Latest Contemporary Art News & 'Tokyo Art Stroll' Guide for the Weekend - May 19, 2025 Issue
Hello, readers. From the rapidly changing world of contemporary art, we bring you this week's featured news and weekend outing plans. In this issue, in addition to the latest domestic and international art news, our 'Tokyo Art Stroll' guide proposes a special experience where contemporary art and history intersect in two areas with distinct charms: Kiyosumi-shirakawa and Yanaka/Ueno.
From large-scale museum exhibitions to galleries renovated from former public bathhouses, why not spend your weekend immersing yourself in art while forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city? Let's start with this week's latest art news.
1. Catch up on the rapidly changing world of contemporary art! Latest featured news
1.1. 'DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN Exhibition 2025' is now being held at The National Art Center, Tokyo - Focusing on 'design treasures' in our daily lives
The National Art Center, Tokyo is hosting the 'DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN Exhibition 2025: Collecting and Connecting Japanese Design' from May 15th to 25th. This exhibition presents the results of an NHK project that researched living cultures across the country in the form of an exhibition. With the theme 'Is this also design?', it shines a light on 'design treasures' in our daily lives—such as townscapes, tools, words, food, and customs—without being bound by conventional categories like products or graphics.
This third installment is composed mainly of case studies from eight regions researched in fiscal year 2024, with the participation of eight leading creators. Graphic designer Atsuki Kikuchi focused on the enamelware from Tochigi that has been used as a daily necessity since the Meiji era, discovering its 'effortless form.' Contemporary artist Aiko Miyanaga focused on the original characters of the 'Hiragino font' born in Kyoto. The layers of time engraved in the hand-drawn characters emerge as traces of quiet creation.
Architect Yoshiharu Tsukamoto focused on the 'Himuro (ice house) ruins' remaining in the Yamato Highlands of Nara, interior designer Hisae Igarashi on the 'thermos' of Osaka, video craft artist Seiichi Hishikawa on the 'Tairyo-bata (big catch flags)' of Tottori, designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae on the 'street markets' of Kochi, product designer Naoto Fukasawa on the 'Sekishu tiles' produced in western Shimane Prefecture, and graphic designer Taku Satoh on the snack bar culture of Miyazaki, each interpreting 'design' from their own perspective.
There are forms of design yet to be noticed within familiar landscapes and everyday tools—this exhibition, which reinterprets the entire country as a single 'design museum,' is currently open with free admission. It will be a valuable opportunity to encounter new possibilities in design.
1.2. Tetsuya Noguchi's large-scale solo exhibition 'ARMOURED DREAMER' to be held at The Hakone Open-Air Museum in July
At The Hakone Open-Air Museum in Hakone, the solo exhibition 'Tetsuya Noguchi: ARMOURED DREAMER' by contemporary artist Tetsuya Noguchi will be held from July 19th to January 12th, 2026, as the ninth installment of a series introducing the creativity of contemporary art. This will be Noguchi's first large-scale solo exhibition in three years.
The exhibition will feature approximately 75 of Noguchi's works that explore civilization and human nature under the theme of 'armor and humans.' The venue will utilize the Main Gallery, which retains the atmosphere of its opening in 1969, as well as outdoor sculpture spaces, providing a new viewing experience where Hakone's nature and the works intersect.
Noguchi views the historical motif of 'armor' not merely as decoration or protective gear, but as a 'biological shell.' The works use modern materials such as resin and acrylic, expressing diversity and ironic elements through the artist's unique perspective along with realistic textures. Unlike the theatrical expressions seen in traditional Japanese art, the meticulously crafted details quietly evoke the viewer's imagination.
Taking advantage of the characteristics of the Main Gallery, the venue is structured so that a story emerges as one walks through each exhibition room. The diverse collection of approximately 75 works engages both the intellect and sensibility, encouraging dialogue with the viewer. Additional new works are scheduled to be displayed during the exhibition period, raising expectations for future developments.
1.3. Major French gallery Ceysson & Bénétière opens a Tokyo branch
The gallery 'Ceysson & Bénétière,' which has bases around the world centered in France, opened a new gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, on May 17th.
