Japan Art News

The 17th Bijutsu Techo Art Criticism Competition
Bijutsu Techo is holding its 17th Art Criticism Competition to commemorate its 77th anniversary.
Yu Tsukada | Illustration Documentary and "Seeing the Places We See 5—A History of Tottori's Cinemas & Rental Video Shops Illustrated" (Part 2)
This article discusses the second part of a project documenting Tottori's cinema and rental video shop history using illustration documentary methods.
【Tokyo】ART JOB FAIR 2026
The ART JOB FAIR 2026, specialized for the cultural and arts sector, will be held in Tokyo in January 2026.
"I did not plagiarize" Japan Art Institute ordered to pay 2.2 million yen in damages to Japanese painter disciplined over a "similar work"… Painter reveals "production process" as evidence
The Japan Art Institute was ordered to pay 2.2 million yen in damages after a court ruled its disciplinary action against a painter over an allegedly similar work was illegal.
BUG School 2025: Moment Scape
BUG School 2025: Moment Scape, featuring seven artists curated by Kaho Ikeda, opens on December 17th with exhibitions and diverse programs.
Kenta Yamazaki | horobite's "Awaiting the Light"
Horobite's play "Awaiting the Light" explores themes of lost time and the reconstruction of family relationships amidst mystery and conflict.
Kotaro Iizawa | Photo Walk 09 - From Eye to Eye (September - November 2025)
Kotaro Iizawa reviews various Japanese photography exhibitions and photobook releases from September through November 2025.
Crab of History: Walking through 80 Years After the War @ Studio 04
The exhibition "Crab of History: Walking through 80 Years After the War" is scheduled at Studio 04 from November 2025 to February 2026.
The 'In-Ten' Loses Appeal Case Too: A Japanese Painter Who Was Ostracized as a 'Plagiarist' Simply for Accidentally Drawing a Similar Picture Realizes 'The Distortion of Authority' and His 'Mission as a Painter' (Daily Shincho)
Japanese painter Yukio Umehara won his appeal against the Nihon Bijutsuin (In-Ten) after being wrongly accused of plagiarism, but remains ostracized.
"I did not plagiarize" Suspension of exhibition disposition against Japanese painter Yukio Umehara is "illegal," upholding the first instance ruling ordering 2.2 million yen in compensation... Tokyo High Court (Bengo4.com News)
The Tokyo High Court upheld the first instance ruling, finding the exhibition suspension imposed on Japanese painter Yukio Umehara illegal and ordering 2.2 million yen in compensation.
Turner Prize 2025
Nnena Kalu, an artist associated with Action Space, an organization supporting artists with learning disabilities, won the 2025 Turner Prize, marking the 250th anniversary of J.M.W. Turner's birth.
Japan Art Institute Ordered to Pay 2.2 Million Yen in Damages for Disciplinary Action Against Painter Over 'Similar Work'
The Tokyo High Court ordered the Japan Art Institute to pay 2.2 million yen for improperly suspending a painter over an allegedly similar artwork.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo "Anti-Action: Their Respective Responses and Challenges" Ticket Giveaway
ART iT is offering a ticket giveaway for readers to attend the exhibition at The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Exhibition Looking Back at the Life of Art Dealer Shojiro Nomura, Who Spread Kimono to the World, Held at the National Museum of Japanese History
An exhibition reviewing the life of art dealer Shojiro Nomura, who popularized kimono globally, is currently being held at the National Museum of Japanese History.
The 17th Fukuyama Children's "Living" Art Exhibition
The 17th Fukuyama Children's "Living" Art Exhibition will be held at the Fukuyama Museum of Art from January 2 to January 12, 2026.
Learning Japanese Art through "Bijinga" - Lecture Held Inviting Mr. Yoshie Itani -
Saitama University held a lecture with Yoshie Itani to study the evolution of Japanese art through "Bijinga" (pictures of beautiful women).
Aoyama Shin | Maki Hanagata 'Ergonomic Embryo / Protocell' (Part 2)
This essay analyzes Maki Hanagata's work, exploring the relationship between the body, technology, chairs, and excretion through the lens of Shusaku Arakawa's philosophy.
Aoyama Shin | Maki Hanagata 'Ergonomic Embryo / Protocell' (Part 1)
This article critiques Maki Hanagata's public experiment, 'Ergonomic Embryo / Protocell,' exploring the relationship between technology, the body, and the concept of the 'chair.'
【Tokyo】Symposium: "Survival Strategies for Artists Crossing Divisions and Borders"
A public symposium in Daikanyama Hillside Plaza will discuss survival strategies for artists working internationally across borders and divisions.
【Osaka/Kansai】16 Recommended Exhibitions to See During the Winter Break [2025-26]
This article highlights 16 recommended art exhibitions running in the Osaka and Kansai region during the 2025-2026 winter holiday period.
【Thorough Guide】Compiled Schedule of Museums Nationwide for 2026
This article compiles the anticipated exhibition schedules for museums across Japan throughout 2026.
【Tokyo】Related Events for “A History of Gender Crossing – Being Both Male/Female and Female/Male”
Kokugakuin University Museum will host a lecture and talk event related to the exhibition “A History of Gender Crossing”.
