Naoki Sato (Department of Art Studies, Major in Art Studies)
Keishi Takashima (Department of Painting, Japanese Painting Major)
Tomoko Taguchi and Xue Ni (Future Creation and Inheritance Center)
Ryo Furuta (General Supervisor, University Art Museum)
Sunao Maruyama (Design major, Design Department)
Seiichiro Mitsuida (Painting Department, Printmaking Laboratory)
Takenori Miyamoto (Department of Painting, Oil Painting Major)
Kei Murakami (University Art Museum)
[From the press release of the "Geidai-style Art Perspective" Secretariat]
June 20th (Sat) – July 19th (Sun), 2026, held at Ueno Geidai Art Plaza (Free admission)
Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ ), a gallery operated on the campus of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts (Taito-ku, Ueno) as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts, will be holding a special exhibition, THE ART OF TEA “The Art of Tea,” from June 20th, 2026 (Saturday).
This exhibition, themed around the aesthetic sensibilities underlying the “tea ceremony,” will showcase and sell works by 18 artists (planned) who are affiliated with or graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts. Through an exhibition structure that blends two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, visitors can experience the relationship between space, artwork, and the viewer. Admission is free, and photography is permitted.
Special Exhibition: THE ART OF TEA “The Art of Tea” to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026
The philosophy of the tea ceremony (chanoyu) undoubtedly flows through the foundations of Japanese art. It’s not merely a set of manners or traditional culture, but a system of beauty that re-examines the meaning of the encounter between people and works of art. We believe that Japanese art is “The Art of Tea.” So, what exactly is the philosophy of the tea ceremony?
Okakura Tenshin, the first principal of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, the predecessor of Tokyo University of the Arts, viewed the tea ceremony not merely as a hobby or ritual, but as a philosophy that connects art and life, in his book “The Book of Tea.”
Firstly, the harmony between paintings and sculptures in the alcove.
Secondly, there’s the perspective of enjoying the artwork not as an independent entity, but as something that resonates with the space around it.
Thirdly, the interaction between the artwork and the viewer.
Fourthly, there is the microcosm created by the craftsmanship exemplified by tea bowls.
In this exhibition, we envisioned the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza as a single “tokonoma” (alcove) and arranged the exhibition with works by five artists featuring two-dimensional pieces and five artists featuring three-dimensional pieces.
In addition, the exhibition will feature works by artists who embody the techniques and philosophy of the tea ceremony, primarily focusing on tea bowls. These works embody a uniquely Japanese aesthetic: “Beauty lies in the details.” A uniquely Japanese way of enjoying art—
Please come and experience the Art of Tea.
List of Participating Artists <br />Sho Aratani / Masashi Ishikawa / Haruna Oikawa / Mamiko Kakitsubo / Misao Kataoka / Yanoko Kawakami / Ryogo Shirota / Azusa Takahashi / Hiroyuki Nakatsugawa / Takashi Baba / Yuki Hamano / futaba / Akane Horita / San Honma / Ichiro Mori / Kaname Yagi / Shuhei Yoshida / Taisei Watanabe
Exhibition Title: Special Exhibition THE ART OF TEA “The Art of Tea” Exhibition <br />Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, within the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts campus)
Dates: June 20th (Sat) – July 19th (Sun), 2026
*Pre-opening on June 19th (Fri) from 13:00 *No exhibit changes Admission: Free <br />Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays
*Business hours may change. Please check our official website and social media for the latest information.
What is the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza?
The Geidai Art Plaza is a gallery that exhibits and sells works by faculty, staff, students, and graduates of Tokyo University of the Arts (hereinafter referred to as Geidai), which has produced many top artists. Located on the Geidai Ueno campus, it is one of the few places where the general public can freely enter and visit throughout the year. It was launched in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Geidai.
Currently, the university holds exhibitions with different themes every one to two months. Each exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, bringing together works expressed through a diverse range of techniques and approaches unique to Tokyo University of the Arts, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.
The store features a permanent display corner called “LIFE WITH ART,” focusing on art that complements everyday life, such as tableware and accessories. They also carry several “Drawing T-shirts” (commonly known as “Doro-T”), each one unique, featuring drawings directly created by artists from Tokyo University of the Arts. Admission to the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza is free.
We generally welcome photography and sharing on social media. Our aim is to create a place where anyone, not just art fans, can easily experience art.
View of the permanent exhibition corner “LIFE WITH ART”
Drawing T-shirt exhibition view
In September 2024, they also opened their official online shop, “The Shop of Tableware and T-Shirts.” In addition to one-of-a-kind tableware, cutlery, teapots, and bowls created by artists from Tokyo University of the Arts, they also sell a wide variety of original goods.
Basic Information about Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza
■ Access
Nearest stations: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), Uguisudani Station (approx. 10-minute walk) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station (approx. 10-minute walk) Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ueno Station (approx. 15-minute walk) Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Ueno Station (approx. 15-minute walk) Toei Bus Route Ue26 (Kameido – Ueno Park) Yanaka bus stop (approx. 3-minute walk)
*Please note that there is no parking available, so please refrain from coming by car.
The special exhibition "Extremely Dangerous Creatures: Science Takes on the Serious Side of Living Things," currently being held at the National Museum of Nature and Science, has surpassed 300,000 visitors with less than a month remaining until its closing date, and the museum has decided to add evening opening hours on the following dates.
■ Regarding the implementation of additional evening hours
Applicable dates: May 30th (Sat), 31st (Sun), June 6th (Sat), 7th (Sun), 13th (Sat), 14th (Sun)
Opening hours: until 7 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM)
*Permanent exhibitions are open until 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
[Notice Regarding Implementation of Reservation System]
For the special exhibition "Exhibition of Extremely Dangerous Creatures," we are implementing a reservation system for certain dates. ■ Upcoming dates for scheduled appointments
Applicable dates: May 30th (Sat), 31st (Sun), June 2nd (Tue) – 14th (Sun)
Please check the exhibition's official website for details.