Ceysson & Bénétière was founded in 2006 by François Ceysson and Loïc Bénétière under the artistic direction of Bernard Ceysson. It is an international gallery with bases in Koerich (Luxembourg), Paris (France), Geneva (Switzerland), New York (USA), and elsewhere. Tokyo is the gallery's eighth space and its first expansion into Asia. 'Ceysson & Bénétière Tokyo,' located on the 8th floor of CURA Ginza, boasts an area of 325m².
The new Tokyo space is led by Senior Director Leslie You, who established her own art advisory firm, LYAA, after working at major galleries such as Mennour and Perrotin. The venue was designed by architect Sophie Dries.
The gallery specializes in artists who led the 'Supports/Surfaces' art movement, which emerged mainly in the south of France from the late 1960s to the early 1970s against the backdrop of political changes in France, including the May 1968 protests, and is also known for its collaborations with various contemporary artists.
The inaugural exhibition in Tokyo also focuses on Supports/Surfaces (running from May 17th to August 29th). They challenged traditional painting and aimed to liberate painting from constraints such as canvases and wooden frames by dismantling and re-examining how materials are used. As a global art trend of the same era, it has been compared to Italy's 'Arte Povera,' American 'Minimal Art,' and Japan's 'Mono-ha,' and is also said to have had an influential relationship with the Japanese avant-garde movement 'Gutai Art Association'.
The gallery says it set its sights on Tokyo as a foothold for expansion into Asia after participating in the 'Tokyo Gendai' art fair two years ago. They plan to focus on collaborations with the Japanese art scene in the future, such as holding a solo exhibition for artist Tomona Matsukawa in Paris in 2024. We look forward to further updates.
1.4. [Osaka-Kansai Expo] Michelangelo's sculpture 'Resurrection of Christ' unveiled at the Italy Pavilion
A special exhibition of Michelangelo Buonarroti's marble sculpture 'Resurrection of Christ' is being held at the Italy Pavilion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This masterpiece, part of the Vatican Museums' collection, will be specially exhibited in Japan during the Expo period (April 13 to October 13, 2025).
Additionally, works by Caravaggio are on display at the Vatican Pavilion, offering a rare opportunity to view works by Italian Renaissance masters in Japan. For art fans, this will be a major motivation to visit the Expo venue.
1.5. Art documentary following the largest-ever Vermeer exhibition to have an encore screening starting in June
A documentary film following the largest-ever Vermeer exhibition, held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in 2023, has been confirmed for an encore screening in Japan starting in June.
In this documentary, the director of the Rijksmuseum and others provide detailed commentary on the works. The content delves into the appeal of Vermeer's paintings and the behind-the-scenes of the large-scale exhibition. Screening theaters and a detailed schedule will be announced at a later date.
This is a rare opportunity to view the works of the 17th-century Dutch master Vermeer on the big screen. It is expected to be a recommended film not only for art fans but also for movie lovers.
1.6. Three-person exhibition featuring Yasumasa Morimura, Kenji Yanobe, and Miwa Yanagi to be held at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts in spring 2026
It has been announced that a special exhibition featuring three artists—Yasumasa Morimura, Kenji Yanobe, and Miwa Yanagi—will be held at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts in the spring of 2026. This exhibition, featuring three contemporary artists who are based in Osaka and active internationally, will be a rare opportunity to see the latest works of artists who represent the Kansai art scene all in one place.
While detailed dates and exhibition content will be announced in the future, it is expected that the three artists will showcase their individual personalities while developing their works around some common theme.
1.7. 'ART OSAKA 2025' to be held in June, bringing together 63 galleries from Japan and abroad in Osaka
'ART OSAKA 2025' has been confirmed to take place in Osaka City this June. This art fair, which will feature 63 galleries from Japan and abroad, is attracting attention as an important event to energize the Kansai art scene.
A new video program is also planned as a new initiative this year. Detailed dates and venue information will be announced at a later date. It is worth considering as an art trip from Tokyo, as well as for those living in the Kansai region.
1.8. Jean Jullien's 'Osaka Sea Beast' unveiled for the first time at the France Pavilion of the Osaka Expo
A new installation titled 'Osaka Sea Beast' by French artist Jean Jullien is being unveiled for the first time at the France Pavilion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
This work, themed around the marine environment, was created as a 'hymn of love' for the ocean. It is a piece that fuses Jean Jullien's characteristic illustration style with a questioning of environmental issues. When visiting the Expo venue, please be sure to stop by the France Pavilion.