Artistic Directors for the 9th Yokohama Triennale Decided
Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero have been appointed as the Artistic Directors for the 9th Yokohama Triennale.
Mizuho Fujita | "tower" as a Generator of Imagination
This article discusses how Teppei Kaneuji's ongoing series "tower" functions as a "generator of imagination" in the exhibition "tower (UNIVERSITY)" at @KCUA, encompassing the university and its communities.
Matsuzo|“Seto Contemporary Art Exhibition 2025"
The “Seto Contemporary Art Exhibition 2025” held in Aichi Prefecture showcased diverse artworks in a former direct sales location, fostering local art engagement.
Special Exhibition: Ancient Egypt from the Brooklyn Museum Collection
A special exhibition will showcase selected masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum's large-scale Ancient Egypt collection.
[Publication Information] "Kyoko Nakano Reads 'Painting and Music'" Serialized in "Art Exhibition Navi" Published by Shodensha -- "The Secret of Music" Read Through Masterpieces
Kyoko Nakano's serialized essays on the relationship between painting and music have been published by Shodensha as "The Secret of Music" Read Through Masterpieces.
"LOVE Itoshii...! - Kaburaki Kiyokata's Love Scenes, Okumura Dogyu's Love for Animals-" (Yamatane Museum of Art) Opening Report. Lots of "LOVE" in Japanese Painting
The special exhibition at the Yamatane Museum of Art features Japanese paintings centered on the theme of "LOVE," highlighting works by Kaburaki Kiyokata and Okumura Dogyu.
“Craft and Weather Exhibition – Focusing on Artists Associated with Ishikawa Prefecture” (National Museum of Modern Crafts) Opening Report. Experiencing the Local Climate Through Crafts.
The “Craft and Weather Exhibition” has opened at the National Museum of Modern Crafts, showcasing works by artists from Ishikawa Prefecture and exploring the relationship between crafts and the local climate.
[Kyushu Preview] "Iron and Art: The Trajectory of Beauty Woven by the Iron Capital" to be held at Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art from January 4th, tracing the history and memory of the Iron Capital through art.
An exhibition tracing the history and memory of Kitakyushu, the "Iron Capital," through art will open at the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art on January 4th.
Musashino Art University Museum & Library Special Exhibition "Reviving Postmodernism—Shiro Kuramata, Makoto Komatsu, Masaharu Takasaki, and the Humanism of Design" - TECTURE MAG | Spatial Design/Architecture Media
Musashino Art University is hosting an exhibition exploring the humanism of Postmodernism through the works of Shiro Kuramata and two other designers.
The 9th Yokohama Triennale to be Held from April 2027, Artistic Directors Decided
The 9th Yokohama Triennale will take place starting April 23, 2027, with Cosmin Costinaş and Inti Guerrero appointed as co-Artistic Directors.
"Always Beside You: Japan and Korea, 80 Years of Art" (Yokohama Museum of Art) Report: Tracing 80 Years of Exchange from the Perspectives of People Who Lived in the "In-Between"
The Yokohama Museum of Art exhibition traces 80 years of Japan-Korea relations through art, focusing on those who lived in the 'in-between'.
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery Announces 2026 Exhibition Schedule
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery has announced its 2026 exhibition schedule, featuring shows on Surrealism and various artists.
“Museum Curator’s Lunch” #9 | Kumamoto City Museum of Contemporary Art, Sakamoto Akiko’s Recommendation! Kumamoto’s Soul Food and Kissaten (Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City) #Bimeshi
A curator from the Kumamoto City Museum of Contemporary Art recommends Kumamoto’s soul food, “Keika Ramen,” and a traditional coffee shop.
The 9th Yokohama Triennale to be held in 2027. Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero appointed as new ADs
The 9th Yokohama Triennale will take place in 2027, with Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero appointed as the new Artistic Directors.
Matsufusa House | "Curatorial Studies 16: Yu Araki Reorienting —Artists Who Crossed the Sea 100 Years Ago—"
The Yu Araki exhibition at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto prompts a reorientation of history through artists who crossed the sea.
Osaka Chishima Foundation Accepting Applications for 2026 Public Grants
The Osaka Chishima Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2026 public grants across four categories, including support for young creators.
Okayama Art Summit 2025
The Okayama Art Summit 2025, titled "The Parks of Aomame," will run from September 26 to November 24, 2025.
"LUMINE ART FAIR -My 1_st Collection vol.4-" Event Report. The Future Aimed for by an Art Fair Supporting First-Time Art Purchases | Page 2
The LUMINE ART FAIR is a free, open art fair held at a commercial facility connected to Shinjuku Station, aiming to support first-time art buyers.
[Rekimin] Special Art Exhibition "The Art of the Samurai"
The Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore is hosting a special exhibition featuring art related to the aesthetics and martial arts of the samurai.
