Month: December 2025

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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