Artist: Hiroko Irie I’ve never mourned the demise of any event the way I mourned the Tokyo International Quilt Show that used to surprise and delight every January, but guess what? Yokohama to the rescue! There’s a new quilt show in town, and (how is this even possible?) it’s bigger and better than ever! InternationalContinueContinue reading “Epic Japanese Quilt Show Returns!”
Tag Archives: Japanese art
New Japanese art displayed in old Japanese houses? Yes, please!
“Lifelong Chandelier Remaster” by Kosei Komatsu The Biwako Biennale isn’t just an exhibition of the best Japanese art of 2025, it’s a masterpiece of displaying new art in historic settings, with dramatic lighting to die for. Whoever paired the winning pieces with each gorgeously restored merchant house was a genius, and this little detour onContinueContinue reading “New Japanese art displayed in old Japanese houses? Yes, please!”
The most charming demons you’ll ever meet
Traditional Nebuta float from Aomori, representing “the rage that splits the heavens” of historical figure Sugawara no Michizane Demons have taken over the National Cultural Treasure steps at the Hotel Gajoen, where their gallery curators have whipped up a show riffing off the Japanese summertime tradition of telling ghost stories that send a chill upContinueContinue reading “The most charming demons you’ll ever meet”
Stunning woodblock prints capture the joy of Japanese festivals
Special Days in Tokyo: A Decorated City and Its People This special exhibit at the Kokugakuin Museum features rare examples of woodblock prints from the 1800s that are so perfectly preserved, the brilliant colors look like they were printed yesterday! They depict the citizenry having fun, watching impromptu skits at the Niwaka Festival in Yoshiwara…ContinueContinue reading “Stunning woodblock prints capture the joy of Japanese festivals”
The Tokyo Kimono Show 2025 delights and amazes
Is this me in my happy place? Why yes, yes it is One again, the Tokyo Kimono Show does not disappoint! This year’s extravaganza of style started off with a contrast between past and future, with a parade of nicely curated Edo Period clothing on the left… and futuristic manga-inspired costumes by a Taiwanese artistContinueContinue reading “The Tokyo Kimono Show 2025 delights and amazes”
Sashiko: Japan turns mending into a high art
Sashiko art by Nonoichi featured on @bluandwhite_japan’s Instagram (Photo thanks to @bluandwhite_japan) If quilting and embroidery had a child, this would be it. Sashiko isn’t the only mundane chore Japan has made into a high art (check out the everyday objects that inspired the Mingei Movement) but it’s one that anyone who lives anywhere inContinueContinue reading “Sashiko: Japan turns mending into a high art”
The Tokyo Toilets…lit up at night!
If you thought the Tokyo Toilets were beautiful in the daytime, just wait ’til you see them lit up after dark! The public restrooms that were so mindfully cleaned by the main character in Wim Wenders’ film Perfect Days were designed by sixteen famous Japanese architects, and if there’s one thing famous architects know howContinueContinue reading “The Tokyo Toilets…lit up at night!”
The artist who shows us everyday things in a deeply Japanese way
Miyawaki Ayako Retrospective: I saw, I cut, I applied Quilters and other textile artists were the first to see how arts formerly dismissed as “womanly” or “decorative” could be harnessed to convey powerful insights and messages. Ayako Miyawaki didn’t begin to use appliqué as a medium until she was forty—after raising her three children—but herContinueContinue reading “The artist who shows us everyday things in a deeply Japanese way”
Nobuyuki Fujiwara’s explosive glass art retrospective
“Shobunma Nature Series 2024” by Nobuyuki Fujiwara Glass artist Nobuyuki Fujiwara’s delightfully organic pieces explode and bloom with energy, and a selection of his recent works is being featured in this lovely retirement retrospective at the University Art Museum’s exhibition hall right now. His willingness to push glass techniques and technology in whole new directionsContinueContinue reading “Nobuyuki Fujiwara’s explosive glass art retrospective”
Roppongi Art Night: Banana peels, bondage & bubbles
Strange sights are a dime a dozen on the streets of Roppongi at night, but this is the first time I’ve encountered a giant inflatable banana skin. “Slapstick” by Shinji Mitsuzuka Welcome to the 2024 version of Roppongi Art Night, which was smaller than in years past, but featured some choice pieces that were worthContinueContinue reading “Roppongi Art Night: Banana peels, bondage & bubbles”
Fabulous folk art cats