Art and Craft Koshien: Works by High School Students Nationwide Exhibited at Kyoto Traditional Crafts Center in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
The 17th Art and Craft Koshien exhibition, featuring creative works by high school students nationwide, is currently being held at the Kyoto Traditional Crafts Center.
Expressive Works Group Exhibition Opens at Yonago City Museum of Art: Ai Support Exhibition
The "Ai Support Art Tottori Exhibition," featuring expressive works by people with disabilities, has opened at the Yonago City Museum of Art.
Expressive Works: Ai Support Art Tottori Exhibition Opens (Nihonkai Shimbun)
The "Ai Support Art Tottori Exhibition," featuring 466 works by people with disabilities, has opened at the Yonago City Museum of Art.
Vibrant Wall Art of the "Galaxy Railway Nambu Line" by Shinjo High School Art Club at the Entrance of Kamakura Rolling Stock Center Nakahara Branch (Former Nakahara Train Depot) | Musashi-Kosugi Blog (Musashi-Kosugi Life Official Blog)
Shinjo High School's Art Club created a vibrant "Galaxy Railway Nambu Line" wall art at the Kamakura Rolling Stock Center Nakahara Branch entrance in 2023.
Takamatsu City Shioe Museum Special Exhibition "Takeo Matsumura: The Pleasure of Satoyama and Satohama"
The Takamatsu City Shioe Museum is hosting a special exhibition of Takeo Matsumura's works focusing on the sensations of the countryside and seashore.
【Arata Isozaki】First Major Retrospective Since His Passing Held at Art Tower Mito. Experience the Full Scope of the "Giant of Architecture" | "Arata Isozaki: Architecture as an Archipelago"
The first major retrospective since the passing of architect Arata Isozaki is being held at Art Tower Mito, which he designed.
Waku Waku Art Exhibition Featuring Unique Masterpieces (ABS Akita Broadcasting)
The Waku Waku Art Exhibition, featuring unique works by students from special needs schools, is being held in Akita City.
Waku Waku Art Exhibition Featuring Unique Masterpieces (Published December 7, 2025) | NTV NEWS NNN
The Waku Waku Art Exhibition in Akita City showcases 169 unique works created by students from special needs schools across the prefecture.
ANNUAL BRAKE 2025 Yuri Miauchi: Regarding the Unlocatable Others – The Flow of Eyelids on Skin Permeated by Twilight @ The 5th Floor
Yuri Miauchi's solo exhibition, "Regarding the Unlocatable Others – The Flow of Eyelids on Skin Permeated by Twilight," will be held at The 5th Floor in Tokyo from November 21 to December 7, 2025.
Disability x Design: How to Create Spaces for Learning?
This symposium aims to explore the relationship between disability and design and share ideas for creating co-creative learning environments.
Unexpected Emotion Awaits! Pay Attention to the "Metal" Exhibition Held at Ginza Maison Hermès Le Forum!
The "Metal" exhibition at Ginza Maison Hermès Le Forum focuses on metal as a material, featuring works by three artists.
New Works Also Color the Winter Season. David Hockney Solo Exhibition Now Open at London's New Space
A solo exhibition by David Hockney, featuring new works created in his London studio, is currently being held at Annely Juda Fine Art's new London space.
Shedding Light on the Public Nature of War Art: "A History of War Art" by Norio Miyashita
Norio Miyashita's "A History of War Art" is an ambitious work examining the relationship between war and art across time and geography, focusing on the public nature of war art.
Ibaraki Cultural Organizations Federation Celebrates 60th Anniversary; Prefectural Art Festival and Prefectural Art Exhibition Also Mark Milestones; Ceremony Held in Mito
The Ibaraki Cultural Organizations Federation, Prefectural Art Festival, and Prefectural Art Exhibition celebrated their 60th anniversaries with a ceremony in Mito.
High School Students' Achievements Gathered in One Place: Ii District High School Art and Calligraphy Exhibition Until the 7th | Minamishinshu Shimbun Digital Edition
The Ii District High School Art and Calligraphy Exhibition is being held in Iida City, displaying student works until the 7th.
【Kansai Preview】 "SEKAI NO KOTOVARI - Art of Our Times" Opens at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto on December 20th, Featuring About 70 Works by 20 Artists Active on the World Stage
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto will host the exhibition "SEKAI NO KOTOVARI - Art of Our Times" starting December 20th.
Alone with the 'Jealous' High School Boy in the Art Room: Episode 8 Synopsis of 'I Joined a Group I Wasn't Close With on the School Trip' (Oricon)
In Episode 8 of the drama, the jealous Watarai confronts his feelings for Hio, leading to a heartfelt conversation alone in the art room.
Death of Architect Frank Gehry. The Master Known for Designing the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Renowned contemporary American architect Frank Gehry, known for works like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, has passed away at 96.
【Kyoto Winter Art 2025】Two Special Exhibitions Where You Can Enjoy Splendid Japanese Art, Featuring "Folding Screens" and "Beauty Pictures"
Two special exhibitions in Kyoto this winter will allow visitors to enjoy splendid Japanese art focusing on folding screens and "Bijinga" (pictures of beautiful women).
artscape