*For those who wish to enjoy the exhibition at a leisurely pace, we recommend visiting on a weekday .
[Event Overview]
Exhibition Title: Special Exhibition "Exhibition of Extremely Dangerous Creatures: Science Takes on the Serious Challenges of Living Things"
Dates: March 14 (Sat) – June 14 (Sun), 2026
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Evening hours: Open until 7 PM every Saturday and Sunday from May 30th onwards (last entry at 6:30 PM).
*The permanent exhibition is open until 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
Closed on Mondays *However, open on Monday, June 8th
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
Admission fees (tax included): General admission/University students 2,300 yen; Elementary/Junior high/High school students 600 yen
Organizers: National Museum of Nature and Science, TBS, TBS Growdia, Asahi Shimbun
Sponsored by: Nozaki Printing Co., Ltd., Waseda Academy
Sponsored by: BS-TBS, TBS Radio
For inquiries, please call 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial) or fax 03-5814-9898. Exhibition official website:https://chokikenseibutsuten.jp
Official X: @chokiken2026
Official Instagram: @chokiken2026
*Please note that the exhibition period, opening hours, closing days, etc. may be subject to change.
[Exhibition overview] The "Dangerous Creatures Research Institute" consists of two areas and eight labs, where you can unravel the secrets of dangerous creatures!
A "threat" you were unaware of will finally reveal itself.
The special exhibition, "Exhibition of Extremely Dangerous Creatures," thoroughly explains the astonishing ecology of creatures that survive by using all sorts of deadly techniques as weapons. The venue is filled with exhibits so impressive they will make you recoil in shock. We will introduce them using a variety of methods, including full skeletons, taxidermied specimens, life-size models, and thrilling videos.
The interactive exhibition "The Door to Japanese Art" at the main building of the Tokyo National Museum (hereinafter referred to as "TNM") in Ueno Park, Tokyo, will reopen on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after renovations.
The concept behind the new content, "Tohaku Wonder Wall," is "once-in-a-lifetime encounter." From a vast collection of approximately 120,000 items, it interactively presents a recommended item based on the visitor's actions, guiding them to a "new encounter with cultural artifacts."
"Tohaku Wonder Wall" Exhibition Room Image
■Corner 1: "Tohaku Wonder Wall" – Creating a once-in-a-lifetime encounter between you and cultural heritage sites.
The Tokyo National Museum houses a collection of approximately 120,000 items, including national treasures and important cultural properties. However, only about 3,000 of these cultural properties are on display today. This means that visitors often find it difficult to see the cultural property they are looking for, and some visitors also express confusion about "where to go and what to see" in the various exhibition halls. Due to preservation reasons, exhibits are changed regularly, so there's no guarantee that you'll see the same cultural property you encountered today on your next visit. However, this is by no means a negative thing. In other words, the Tokyo National Museum is a "museum of once-in-a-lifetime encounters," where you can encounter unknown cultural properties every time you visit.
"Tohaku Wonder Wall" is an interactive content that serves as an entrance to the magnificent world of cultural treasures, stimulating visitors' curiosity and guiding them to a more active and enriching viewing experience. By utilizing the Tokyo National Museum's web information and collection database "ColBase," it creates a system that matches visitors with cultural treasures that can definitely be seen on that day, according to their diverse interests, proposing a new way for visitors to experience the museum.
≪First half of the content: A special video (short film) exploring 150 years of history and masterpieces≫
This approximately two-minute special video provides an overview of the Tokyo National Museum. Beginning with the Yushima Seido Exposition in 1872 and continuing to its 150th anniversary in 2022, the video uses visuals and music to express the dynamic breadth of Japanese and Asian cultural artifacts. The video features masterpieces representing the museum, such as the "Pine Forest Screen," the "Kokin Wakashu (Gen'ei Edition)," and the "Shakoki Dogu (Goggle-Eyed Clay Figurine)," conveying the appeal of its diverse collection that transcends eras and genres.
A scene from the "Tohaku Wonder Wall" special movie.
≪Second half of the content: An interactive experience that guides you to "the one thing you'll encounter today"≫
This digital content features various interactive elements, such as a "Meet the Researchers' Favorites!" corner showcasing masterpieces carefully selected by researchers, and a corner where you can encounter cultural artifacts by spinning a lottery-like wheel, where "what you win is a surprise each day." Four randomly selected content pieces from six different perspectives are generated and displayed in real time, linked to information on approximately 3,000 works on display that day, and finally, "a recommended item for you" is suggested, making you want to head to the exhibition rooms to see the actual cultural artifacts. It is available in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, making it intuitively enjoyable for many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Make your encounter with the museum and cultural artifacts more fun and unexpected than ever before.
Image of the "Tohaku Wonder Wall" interactive content experience.
■Corner 2: "Encountering High-Definition Replicas" – The sense of distance without glass provides a moving experience (ongoing exhibition)
The Cultural Properties Utilization Center (Bunkatsu), in collaboration with companies and other organizations, will exhibit high-definition reproductions of folding screens and hanging scrolls, which will be displayed according to the season.
Many Japanese cultural artifacts are sensitive to light, heat, and humidity. To ensure they can be passed down for 100 or even 1000 years, exhibition lighting, temperature, and humidity are strictly controlled, and the number of days they are on display each year is limited. Originally, these items were passed from hand to hand and used in daily life, but now it is no longer possible to enjoy them with that kind of personal connection.
