[🎨 Exhibition Report] Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography "TOP Collection: Tomorrow's Table" & "TOP Collection: Don't think. Feel."

[#352, approx. 3,900 characters, approx. 55 photos]
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography (hereinafter referred to as Shabi), I visited "TOP Collection Tomorrow's Table" and "TOP Collection Don't think. Feel." on different days. Here are my thoughts and review.

*The exhibition period for "Don't think. Feel." has already ended.

▶︎ Conclusion

In the first and second terms of the 2026 collection exhibitions, the works of Rinko Kawauchi exhibited in each were the most memorable. Perhaps the nostalgic style that tickles the depths of my heart is just my preference. I look forward to future collection exhibitions at Shabi, which always provide new discoveries☺︎

Shabi is the museum I visit most frequently. I always look forward to the collection exhibitions, wondering, "What kind of challenge will there be this time?"

▼ "Mako Idemitsu Exhibition" visited on the same day

▶︎ "TOP Collection: Tomorrow's Table" Impressions

The theme of this collection exhibition is "food." It is a universal theme that surprisingly hasn't been covered until now.

What surprised me immediately upon entering was that it was set up like a mysterious world painted by de Chirico.

By using thick white walls and arch-shaped passageways, the worldview changes, and the impression felt from the works also changes. I felt some kind of intention in the ingenuity of the comprehensive production by curation × works.

For me, when it comes to eating, "what I eat" is less important than "who I eat with." I believe that "food" has not just food itself, but human connections in the background.

Also, as a parent, I find myself deeply moved when I see children in photographs. Parental support is essential for a child's meals. That assistance gradually becomes unnecessary, and the next phase is patiently teaching them manners. Parenting and "food" are inseparable themes.

The work that left the biggest impression on me in this exhibition was Rinko Kawauchi's slideshow. Ordinary scenes captured in a somewhat nostalgic countryside. Everyday scenes featuring people and nature were projected alternately.

Through various sensations—the square cropping, the high-exposure soft photos, the exquisite sequence of combinations, and the indoor environment filled with mysterious instrumental music and the soft chirping of birds—I found myself immersed in a nostalgic feeling.

Seeing this, I felt, "It's wonderful to have a home to return to." My parents' home is a detached house, but I currently live in an apartment complex. If my children (or their grandchildren) return to my current home when they grow up, will they be able to soak in the sentimentality...?

Having tatami mats, a Buddhist altar, a large low table where everyone can eat, and sharing a hot pot together... A detached house is really nice, isn't it?.

The 223-slide slideshow (about 19 minutes even at 5 seconds per slide) was long, but it was structured in a way that kept me watching the whole time. It was impressive that other visitors, like me, strangely kept watching for a long time. There must be something that draws people in in her photographs, and that is likely what leads to her acclaim.

▼ Rinko Kawauchi Exhibition (2022)

From the layout of the exhibition rooms to the selection of works, the entire collection exhibition left me with a quiet, sentimental, and deeply reflective impression.

▶︎ Impressions of "TOP Collection: Don't think. Feel."

Although the order is reversed, "Don't think. Feel." is a collection exhibition held one term before "Tomorrow's Table".

This collection exhibition uses Bruce Lee's words for its title. That's a bold move, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. Looking at other reviews, it seems many people were drawn in by this catchy title.

Furthermore, I didn't really feel much of a challenge from the museum in this exhibition; it was an orthodox curation.

Although the theme of the first room is "Don't think. Feel.," from the second room onwards, the themes were "Historical Ethnology of Family Photographs," "Rinko Kawauchi," "Room of Memories," and "What Lies Behind the Image," which had little connection to the exhibition title.

Since the impression of the first room didn't stay with me, I thought, "The exhibition didn't live up to its name." Also, "Don't think. Feel." is too broad a concept that can be applied not just to photography but to art in general, so it didn't quite resonate with me.

The total number of exhibits was about 160, which was a lot, so I enjoyed going through them quickly.

▼ Masahisa Fukase's solo exhibition held about three years ago

(Coincidentally, just like with "Tomorrow's Table,") in this exhibition, the third room "Rinko Kawauchi" left the strongest impression on me.

What is projected is a patchwork of casual everyday footage. What she captures is a pale, peaceful, and mysterious world with high exposure settings. It felt somewhat nostalgic and somewhat cleansing to the soul.

It was a collection of works that I could look at forever without getting bored. Seeing people from other countries also gazing at them intently, I thought, "People from countries other than Japan can feel something too, huh".

Chotoku-san (Chotoku Tanaka) — I've read his books before! It clicked. This might be the first time I've seen his work in person. I remember him writing in his book that "the important thing is to just press the shutter. The important thing is to just enjoy taking as many photos as you can with your camera."

▶︎ Summary

What did you think? The collection exhibitions at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum always offer fresh discoveries. Coincidentally, the two collection exhibitions I covered this time both resulted in Rinko Kawauchi's works leaving a lasting impression. Her solo exhibition held at the museum was in 2012. I'm hoping for another solo exhibition there soon! If there are any works I posted that caught your eye, feel free to comment ☺︎

▶︎ Today's Museum Meal

▶︎ Next Preview

In my next post, I plan to share my thoughts on exhibitions like "The Dawn of Graphic Design: Koji Kato and Silkscreen" held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu.

▶︎ Recommended for you

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▼ Yasumasa Morimura Solo Exhibition (@ ShugoArts)

▼ Link collection of all note posts (352 items)