What's On & Upcoming Events in Japan
Check out the most up-to-date listings of what's going on in Japan right now or in the near future, including fun activities, art exhibitions, festivals, parties, food markets, flea markets, sporting events, fairs, concerts, and more.
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Le Corbusier: Synthesis of the Arts 1930-1965
The architect Le Corbusier (1887–1965) referred to his later attempts to connect painting and sculpture under the direction of architecture as "the synthesis of the arts." More than just a concept, "the synthesis of the arts" served as a slogan that reflected his overall artistic vision, guided by idealism in unity, harmony, and universal principles. While Le Corbusier is globally renowned as a master of modern architecture, he also brought innovation to various fields of visual arts. This exhibition features his paintings, sculptures, drawings, and tapestries from the 1930s onward, shedding light on his artistic pursuit of new uses of technology. Additionally, by showcasing his late architectural works, the exhibition reveals Le Corbusier's mature artistic vision, far beyond traditional frameworks. These optimistic and joyful works challenge the functionalist image often associated with his famous phrase, "a house is a machine for living." By juxtaposing his works with those of contemporaneous avant-garde artists such as Léger, Arp, and Kandinsky, the exhibition also highlights Le Corbusier’s place within the artistic movements of his time. https://panasonic.co.jp/ew/museum/exhibition/25/250111/en.html
The World of Borosilicate Glass 2025
In celebration of its 20th anniversary in July 2025, the museum will hold its first special exhibition, "The World of Borosilicate Glass 2025." Visitors can enjoy a collection of artworks created using borosilicate glass, a material that represents the new era of glassmaking. https://www.lampwork-museum.com/wp/en/access_en/
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Aichi
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Washoku's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the National Museum of Nature and Science will present the special exhibition of Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine). This exhibition aims to introduce Washoku, which is attracting increasing attention around the world, from various perspectives including science and history, through a diverse range of specimens and exhibits. https://washoku2023.exhibit.jp/en.html
Haniwa Tomb Sculptures of Japan - FUKUOKA
"Haniwa" refers to unglazed clay figurines arranged in ancient tombs known as kofun, which were the graves of kings. Their origins date back approximately 1750 years ago. Over the 350 years of the Kofun period, diverse haniwa were crafted, each reflecting the era and region, offering insights into the people surrounding the kings and the lifestyle of the time. Among them, the national treasure "Haniwa: Armored Warrior" is considered a masterpiece. To commemorate the 50th anniversary since its designation as a national treasure, a special exhibition will showcase around 120 selected treasures from across the country, marking an unprecedented gathering. From simple and "relaxed" figures to charming animals, and from elaborate armor to household items, the exhibition is packed with the allure of haniwa. https://haniwa820.exhibit.jp/
Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient EGYPT from Brooklyn Museum
An exhibition showcasing a selection of masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum's renowned Ancient Egyptian collection. Around 150 artifacts, including sculptures, coffins, jewelry, pottery, papyrus, and even human and cat mummies, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who created this advanced culture. The exhibition also features the latest research on pyramid exploration, conducted by Egyptologist Yukinori Kawae, revealing new findings about the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Visitors can explore these discoveries, including overlooked facts from past Egypt exhibitions, through multimedia presentations that combine images, sounds, and cutting-edge pyramid research techniques. https://egypt-brooklyn.exhibit.jp/en/
On the 120th Anniversary of His Birth: Salvador Dalí
This exhibition commemorates the 120th anniversary of the birth of Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), the 20th-century master, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Surrealist Manifesto. Focusing on the collection of the Mihonoseki Modern Art Museum, which boasts the largest Dalí collection in Asia, the exhibition presents a wide range of works spanning Dalí’s career, from his early pieces to those created in his later years, including oil paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures. In addition, around 120 works will be on display, featuring pieces by other Surrealist artists such as Miró and Magritte, as well as related materials. https://www.yokosuka-moa.jp/en/archive/exhibition/2025/20250208-892.html
MOMAT Collection
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) holds one of Japan’s largest collections, with over 13,000 artworks. Approximately 200 works are displayed in each exhibition, showcasing a wide range of modern and contemporary Japanese art from the late 19th century to the present. This exhibition features 13 interconnected rooms, each dedicated to a small theme, allowing visitors to trace the flow of Japan’s modern and contemporary art. This time, the exhibition includes highlights of representative works of modern and contemporary art, as well as a theme titled "100 Years of Surrealism," exploring the major movements in 20th-century art with works by artists such as Max Ernst and Yves Tanguy. https://www.momat.go.jp/en/exhibitions/r6-3
Canaletto and the Splendour of Venice
The exhibition of Canaletto, known as the master of Veduta (landscape painting), is the first large-scale exhibition of his works in Japan. Featuring around 60 pieces, including oil paintings, drawings, and prints, mainly from British collections such as the Scottish National Gallery, the exhibition delves into the charm of Canaletto’s works and the background of his creative process. In addition, works by artists before, during, and after Canaletto’s time will also be displayed, offering a rare opportunity in Japan to explore the broader evolution of Veduta painting. https://www.bunpaku.or.jp/en/
Joan Miró
A major retrospective of Joan Miró, known for his unique and emotionally rich style, is being held. Considered one of the leading masters of the 20th century alongside Pablo Picasso, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Miró’s art, showcasing works from various periods, including his iconic "Constellations" series. The exhibition features three pieces from the "Constellations" series, along with paintings, ceramics, and sculptures representing each stage of his career, highlighting his continuous exploration of new forms of expression up to the age of 90. Masterpieces from Miró’s key periods will be gathered from around the world. https://miro2025.exhibit.jp/en/
Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art European Master Paintings
This exhibition brings together approximately 90 paintings from the collections of the San Diego Museum of Art, which houses some of the earliest Western paintings collected on the U.S. West Coast, and the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, which has the only systematic collection of Western paintings in East Asia. The exhibition traces the history of Western art over 600 years, from the Renaissance to 19th-century Impressionism, with a focus on how to enjoy and appreciate the artworks. Related pieces are displayed in pairs or small groups for comparison, allowing visitors to explore the stories behind the paintings from various perspectives. https://art.nikkei.com/dokomiru/en/