If yesterday’s “Fairy Tale” exhibit post wasn’t enough to get you to the current exhibition at the Hotel Gajoen before it closes, I’m here to push you off the edge of the table with THESE. The cat theme runs strong throughout the show, but the ones that really put a smile on my face wereContinueContinue reading “Fabulous folk art cats”
Art X Japanese Folk Tales at this deliciously creepy art exhibit
From magical births to bamboo princesses, this whimsical (and slightly spooky) folk tale exhibit at the Hotel Gajoen is well worth climbing its Hyakudan Kaidan (hundred step staircase) to see! The lavishly decorated rooms (each painted by a different famous master) are the perfect setting for the traditional arts on display, and each room hasContinueContinue reading “Art X Japanese Folk Tales at this deliciously creepy art exhibit”
Making Nuno Textiles: The best Japanese fabric art exhibition EVER
If you have even the slightest interest in all things textile, the first thing you do after you step off the plane in Japan is make a beeline for the Nuno store. It’s a treasure trove of cutting-edge fabrics designed by Reiko Sudo, the creative mastermind (and all-around warm and generous person) who has spentContinueContinue reading “Making Nuno Textiles: The best Japanese fabric art exhibition EVER”
Alt Cherry
This spring has been hella cold and rainy, so not only did the cherry blossoms bloom a week late, everyone’s selfies in front of the pinkness feature brave smiles hunched in Seattle-worthy raingear. Which is why we need to be cheered by the pink pleasures of hanami season that don’t give a fig for theContinueContinue reading “Alt Cherry”
Eye Candy from the Tokyo Kimono Show 2024
If you think that “kimono fashion” is something that went out when samurai stopped roaming the streets, think again! Not only is modern kimono dressing alive and well, the annual Tokyo Kimono Show is where designers showcase their latest innovations. This year’s special exhibit was a rare chance to see Heian period robes (from whenContinueContinue reading “Eye Candy from the Tokyo Kimono Show 2024”
Art with a side of quirk
Tokyo Art Fair checks all the Serious International Art Exhibition boxes, but this year’s artists went above and beyond in displaying that unique Japanese mix of fabulous craftsmanship and quirky worldview. Like Tetsuya Noguchi’s spoof on famous Western general statues and portraits of wealthy worthies… “Ring and Man” and “The Light of 2024” by TetsuyaContinueContinue reading “Art with a side of quirk”
A flowery splash of an exhibition at Tokyo Node
The new Tokyo Node site is attempting to bring a little life and culture to the stark and soaring new office/mall complex at Toranomon Hills, and this Mika Ninagawa exhibition at first seems hellbent on going just as extreme in the other direction. The poster for her “Eternity in a Moment” exhibition suggests it’s goingContinueContinue reading “A flowery splash of an exhibition at Tokyo Node”
Art brings light into the chilly heart of Toranomon
All the usual glowing things are joined by some unexpected guests! Gazing up at Tokyo Tower from the perpetual construction zone at street level around Toranomon Hills delivers a first glimpse of the art that’s breathing a little life into the stark and chilly office towers of Tokyo’s newest mega-office complex. Seven delightful sculptures areContinueContinue reading “Art brings light into the chilly heart of Toranomon”
Where there be dragons
If dragons are on your fantasy bucket list, get thee to Ryōanji temple in Kyoto and feast your eyes on these beauties! From now through March 31, 2023, the legendary lizards take over Ryōanji temple in Kyoto, and they do not disappoint! Imagine having a real live dragon to bork at burglars! Or one thatContinueContinue reading “Where there be dragons”
Minoru Nomata: Paintings of an achingly lovely apocalypse
In this fabulous Minoru Nomata restrospective, the paintings in the very first room are already asking the questions that only grow more pointed and subtle over the course of his career… Building or landscape? “Land-Escape 1” 1992 Construction or destruction? “Nowhere-1” 1993 Past or future? “Land-Escape 12” 1992 And then you look closer, and wonderContinueContinue reading “Minoru Nomata: Paintings of an achingly lovely apocalypse”
Roppongi Art Night Returns!
“White Wings” by Close-Act Theater (Netherlands) Originally conceived as art from all over the world that goes on all night long, Roppongi Art Night returned for the first time in four years with a small—but choice!—fanfare of art and performances. The show-stealer was the “White Wings” production by a troupe from the Netherlands, whose divaContinueContinue reading “Roppongi Art Night Returns!”