1.9. Kitagawa Utamaro's 'Ten Physiognomic Types of Women: A Girl Blowing a Poppin' rediscovered after approximately 43 years
Kitagawa Utamaro's masterpiece 'Ten Physiognomic Types of Women: A Girl Blowing a Poppin' has been rediscovered after approximately 43 years and will be specially exhibited at the 'Tsutaya Juzaburo Exhibition' at the Tokyo National Museum.
Known as a masterpiece of ukiyo-e, this work had been missing for a long time, but it has now been discovered in an overseas collection. This will be a rare opportunity that ukiyo-e fans should not miss.
1.10. Large-scale solo exhibition unraveling Masahiko Sato's 'method of creation' to be held at the Yokohama Museum of Art
It has been decided that the Yokohama Museum of Art will host the world's first large-scale solo exhibition of creative director Masahiko Sato, titled 'Masahiko Sato Exhibition: New Ways of Making and Understanding'.
This exhibition, which unravels the creative process of Masahiko Sato—known for producing programs such as NHK E-Tele's 'PythagoraSwitch' and 'Design Ah!'—is structured around the theme of 'ways of making.' Dates and further details will be announced at a later date.
2. 'Tokyo Art Stroll' Guide for the Weekend
In this week's 'Tokyo Art Stroll,' we focus on areas outside of the major museums in Roppongi and Ueno, introducing two areas with distinct charms: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa and Yanaka/Ueno. Please use this as a reference for your weekend outing plans to enjoy a special experience where contemporary art and history intersect.
2.1. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa: A Waterfront Stroll Where Contemporary Art and History Intersect
2.1.1. The Charm of the Area
The Kiyosumi-Shirakawa area is a unique district where the atmosphere of the old downtown meets cutting-edge art, featuring the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo as its centerpiece, surrounded by unique galleries renovated from old warehouses and townhouses. It is a walking course that takes advantage of its waterfront location, allowing you to experience a variety of contemporary art, from large-scale museum exhibitions to small galleries.
The characteristic of this area is that you can experience a diverse range of 'beauty,' from large museums to small galleries and even Japanese gardens. The itinerary is structured so that after getting an overview of art history through the extensive collection exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, you can encounter cutting-edge contemporary expression at unique small galleries, and finally immerse yourself in traditional Japanese beauty. Another appeal is that by strolling through the area near the water, you can feel a sense of openness while still being in the city.
2.1.2. Stroll Course Details
【Morning】Enjoy the 30th Anniversary Exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
First, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), a 9-minute walk from Exit B2 of Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. The currently running exhibition, 'MOT Collection: 9 Profiles 1935→2025 (Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Museum),' is a substantial exhibition that introduces the diverse development of art from the pre-war period to the present day through nine chronological divisions and themes.
Gallery talks by guide staff are also held from 14:00. Participating will deepen your understanding of the works. If you have time, be sure to check out the special exhibition 'Soundwalk Collective & Patti Smith | Correspondence' (April 26 – June 29, 2025).
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Mondays (Open if it is a public holiday, closed the following weekday)
Admission Fee: General 500 yen, University/Vocational students and those 65 and over 400 yen, High school/Junior high/Elementary students free
【Lunch】An Artistic Break at a Riverside Cafe
After leaving the museum, head to 'RATIO &C,' located about a 7-minute walk away. It is a specialty shop for coffee and craft chocolate located along the canal in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. While looking at the waterfront scenery from the window, you can enjoy a pairing of authentic coffee brewed by a barista and chocolate.
Business Hours: 10:00–18:00
【Early Afternoon】Experience Works by Up-and-Coming Artists at S.O.C. Satoko Oe Contemporary
After your meal, head to 'S.O.C. Satoko Oe Contemporary,' located about a 5-minute walk away. It is a contemporary art gallery that mainly introduces young artists and is known for its small-scale but high-quality exhibitions. Let's check out the exhibition currently being held (May 24 – June 21, 2025).
Another charm of this gallery is that you can learn deeply about the background of the works and the artist's thought process through conversations with gallery owner Satoko Oe.