The 17th Bijutsu Techo Art Criticism Competition

artscape

Yu Tsukada | Illustration Documentary and "Seeing the Places We See 5—A History of Tottori's Cinemas & Rental Video Shops Illustrated" (Part 2)

artscape

【Tokyo】ART JOB FAIR 2026

FNNプライムオンライン

"I did not plagiarize" Japan Art Institute ordered to pay 2.2 million yen in damages to Japanese painter disciplined over a "similar work"… Painter reveals "production process" as evidence

ART iT

BUG School 2025: Moment Scape

artscape

Kenta Yamazaki | horobite's "Awaiting the Light"

artscape

Kotaro Iizawa | Photo Walk 09 - From Eye to Eye (September - November 2025)

ART iT

Crab of History: Walking through 80 Years After the War @ Studio 04

Yahoo!ニュース

The 'In-Ten' Loses Appeal Case Too: A Japanese Painter Who Was Ostracized as a 'Plagiarist' Simply for Accidentally Drawing a Similar Picture Realizes 'The Distortion of Authority' and His 'Mission as a Painter' (Daily Shincho)

Yahoo!ニュース

"I did not plagiarize" Suspension of exhibition disposition against Japanese painter Yukio Umehara is "illegal," upholding the first instance ruling ordering 2.2 million yen in compensation... Tokyo High Court (Bengo4.com News)