TeamLab’s magical rainbow acorn forest
The permanent TeamLab installation at Higashi-Tokorozawa’s Musashino Woods Park features the exact same mildly-interesting, mirrored, schmoo-shaped things they have at TeamLab Planets… …but at night they will Cinderella your socks off! These mirrored “acorns” glow from within, but also reflect the colors of the lit-up foliage around them. Here’s the same view a few secondsContinueContinue reading “TeamLab’s magical rainbow acorn forest”
Cats in Ukiyo-e: The best woodblock print show ever
If we were playing my favorite museum game—the one where we admit we’d pass on that famous piece of art if we saw it at a garage sale for $5 and didn’t know who made it—I’d be feeling pretty good about myself at this show. You’d be hearing me say, “TAKE MY MONEY!” for everyContinueContinue reading “Cats in Ukiyo-e: The best woodblock print show ever”
Cherry Blossom Planets
The fabulous TeamLab Planets site gets a pink makeover for cherry blossom season! Between March 1 and April 31, instead of wading among the fish and flowers like this… …you can submerge your ankles in a sea of koi and petals like this! Like the usual immersive digital pond, the music and animation start withContinueContinue reading “Cherry Blossom Planets”
Luck meets art at the most delightful Girls Day exhibit ever
Cross your fingers and rub your rabbit’s foot, because we are about to venture into an exhibit where luck meets art and, well, THIS is what might result… “Lucky Subjects and Symbols in Japanese Art” is a delightful surprise of an exhibit, not least because it sounds like the driest of academic takes on theContinueContinue reading “Luck meets art at the most delightful Girls Day exhibit ever”
Epic Japanese Cake Show: Part 1
No Japanese apartment comes equipped with an oven. That shocked me, until I stopped to think about it, and realized not a single traditional Japanese dish requires baking. Which doesn’t keep them from being some of the most skilled bakers in the world. Like the fiber artists of the Tokyo International Quilt Festival, the pastryContinueContinue reading “Epic Japanese Cake Show: Part 1”
Amazing scenes emerge as you use this notepad
The Japanese design firm Triad just released one of the most Japanese products ever: the Hogwarts Castle notepad. Wait, that’s not Japanese! But…it is. The latest design in a series of notepads that reveal 3-D scenes as each piece of paper is peeled away happens to be Hogwarts Castle, but the idea of creating threeContinueContinue reading “Amazing scenes emerge as you use this notepad”
More Haiku Musings On The Ironies Of Modern Life
Elderly uncle buying sake. Do I really have to Check his ID? • This odd store. I’ve never seen a customer here, Yet, it survives. • The forecast changes To match the weather. Sneaky. • Why was my prayer So much shorter? I’m embarrassed. • That gangster Would be more frightening Without the child seats.ContinueContinue reading “More Haiku Musings On The Ironies Of Modern Life”
Smart Illumination Yokohama 2019: WOW
This year, there were fewer artworks at the Yokohama Smart Illuminations, but the ones on exhibit were SO worth seeing! Or – more accurately – worth DOING. Because this year the participation element was front and center, and quite a few of them required serious athletic juice from the audience to power them. When IContinueContinue reading “Smart Illumination Yokohama 2019: WOW”
Insanely Detailed Sculptures Made From Japanese Snack Packages
Generations of small boys have fantasized about becoming mighty cyborgs while scarfing Bisco cookies From the nation of insane Japanese modelmakers, this. The artist known as “Karabako Shokunin Harukiru” (That’s “Empty Box Craftsman Harukiru” to you), snips and folds and glues the unlikely medium of Japanese snack food boxes into unbelievably intricate sculptures, and rightContinueContinue reading “Insanely Detailed Sculptures Made From Japanese Snack Packages”
3-D Goldfish Art: Wait, Those Are PAINTINGS?
Doth my eyes deceive me? Riusuke Fukahori paints 3-D goldfish so real you can’t believe they’re not wriggling. And I know you’ll find this hard to believe, but the exhibit of his work going on RIGHT NOW at the Sano Art Museum in Mishima is so astounding, that in real life, the fish look more realContinueContinue reading “3-D Goldfish Art: Wait, Those Are PAINTINGS?”