In this section, you can examine highly detailed replicas, created using the latest digital technology and traditional craftsmanship, without glass cases, allowing you to carefully examine every detail. Enjoy a unique viewing experience with replicas that is not possible with the originals—seeing, feeling, and imagining the scenery and space that unfolds from them.
Furthermore, the originals of these high-resolution reproductions, especially masterpieces, are often loaned to other museums, meaning they are only exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum once every few years. These lifelike, high-resolution reproductions ensure that many people can encounter these beloved treasures.
All are high-definition reproductions. From left to right: National Treasure "Screen Painting of People Enjoying Fun Under the Cherry Blossoms" (on display until May 17), National Treasure "Screen Painting of People Enjoying Summer Evening" (on display from June 30 to August 30), "Flame" (on display until August 30).
■Exhibition information
Tokyo National Museum, Main Building, 1st Floor, Room B: "The Gateway to Japanese Art"
Opening date: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday)
*Closed for renovation work from May 18th (Mon) to June 29th (Mon)
Venue: Room B, 1st Floor, Main Building, Tokyo National Museum (13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
*Open until 8:00 PM every Friday and Saturday.
*This exhibition follows the format of the Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition.
Closed on Mondays (except when Monday is a public holiday or weekend, in which case the museum will be open and closed on the following weekday), during the New Year holidays, and other occasional temporary closures.
Admission Fee: (Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition) General Admission: 1,000 yen, University Students: 500 yen, High School Students and younger: Free
*This can be viewed with the admission fee for the Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition or the admission fee for the special exhibition currently being held (valid only on the day of viewing).
Homepage: https://cpcp.nich.go.jp/modules/r_exhibition/index.php?controller=dtl&id=53
[Cultural Property Utilization Center]
Established in 2018 at the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, it is a national center for the utilization of cultural properties. With the vision of "creating a society in which all people think about and participate in passing on cultural properties to the future 1,000 or 2,000 years from now," and with the mission of "creating opportunities for as many people as possible to become familiar with cultural properties," it engages in a variety of activities. https://cpcp.nich.go.jp/
The event will be held from May 16th (Sat) to June 14th (Sun), 2026 at the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza in Ueno (admission is free).
Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ ), a gallery operated on the campus of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts (Ueno, Taito-ku) as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts, will be hosting an exhibition titled "Craft Ecosystem – A World in Kogei -" by Kaito Kawasaki, Shunsuke Nomura, and Rei Mochizuki from May 16th, 2026 (Saturday).
Admission is free and photography is permitted.
Held on Saturday, May 16, 2026
"The Craft Ecosystem – A World of Kogei -"
What exactly is "craft"? We often perceive it as an accumulation of skills. However, the craft nurtured within Japan's diverse climate and culture is more than just the accumulation and perfection of skills. It is also an activity in which beauty is found within the interplay of the local climate and materials, people's lives, history, and time. Perhaps craft expresses an "ecosystem" that includes people, emerging in connection with people's way of life and environment. The three artists participating in this exhibition seem to be continuously exploring this contemporary state of craft in their respective practices. There, a single ecosystem is surely breathing, where people and nature, past and present, are loosely connected.
(Geidai Art Plaza, Shiro Takagi)
■ Exhibition overview
Exhibition Title: "Craft Ecosystem – A World of Kogei -"
Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, within the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts campus)
Dates: May 16th (Sat) – June 14th (Sun), 2026
*Pre-opening on May 15th (Fri) at 13:00
Admission fee: Free
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays. *Open on public holidays, closed the following Tuesday.
*Business hours may change. Please check our official website and social media for the latest information.
[Exhibiting Artists]
Kaito Kawasaki
Born in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture in 2000.
2018: Created a painting of the atomic bomb, "Woman Who Died in the Blast."
Graduated from Hiroshima Municipal Motomachi High School, General Studies Course, Creative Expression Program in 2019.
April 2020: Enrolled in the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
In April 2021, I enrolled in the Department of Crafts, specializing in metal casting, at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
November 2021: Yamato Museum Crowdfunding Reward Design Competition – Grand Prize Winner
2022 Tokyo University of the Arts Scholarship Program, Ataka Prize
Selected for the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition in January 2023.
January 2024: Geidai Art Plaza Art Award, Special Jury Prize
January 2024 Heisei Art Award
2025 Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Shogakukan Prize
Salon de Printemps Award 2026
March 2026: Completed the Metal Casting Major, Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Born in Tokyo in 2000.
Enrolled in the Art and Craft Department at Tokyo Metropolitan Kogei High School in 2016.
Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Kogei High School, Art & Craft Department in 2019.
Enrolled in the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2020.
2023 "The 59th Mori Kiln Pottery Exhibition" Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building 6th Floor, Museum Craft Salon
2023 "Ceramic Synergy Exhibition" Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
2023 "KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa" Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Art Fair Tokyo 2024, Tokyo International Forum, Hall E
2025 Solo Exhibition at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Seijo Branch
2025 "OSAKA INTERNATIONAL ART" Osaka-jo Hall
2025 "Special Feature on Contemporary Artists' Tea Bowls" Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Art Square
Completed graduate studies in Ceramics at the Department of Crafts, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2026.
Selected for the 2022 "Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition"
2023 "Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition" Art Plaza Award
2023: Ceramic Synergy Award at the "Ceramic Synergy Exhibition," Bunkyo Elementary School Award.
2023 International Takifuji Art Award Special Prize
Honorable Mention at the 2023 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Festival
2026 "Art Power Award" Final Project (Insource Co., Ltd.)
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1998.
Entered the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2020.
Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2024.
2024 Graduation Project "Shayuru Yoru" (Clear Night), now in the collection and installation of Lectore Hayama Shonan International Village.
In 2024, I enrolled in the Master's Program in Crafts, Metalworking, at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Fine Arts, Master's Program in Crafts (Metalwork) in 2026.