ART iT

Turner Prize 2025

NHKニュース

Japan Art Institute Ordered to Pay 2.2 Million Yen in Damages for Disciplinary Action Against Painter Over 'Similar Work'

ART iT

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo "Anti-Action: Their Respective Responses and Challenges" Ticket Giveaway

朝日新聞

Exhibition Looking Back at the Life of Art Dealer Shojiro Nomura, Who Spread Kimono to the World, Held at the National Museum of Japanese History

city.fukuyama.hiroshima.jp

The 17th Fukuyama Children's "Living" Art Exhibition

saitama-u.ac.jp

Learning Japanese Art through "Bijinga" - Lecture Held Inviting Mr. Yoshie Itani -

artscape

Aoyama Shin | Maki Hanagata 'Ergonomic Embryo / Protocell' (Part 2)

artscape

Aoyama Shin | Maki Hanagata 'Ergonomic Embryo / Protocell' (Part 1)

artscape

【Tokyo】Symposium: "Survival Strategies for Artists Crossing Divisions and Borders"

Tokyo Art Beat

【Osaka/Kansai】16 Recommended Exhibitions to See During the Winter Break [2025-26]

美術展ナビ

【Thorough Guide】Compiled Schedule of Museums Nationwide for 2026

artscape

【Tokyo】Related Events for “A History of Gender Crossing – Being Both Male/Female and Female/Male”

ART iT

Artistic Directors for the 9th Yokohama Triennale Decided

artscape

Mizuho Fujita | "tower" as a Generator of Imagination

artscape

Matsuzo|“Seto Contemporary Art Exhibition 2025"

美術展ナビ

Special Exhibition: Ancient Egypt from the Brooklyn Museum Collection

美術展ナビ

[Publication Information] "Kyoko Nakano Reads 'Painting and Music'" Serialized in "Art Exhibition Navi" Published by Shodensha -- "The Secret of Music" Read Through Masterpieces

美術手帖

"LOVE Itoshii...! - Kaburaki Kiyokata's Love Scenes, Okumura Dogyu's Love for Animals-" (Yamatane Museum of Art) Opening Report. Lots of "LOVE" in Japanese Painting

美術手帖

“Craft and Weather Exhibition – Focusing on Artists Associated with Ishikawa Prefecture” (National Museum of Modern Crafts) Opening Report. Experiencing the Local Climate Through Crafts.

美術展ナビ

[Kyushu Preview] "Iron and Art: The Trajectory of Beauty Woven by the Iron Capital" to be held at Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art from January 4th, tracing the history and memory of the Iron Capital through art.

TECTURE MAG

Musashino Art University Museum & Library Special Exhibition "Reviving Postmodernism—Shiro Kuramata, Makoto Komatsu, Masaharu Takasaki, and the Humanism of Design" - TECTURE MAG | Spatial Design/Architecture Media

Tokyo Art Beat

The 9th Yokohama Triennale to be Held from April 2027, Artistic Directors Decided

Tokyo Art Beat

"Always Beside You: Japan and Korea, 80 Years of Art" (Yokohama Museum of Art) Report: Tracing 80 Years of Exchange from the Perspectives of People Who Lived in the "In-Between"

Tokyo Art Beat

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery Announces 2026 Exhibition Schedule

Tokyo Art Beat

“Museum Curator’s Lunch” #9 | Kumamoto City Museum of Contemporary Art, Sakamoto Akiko’s Recommendation! Kumamoto’s Soul Food and Kissaten (Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City) #Bimeshi

美術手帖

The 9th Yokohama Triennale to be held in 2027. Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero appointed as new ADs

artscape

Matsufusa House | "Curatorial Studies 16: Yu Araki Reorienting —Artists Who Crossed the Sea 100 Years Ago—"

artscape

Osaka Chishima Foundation Accepting Applications for 2026 Public Grants

ART iT

Okayama Art Summit 2025

美術手帖

"LUMINE ART FAIR -My 1_st Collection vol.4-" Event Report. The Future Aimed for by an Art Fair Supporting First-Time Art Purchases | Page 2