Rice Field Art
In what has to be the weirdest creative medium next to the Seed Art Pavilion at the Minnesosta State Fair, Japanese farmers have taken to making large-scale art by planting some of their fields in different strains of rice. The only problem is, in order to even see what the picture is of, you haveContinueContinue reading “Rice Field Art”
Under The Umbrella Sky
If there’s a better way to celebrate Japan’s summer rainy season, show me! This is the latest environmental art exhibit at Metsa Village, the same place where Digitized Lakeside and Forest happened last winter. The exhibit is constructed from hundreds of tinted umbrellas, linked invisibly overhead, between the trees You enter beneath the warm endContinueContinue reading “Under The Umbrella Sky”
“Digitized Lakeside and Forest” Outdoor Art Installation
If ogling giant resonating eggs and gawking at color-changing trees isn’t what you’re planning to do this weekend, cancel your plans and get thee out to Hanno to see this new digital art installation instead! It meanders halfway around the small lake in the Metsa Village recreation area, and it’s everything glow-in-the-dark entertainment should be.ContinueContinue reading ““Digitized Lakeside and Forest” Outdoor Art Installation”
Smart Illumination Yokohama 2018: ALL THE YES
“Pacific Feet” by Hiroko Kubo Woo hoo, it’s time for the annual art-as-entertainment Yokohama Smart Illumination 2018! This year, for some reason it took a giant leap in quality, and although the artspeak “explaining” each piece is equally opaque in Japanese and English, you don’t need to know what the artist was trying to sayContinueContinue reading “Smart Illumination Yokohama 2018: ALL THE YES”
Roppongi Art Night 2017
All art, all night long. That’s the idea behind Roppongi Art Night, and although past years have been a bit meh, this year it was totally worth staying out late! These were my favorite bits: The Sonic Light Bubble by Australian multimedia design studio ENESS was the best. It’s a giant inflated clear plastic pieceContinueContinue reading “Roppongi Art Night 2017”
The Secret Innards Of The Catbus And Other Shocking Revelations
It’s not often that I walk through an art show where each piece is more surprising and delightful than the last, but Jason Freeny’s “Plastic Surgeon” exhibit at the Megumi Ogita Gallery really pushed my amusement meter into the red zone! You’ll think twice before biting off the head of your next chocolate easter bunny,ContinueContinue reading “The Secret Innards Of The Catbus And Other Shocking Revelations”
Why I’d Totally Follow This Guy’s Instagram If He Hadn’t Died In 1889
Kawanabe Kyosai. He’d have had the best instagram ever. Because Goth WAY before Goth Because FART BATTLES (Excuse me, can we just zoom in on that action for a moment?) Because elephant shenanigans Because before magical folkloric foxes can turn themselves into alluring women bent on tempting silly humans to their doom, they have toContinueContinue reading “Why I’d Totally Follow This Guy’s Instagram If He Hadn’t Died In 1889”
Flowers By Naked
(I put together this one-minute video because seriously, stills just couldn’t capture how awesome this show is YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY) The name of this exhibition only makes sense if you recognize the name of the digital artists known as Naked, who are the hottest projection-mapping badasses in Tokyo right now. And HOO BOY they did not disappoint! I’m always ready toContinueContinue reading “Flowers By Naked”
Sleeping Bags Of Yore
At first I thought this was some kind of wacky winter kimono from prehistoric, pre-Patagonia days, but no: it’s actually a futon built for two! This fancy sleeping bag was actually used by courtesans when they entertained their customers in Yoshiwara! The Sleeping Bag Of Yore in action! Back in the day, plenty of men wealthy enough to buy opulent mummy bags for theirContinueContinue reading “Sleeping Bags Of Yore”
「Yokohama Smart Illuminations」: Wow. Just…wow.
Last night I went to see what I thought was going to be a modest art-light event on the Yokohama waterfront, secretly expecting that the photos from past years were exaggerating the quality of the illuminations. I was SO WRONG! This event was spectacular. See for yourself! You know you’re in the right place when you chance across aContinueContinue reading “「Yokohama Smart Illuminations」: Wow. Just…wow.”
Rude Gnomes
As a sort of matter/anti-matter reaction to the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil Gnomes, the same artist presents the F U Gnome. The Xmas-seasonal appearance of these, er, art objects suggests there has been continuing elf/dwarf/gnome cross-cultural confusion with regard to Santa and his workforce. I admit I’m quite curious aboutContinueContinue reading “Rude Gnomes”
Gnomes Of Enlightenment
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil… Does that include thinking uncharitable thoughts when you see a foreign blond guy trying to rock a Japanese 2-block haircut? Or hating on the person in the upstairs apartment who seems to be hard of hearing and really really really likes enka music? Inquiring gnomes wantContinueContinue reading “Gnomes Of Enlightenment”
Only In Japan 