2026 Graduation Project "Late Winter" – Collection of Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, installed at Arakawa Ward General Sports Center
In 2026, I enrolled in the doctoral program in metalworking, specializing in crafts, at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Currently enrolled in the Metal Engraving Laboratory, Doctoral Course, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
2024 All Japan Gold and Silver Art Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs Director's Award
2024 Tokyo University of the Arts Scholarship Program Ataka Prize
2026 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza Art Award Runner-up
Arakawa Ward Mayor's Award, 2026
What is the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza?
The Geidai Art Plaza is a gallery that exhibits and sells works by faculty, staff, students, and graduates of Tokyo University of the Arts (hereinafter referred to as Geidai), which has produced many top artists. Located on the Geidai Ueno campus, it is one of the few places where the general public can freely enter and visit throughout the year. It was launched in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Geidai.
Currently, the university holds exhibitions with different themes every one to two months. Each exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, bringing together works expressed through a diverse range of techniques and approaches unique to Tokyo University of the Arts, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.
■ Access
Nearest stations: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), Uguisudani Station (approximately 10-minute walk)
Get off at Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and walk for about 10 minutes.
Get off at Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and walk for about 15 minutes.
Get off at Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway and walk for about 15 minutes.
Take the Toei Bus Route 26 (Kameido to Ueno Park) and get off at Yanaka bus stop. It's about a 3-minute walk from there.
*Please note that there is no parking available, so please refrain from coming by car.
From May 8th (Fri) to May 24th (Sun), enjoy a special week exploring the Ueno area, featuring museums, popular spots, and gourmet food! Enjoy culture and art while exploring the city at a great price!
In the Ueno area, in commemoration of "International Museum Day" on May 18th, "Ueno Museum Week" will be held, with the cooperation of 13 facilities including museums, art galleries, and zoos located around Ueno Park, as well as member stores of the Ueno Norenkai (Ueno Traditional Shop Association). Following last year's great success, the digital stamp rally will continue, and many exhibitions will be held throughout the town, making this an even more attractive special week. Combined with the annual "Town Fun" coupons, the entire Ueno area will become a theme park overflowing with the excitement and thrills of culture, so please enjoy this special time to the fullest.
The main attraction this year is the "free admission" event held in commemoration of "International Museum Day." Please note that this year it will be on Tuesday, May 19th. You can enjoy free admission to the permanent exhibitions of five museums: the Tokyo National Museum (Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition), the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art, the former Tokyo Music School Concert Hall, and the Shitamachi Museum.
Matsuzakaya Ueno's art gallery will feature historical works of art that have evolved alongside the development of department store culture, while Ueno Marui will feature a credit card that supports museums when used. In addition to cultural facilities within the park, spots where you can feel art in the city will also be rally points, such as CREATIVE HUB UENO “es” (Ueno Station), a gallery created by renovating the former police box site at Ueno Station, and PARCO_ya Ueno, where local artists will hold exhibitions with a panda theme.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Ueno, a town of art, through both International Museum Day and the stamp rally.
■Event Overview■
International Museum Day Commemorative Event 2026: Ueno Museum Week
Event period: May 8th (Fri) – May 24th (Sun), 2026
Venue (participating facilities/organizations): Tokyo National Museum / National Museum of Nature and Science / National Museum of Western Art / Tokyo University of the Arts Museum / Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum / Ueno Zoo / Ueno Royal Museum / Taito City Former Tokyo Music School Concert Hall / Former Iwasaki Garden / National Archives of Modern Architecture / National Diet Library International Library of Children's Literature / Toeizan Kaneiji Temple / Taito City Shitamachi Museum / Ueno Norenkai participating shops (in no particular order)
*There will be days when the museum is closed during the exhibition period.
Organized by: Ueno Museum Week Executive Committee
Co-organizer: Ueno Norenkai
Sponsored by: The National Foundation for the Promotion of Science Museums
Cooperation: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Eastern Parks and Green Spaces Office, Taito Ward, Taito Ward Arts and Culture Foundation
Official website: http://www.ueno-mw.com/
■【Ueno Mori Machifurari】Ueno Museum Week 2026 ~International Museum Day~■ "A thrilling stroll through the forest, a satisfying meal in the city: A greedy walk through Ueno"
A digital stamp rally will be held from May 8th (Fri) to May 24th (Sun). Stamp points will appear at the participating facilities listed below.
[Checkpoints Introduction]
1. Tokyo National Museum
2.National Museum of Nature and Science
3.National Museum of Western Art
4. International Library of Children's Literature, National Diet Library
5. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
6. Ueno Royal Museum
7. Former Tokyo Music School Concert Hall
8. Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum
9. Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple, Konpon-chudo Hall
10. Former Iwasaki Residence Garden
11. Shitamachi Museum
12. Ueno Marui
13. CREATIVE HUB UENO “es” (JR Ueno Station)
14. Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
15. PARCO_ya Ueno
[How to use]
Download the digital stamp rally app "furari" to your smartphone. Go to the designated locations at participating facilities that are part of the stamp rally and collect stamps.
0 stamps… Morimachi coupon usable at restaurants and shops in the Ueno area.
Three stamps… Special hand-drawn artwork from the Art-Fostering Town Club – Ueno Museum Week 2026.
7 stamps… Prizes from each participating museum
15 stamps… Prizes from participating museums (double your chances of winning)
*Prizes will be shipped to winners one to two months after the end of Museum Week.
★ 0 stamps Morimachi coupons can be used at restaurants and shops in the Ueno area.
From eel, yakiniku, Western food, and sweets to women's clothing, bags, and sukajan jackets.
Take advantage of this opportunity to use our special coupon, which can be used for a wide range of purposes.
You can use it simply by registering for the app.
★ 3 stamps Ueno Museum Week 2026 Special Original Drawings: 40 pieces (40 sets)
Four artists from the Ueno art group, Gei wo Hagukumu Machi Doukoukai, will each create 10 drawings of their own choosing. These original drawings will be given away by lottery.
★ 7 stamps
List of prizes from each participating museum
★ 7 stamps (& 15 stamps)
Prizes from each participating museum
*Winners will be selected by lottery from among those who applied.
These prizes are provided by the participating museums (11 museums).
〇 Tokyo National Museum Award
– Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition Invitation Ticket + Original Ticket Folder Set (20 sets, 40 tickets total)
URL: https://www.tnm.jp/
〇National Museum of Nature and Science Award
・Common invitation ticket
Two tickets per person, for 20 people. *Each person can enter one permanent exhibition at any of the following facilities (Ueno Main Building, Tsukuba Botanical Garden, or Nature Education Garden) once.
・URL: http://www.kahaku.go.jp
〇 National Museum of Western Art Award
・20 pairs (40 tickets total) of free admission tickets to the special exhibition "Rembrandt the Printmaker: Challenge, Inheritance, and Impact"
・URL: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/
〇Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum Award
– University art museum original postcard (20 winners)
・URL: https://museum.geidai.ac.jp/
〇Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Award
・20 pairs (40 tickets total) of free admission tickets to the special exhibition "Landscapes of This Place – Ueno, Omuta, Buenos Aires"
・URL: https://www.tobikan.jp/
Ueno Royal Museum Award
– Invitation tickets to the "Great Van Gogh Exhibition: Cafe Terrace at Night" (5 pairs, 10 people)
・URL: http://www.ueno-mori.org/
〇 Art and Things Award
– Ring notebooks with handwritten illustrations by artists (not printed): 10 winners
・URL: https://www.mono-to-art.com/
[Checkpoints Introduction]
Ueno Marui
Ueno Marui is a landmark commercial facility located just a few minutes' walk from JR Ueno Station and Tokyo Metro Ueno Station. With approximately 100 tenants from the second basement floor to the ninth floor, offering a wide range of shopping and dining options, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, symbolizing the vibrant atmosphere of Ueno. Events and pop-ups are frequently held on each floor, making it a bustling location that reflects the lively spirit of Ueno.
The Museum Epos Card is a credit card that supports museums with your everyday purchases. There's no annual fee, and you can choose your favorite museum design. Every time you use it, 0.1% of your spending goes to participating museums, helping to preserve cultural assets, artworks, and specimens for the future. It's a card that will delight both card enthusiasts and art lovers.
As the first step in a comprehensive partnership agreement between Tokyo University of the Arts and JR East, this gallery was created by renovating the former police box site at Ueno Station. It will exhibit works by young artists who are students or graduates of Tokyo University of the Arts, providing an opportunity to experience art that reflects the times. Furthermore, the entire Ueno Station will be envisioned as an art museum, and visitors will be guided through the art installations scattered throughout the station, creating a space for diverse cultural exchange. The gallery name "es" is a psychological term referring to the "realm of the unconscious," and was chosen with the aim of creating a space that embodies a small but infinite realm of expression, containing diverse desires and energies.
Venue: CREATIVE HUB UENO “es” (7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Event Period: April 28, 2026 (Tue) – May 31, 2026 (Sun) Duration: 30 days
Closed on: May 11th (Mon), May 18th (Mon), and May 25th (Mon)
Gallery hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry 6:45 PM)
Exhibition content: Aimi Saito Solo Exhibition "Small Vehicles"
Manami Saito solo exhibition “An Exhibition of Small Vehicles”
Titled "Small Vehicles," this exhibition showcases works I've created to date.
"Books and Trains" 2025 Glue, hemp paper, mineral pigments
Manami Saito
Saito creates paintings using mineral pigments. These granular pigments, made by crushing minerals, have a unique and eye-catching color and texture. While capturing the subtleties of everyday life, he has come to realize anew that "vehicles" are fascinating forms, and in this exhibition, he will focus his works on the motif of vehicles.
Career
Graduated from the Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2018.
2020 Graduate School of Fine Arts, Master's Program in Painting, Japanese Painting Research Field
2023 Graduate School of Fine Arts, Doctoral Program, Department of Fine Arts, Japanese Painting Research Area
Currently an associate member of the Japan Art Institute.
Main exhibition history
2022 L'Espoir Newcomer Selection Exhibition (Ginza Surugadai Gallery)
2024 Solo Exhibition "-Days of Yesteryear-" (Matsuzakaya Ueno Store, Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store)
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
The art gallery at Matsuzakaya Ueno Department Store is a historic sales area that has grown alongside the development of department store culture. Since the post-war period, it has held exhibitions in a wide range of fields, including Japanese painting, Western painting, and crafts, introducing works by many artists, from renowned figures to emerging talents. Located in Ueno, a city of culture and art, it continues to host many exhibitions today, serving as a platform for disseminating art culture and showcasing artists' work. Please feel free to visit us on this occasion.
The exhibition schedule is as follows. Please note that the latest information is updated regularly, so please check the page below for details. https://shopblog.dmdepart.jp/ueno/art/
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store is a long-established department store representing the Ueno area, boasting a history dating back to its founding in 1768. It is directly connected to Ueno-Hirokoji Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and is also just a 2-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station, making it easily accessible. From the basement to the 8th floor, it offers a wide range of products, from food and fashion to lifestyle goods, and has long been a beloved landmark in Ueno for locals.
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store (3-29-5 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Art gallery until 6:30 PM)
PARCO_ya Ueno
This commercial facility in Ueno Frontier Tower is based on the concept of "Parco for a slightly more upscale, adult audience." From the basement to the 6th floor, you'll find a selection of carefully curated fashion and gourmet food, and from the 7th floor upwards, you'll find TOHO Cinemas Ueno. It's a perfect outing spot for adults where you can enjoy both shopping and movies at the same time.
PANDER WONDER ~SAYAKA KOBORI's Exciting Panda Art Museum~ will also be held concurrently.
An exhibition by artist Sayaka Kobori of the Geiikukai will be held next to the escalator on the 2nd floor. A collection of rare pandas, including a panda on a pink background, will be on display, perfect for Museum Week. GOGO Panda paintings created for the city's Chinese New Year event will also be exhibited.
*A lottery-based sale will be held only between May 15th (Fri) and May 17th (Sun).
Special event for Ueno Museum Week! "Special Ueno Panda" appears at PARCO-YA Ueno
The panda being unveiled this time is the "Special Ueno Panda," whose fluffy white and pink fur is sure to catch the eye.
Its soft texture makes you want to stroke it, and the elegant ribbon tied around the neck adds to its charm.
And its charm lies in its clear, round eyes that seem to gaze intently at you. This is a truly adorable piece, filled with the warmth and delicate expression that only handcrafted work can provide.
Why not welcome a favorite piece just for you, as a memento of your art stroll through Ueno or as a special source of comfort in your daily life? Please come and see their adorable forms in person at the PARCO-YA Ueno venue.
PARCO_ya Ueno (3-24-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (6th floor restaurant "Kofuku Kairo" is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
The Art-Fostering Community Club: Ueno Museum Week Special – Original Drawing Artists
Examples of drawings by Sayaka KoboriMegumi Iida's drawing examplesYanagisawa Itsuki Drawing ExamplesChika Toys (CHIKA) Drawing Examples
Kobori Sayaka
A soft sculpture artist. Believing that "cuteness saves the world," she works with the theme of bringing healing and hope to people living in an oppressive society. Using high-quality materials such as German-made fur fabric, she is committed to high-end handmade craftsmanship from pattern making to sewing, dyeing, and accessories. With her Uchinoko series as her main focus, she explores the possibilities of plush toys as a medium through advertising visuals, event appearances, and social media posts. Her "Ueno Panda," a collaboration with the Ueno Tourism Association, continues to soothe the hearts of many panda fans who visit Ueno even though the pandas are gone. Member of the Association for Nurturing the Arts.
The Ueno Panda, an official plush toy of the Ueno Tourism Association, is available here .
Biography and Exhibition History
Ueno's Future Exhibition 2020 (Ueno Marui, Tokyo)
First solo exhibition "Sayaka Kobori's Stuffed Animal Exhibition" (Gallery ROCKET, Omotesando Hills, Tokyo)
Future Artists Tokyo 2021 (Tokyo International Forum Art Fair Tokyo 2021)
Solo exhibition "Sayaka Kobori Exhibition" (Laforet Harajuku, Tokyo)
Exhibited at Laforet Harajuku's Love and Ecstasy Market in 2022.
Megumi Iida
Painter. Interested in and creating works about memories and events that fade away from recognition. By recording the existence of things that become hazy and uncertain in painting, she attempts to recognize the existence of the invisible. Born in 2000, from Chiba Prefecture.
Biography and Exhibition History
Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Oil Painting in March 2024.
April 2024: Enrolled in the Master's Program in Art and Design at Musashino Art University Graduate School.
Currently enrolled in master's program
January 2024: 2023 Musashino Art University Graduation and Completion Exhibition / Musashino Art University Takanodai Campus
November 2024 Group Exhibition:EPIC PAINTERS Vol:14@THE blank GALLERY,Tokyo
Itsuki Yanagisawa
The artist creates oil paintings with "texture" as the theme. By enlarging snake scales to compose the image, and layering fine details and colors, a mysterious texture is created, and each viewer will perceive the texture, temperature, and mass of the object differently. This is because each viewer has a different environment, knowledge, and experience.
Biography and Exhibition History
Born in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture in 2001.
Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Oil Painting, Oil Painting Major in 2024.
February 2024: "The Great Art Education Association Exhibition," Matsuzakaya Ueno Store, 7th Floor Art Gallery, A Community for Fostering the Arts
February 2024: Hakkendo "Young Artist Open Call Exhibition 'Good Buds Blooming Buds' in TOKYO 2024" Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
September 2024, Hakkendo "KANZEN -Complete-" Isetan Shinjuku Store
CHIKA Toys
A sculptor, he explores forms of coexistence between AI and humans through futuristic retro designs. His robots, with their unusual heads, possess a charming humor and, at times, a touch of melancholy, despite their rugged and rusty appearance. He re-examines the relationship between technology and humanity, and critically examines a sustainable future. Through his portrayal of society and his own existence, he expresses a unique worldview that prompts viewers to consider what it means to be human. He is an extremely popular artist with over 100,000 followers.
Biography and Exhibition History
Born in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
First exhibited at "Design Festa vol.38" in 2013, officially launching creative activities.
First participated in "Wonder Festival" in 2014, and has been active mainly in both Wonder Festival and Design Festa. 2020: Ueno Future Exhibition (Ueno Marui, Tokyo)
Future Artists Tokyo 2021 (Tokyo International Forum Art Fair Tokyo 2021)
2023 10th Anniversary Exhibition "CHIKA WORLD" (HOWHOUSE, Yanaka, Tokyo)
■Don't throw away that ticket stub! Coupon service■
During the event period, you can receive free services at the following stores by presenting your ticket stub from each museum. For details on the services offered, please visit the Ueno Museum Week official website.
[Participating Stores] Kurofune-tei (dessert service included) Izuei (One complimentary cup of oolong tea or green tea) Anmitsu Mihashi (with 2 mochi balls as a topping) Taishoen (One complimentary draft beer or soft drink) Sakurai's carefully selected Western-style cuisine (one complimentary draft beer or soft drink) Tenjuju (One free vegetable tempura item) Kameya Issuitei (One free red bean monaka ice cream) Kaiseki Chinese Cuisine Kogetsu (One complimentary soft drink or beer) Hachinoki (One glass of wine or dessert; coffee service with lunch) Yoshi Sushi (One complimentary draft beer or soft drink) Ueno Marui (One free museum original sticker will be given to the first 200 customers) Delhi Ueno Store (70th Anniversary Original Sticker Giveaway *First 200 customers only)
[How to use]
Show your ticket stub for a cultural facility in Ueno Park.
QR codes on your smartphone, or those printed at convenience stores or ticket counters, are also acceptable.
*One ticket per person.
*Cannot be used in conjunction with coupon services.
■What is International Museum Day?■
International Museum Day is an international day established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to promote a broader understanding of the role of museums. With the aim of making museums more accessible to a wider audience and raising awareness of their role, commemorative events are held at museums around the world on and around May 18th. In Ueno, which has an exceptionally large number of cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries, the period around International Museum Day is celebrated as "Ueno Museum Week" each year, with cultural facilities and the Ueno Noren Association holding various commemorative events.
■Ueno Norenkai■
Ueno, known as the "Cloud of Flowers," has been a representative entertainment district since the Edo period. Since the Meiji era, it has been a center for the dissemination of arts and culture. The Ueno Norenkai is a federation of about 100 famous shops in Ueno. Since its founding in 1959 (Showa 34), it has been publishing the town magazine "Ueno" every month, aiming to rediscover the cultural traditions of this area. The magazine is currently on its 796th issue (as of April 2026).
■Flyer■
◎Inquiries
Ueno Museum Week Executive Committee Secretariat
TEL 03-3833-8016 FAX 03-3839-2765 (Ueno Norenkai, Weekdays 10:00-17:00)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will be hosting the "Dufy Exhibition" from Saturday, April 24th to Sunday, August 22nd, 2027.
A massive 6-meter masterpiece! The original fresco painting "The Spirit of Electricity," created for the Paris World's Fair, is coming to Japan!
Raoul Dufy (1877–1953) was a leading 20th-century French painter known for his use of color and light. He left behind numerous works depicting tranquil and pleasant subjects such as the sea, ships, music, wheat fields, and rural landscapes in vibrant colors. His creative activities extended beyond canvas to textiles, costume design, ceramics, tapestries, and furniture, making him a widely recognized and versatile artist.
This exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of Dufy's birth and presents a comprehensive overview of his work, primarily through numerous pieces held in the collection of the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Of particular note is the precious 1/10 scale painting (6 meters wide) that served as the original for the colossal fresco "The Spirit of Electricity," created for the 1937 Paris World's Fair.
In the spring of 2027, vibrant and bright colors will spread throughout Ueno, Tokyo.
The spirit of electricity
"The Spirit of Electricity" is a massive fresco, measuring 60 meters wide, created for the "Pavilion of Electricity and Light" at the 1937 Paris World's Fair. It is now housed in a dedicated exhibition room at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, creating a magnificent space that envelops visitors. With its technical brilliance and rich motifs, it can be considered the culmination of Dufy's art and one of the greatest works of decorative art.
[Event Overview]
Exhibition name: Dufy Exhibition
Date: April 24, 2027 (Sat) – August 22, 2027 (Sun)
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo) 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée de la Paris, Yomiuri Shimbun
Official website: https://dufy2027.jp
<Visit>
September 11 (Sat) – December 12 (Sun), 2027, Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
[From the press release of the Dufy Exhibition Public Relations Office]
Date: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – February 21, 2027 (Sun) Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
The National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo) will be holding a special exhibition, "The Sexuality of Living Things," starting October 31, 2026 (Saturday). This exhibition is the first at the National Museum of Nature and Science to focus on the theme of "sexuality," and will explore the diverse forms and mechanisms of sexuality in living things.
There are many things in the world that seem obvious but are actually difficult to explain in depth. A prime example of this is "sex."
Sex is not limited to humans; it is found in all living things. Many living things have males and females, and offspring are produced when the sperm and eggs they produce are fertilized. However, the "form," "mechanism," and "behavior" of sex are surprisingly diverse and differ greatly from one living thing to another. For example, there are many cases that overturn our common sense, such as organisms whose sex changes during development, and organisms whose sex is determined by environmental factors such as temperature.
This exhibition scientifically explores the "sexual diversity" of living creatures from various perspectives, including morphology, behavior, sex determination, and parenting. It is the National Museum of Nature and Science's first special exhibition to delve into the fundamental question of what "sex" means to living things.
We are pleased to announce the completion of a teaser visual that represents the content of this exhibition.
The visuals are interspersed with keywords that help us understand what "sex" truly means.
The design, woven together by these keywords, visually conveys the diversity of sexuality presented in this exhibition, resulting in a striking visual.
The design of this teaser visual is
Art director Idea Oshima was in charge.
The special exhibition "The Sexuality of Living Things" will open this autumn, on Saturday, October 31st.
Please look forward to it.
[Implementation Overview]
Exhibition Title: Special Exhibition "The Sexuality of Living Things"
Date: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – February 21, 2027 (Sun)
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science [Ueno Park, Tokyo]
(7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718)
Organizers: National Museum of Nature and Science, Yomiuri Shimbun, Fuji Television Network
For inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial), 03-5814-9898 (FAX)
Official website: https://www.ikimono-sei.jp
■ Supervision
General Supervision
Chie Tsutsumi (Senior Researcher, Biodiversity Analysis and Conservation Group, Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Kenichi Shinoda (Director, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Supervision
Isao Nishikai (Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Shinichiro Kawada (Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Yuko Tajima (Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Masanori Nakae (Research Director, Vertebrate Zoology Research Group, Animal Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Natsuhiko Yoshikawa (Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Hiroshi Namikawa (Research Director, Marine Invertebrate Research Group, Animal Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Utsugu Jimbo (Senior Researcher, Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Minoru Tanaka (Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University)
[From the press release of the Special Exhibition "The Sexuality of Living Things" Secretariat]
Date: July 11th (Sat) – October 12th (Monday/holiday), 2026 Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
The National Museum of Nature and Science, NHK, and NHK Promotions will be holding a special exhibition themed on "Survival Strategies of Living Things," titled "The Super World Exhibition of Living Things: National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin's Coming!" from July 11th (Sat) to October 12th (Mon/Holiday), 2026.
From the Earth's formation to the present day, the Earth's environment has changed dramatically. Living things that have adapted to this diverse and ever-changing environment have nurtured the next generation, building a long history of life's evolution.
This exhibition broadly introduces the adaptive evolution, survival strategies, and acquired traits and functions of such creatures, primarily focusing on animals. In collaboration with NHK's nature program "Darwin Comes to Town!", the exhibition utilizes specimens and materials from the National Museum of Nature and Science, research findings, and numerous videos filmed by NHK to explore the environmental adaptations and survival strategies of animals, organized by topic.
Furthermore, under the supervision of researchers from the National Museum of Nature and Science specializing in vertebrates, invertebrates, insects, and paleontology, this exhibition clearly introduces the amazing world of "survival strategies of living things."
We are pleased to announce that the main visual for this exhibition has been completed. The visual features a large gathering of various creatures.
The special exhibition "The Super World of Living Things: National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin's Coming!" opens this summer in July. Please look forward to it!
<Exhibition composition>
Learn with specimens and videos! The more you know, the more fascinating it becomes! The "survival strategies" of living creatures.
This exhibition showcases the amazing and inspiring world of living creatures, using specimens and the latest research findings from the National Museum of Nature and Science, as well as breathtaking footage of animals surviving in the wild that has been filmed by NHK's "Darwin Comes to Town!".
[CHAPTER 1] The Five Senses that Different Living Things Have
The five senses: sight (seeing), touch (touching), hearing (hearing), smell (smelling), and taste (tasting).
These are crucial sensors for survival! Which sensors are highly refined in different creatures, and what surprises and strategies do they employ?
[CHAPTER 2] How living things change your "energy replenishment"
Energy replenishment is absolutely essential for survival. The strategies for achieving this are a treasure trove of diversity, and the more you learn about them, the more fascinating they become. Let's take a look at the diverse strategies used to acquire energy sources (animals and plants) and how they are absorbed into the body.
[CHAPTER 3] The Challenges of Living Things: How to Adapt to Size
The body sizes of living creatures vary greatly. Some creatures that are small now were once large, and the largest animals on Earth can be found in the ocean. If you look closely at the sandy beach, you'll find countless creatures too small to see with the naked eye. Amazing strategies and adaptations can be seen in their body sizes.
[CHAPTER 4] Different Forms of "Movement" in Living Things
Most living things live by moving, but the means of movement and the physical structures they employ are incredibly diverse. This is to adapt to their habitat and to develop survival strategies. But did you know that some creatures don't move at all?! Let's take a look at some amazing survival techniques.
[CHAPTER 5] The Significance of "Groups" as Learned from Living Things
To gain an advantage in various situations, most living things spend their entire lives alone, making it an important survival strategy. On the other hand, there are also many living things that have survived by deliberately "grouping." What does it mean to "group"? What does it mean to "not group"? Let's explore the significance and true meaning of these two approaches.
[CHAPTER 6] The "Baton of Life" Woven by Living Things
Living things pass on the "baton of life" to the next generation through repeated cycles of encounter, nurturing, and departure. This is the foundation of all living things. Let's look at the surprising and moving strategies and adaptations we see in each of these scenes.
*The "living things" featured in this exhibition are animals.
*The images on the flyer are for illustrative purposes only. The animals shown will be presented as specimens or in videos.
<Original character for this exhibition>
"Kujira-jii" is born!
Name: Kujiraji
The exhibition's original character, "Kujira-jii," was created in collaboration with Hige-jii from the TV show "Darwin's Coming!".
This section connects the highlights of the specimens, research, and videos, highlighting the surprising points.
<Exhibition Navigator>
Masaki Aiba has been chosen as the navigator for this exhibition!
Masaki Aiba, who is active in many fields as an actor and talent and appears as the navigator for NHK's nature program "Darwin Comes!", will guide you through the amazing world of living creatures.
[Event Overview]
Name: Special Exhibition "The Super World of Living Things: National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin's Coming!"
Date: July 11th (Sat) – October 12th (Monday/holiday), 2026
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science [Ueno Park, Tokyo]
(7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718)
Organizers: National Museum of Nature and Science, NHK, NHK Promotions
Production cooperation: NHK Enterprises
Official website: https://ikimonoworld.jp
Supervision
Yuko Tajima, Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science
Hiroshi Namikawa Research Director, Marine Invertebrate Research Group, Zoological Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science
Tatsuya Ide, Senior Researcher, Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science
Takanobu Hihichi National Museum of Nature and Science, Life History Research Department, Evolutionary Paleontology Research Group, Research Director
[Related Program Information]
"Darwin's Coming!" NHK General TV / Every Sunday at 7:30 PM
From remote wilderness to familiar city streets, this NHK nature program closely follows wildlife around the world. Utilizing the latest equipment to its fullest, it presents stories of the great outdoors filled with wonder and emotion through exclusive footage. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of its broadcast!
The program has aired over 900 times and covered more than 70 countries and regions. The reporting team has achieved over 160 "world firsts"! Their findings have also been published in numerous scientific papers.