Gallery Hours: 12:00 - 18:00
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays
[Late Afternoon] Exploring the Boundaries of Photography and Contemporary Art at KANA KAWANISHI GALLERY
Next, head to 'KANA KAWANISHI GALLERY,' located about a 10-minute walk away. This gallery, housed in a renovated warehouse, is impressive for its focus on both photography and contemporary art. While centered on photography, it is characterized by experimental exhibitions that transcend media boundaries, allowing you to encounter new possibilities in expression.
Gallery Hours: 11:00 - 18:00
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (varies by exhibition)
[Evening] Soaking in the Afterglow of Traditional Japanese Beauty and Contemporary Art at Kiyosumi Garden
Finally, head to 'Kiyosumi Garden,' located about an 8-minute walk away. It is a strolling-style landscape garden created in the Edo period, serving as an urban oasis with beautiful waterside views and greenery. After being stimulated by contemporary art, you can experience the contrast between old and new beauty by touching upon traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Garden Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Admission Fee: 150 yen for general admission, 70 yen for those 65 and older
2.1.3. Useful Information to Know
The Kiyosumi-Shirakawa area has many galleries and cafes beyond those introduced here, so we recommend enjoying chance encounters while strolling around.
Getting around can be a bit difficult on rainy days, so it is a good idea to bring a folding umbrella.
Around the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, there are also spots where you can feel the history of the Edo period, such as the 'Fukagawa Edo Museum' and 'Fukagawa Fudoson Temple.' If you have time, why not stop by?
2.2. Yanaka/Ueno: An Art Stroll Where Tradition and Innovation Intersect
2.2.1. Area Appeal
The Yanaka and Ueno area is where large cultural facilities like the National Museum of Western Art and the Tokyo National Museum coexist with the downtown atmosphere of the Yanaka streets. In this plan, we propose a unique art experience where the old and new intersect, including viewing experiences at traditional museums and contemporary art galleries renovated from former public bathhouses.
The appeal of this course is that you can encounter diverse artistic expressions across eras in a single day, from cutting-edge contemporary art to traditional ukiyo-e. In particular, SCAI THE BATHHOUSE, where you can view contemporary art in a historic building that was once a public bath, offers a special experience where the building itself becomes part of the artwork. Additionally, through strolling in Yanaka Ginza and Ueno Park, you can enjoy not only art but also the local culture, history, and nature at the same time.
2.2.2. Stroll Course Details
[Morning] Experience Kohei Nawa's latest work at SCAI THE BATHHOUSE
First, head to 'SCAI THE BATHHOUSE,' located a 10-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line 'Nippori Station' or an 8-minute walk from Chiyoda Line 'Sendagi Station.' This contemporary art gallery makes use of a historic building that was once a public bathhouse called 'Kashiwayu,' established in 1951.
Currently, Kohei Nawa's 'Sentient' exhibition (April 22 – July 12, 2025) is being held. Nawa's 'rub' series consists of paintings created with the entire body, offering a unique spatial experience where the history of the building and contemporary art merge.
Gallery Hours: 12:00–18:00 (until 17:00 on the final day)
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and holidays
[Lunch] Enjoy the retro atmosphere in Yanaka Ginza
After leaving the gallery, head to 'Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street,' located about a 5-minute walk away. It is a downtown shopping street that retains a Showa-era atmosphere, with about 70 shops including eateries, sweet shops, and general stores. Try the famous 'Yanaka Menchi' or 'Yanaka Nikomi' while experiencing the daily life of the locals.
Business Hours: Varies by shop (most are open from around 10:00 to 18:00)
[Early Afternoon] View the 'Five Great Ukiyo-e Masters Exhibition' at the Ueno Royal Museum
After lunch, head to the 'Ueno Royal Museum,' a 15-minute walk from Yanaka Ginza or a 3-minute walk from the JR Ueno Station Park Exit. The currently held 'Five Great Ukiyo-e Masters Exhibition: Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi' brings together about 140 representative works of Ukiyo-e by artists such as Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Sharaku.
Of particular note is Kitagawa Utamaro's 'Ten Physiognomic Types of Women: Girl Blowing a Poppin,' which was recently rediscovered. This is a rare opportunity to see it, as it is being exhibited for the first time in 43 years.
Museum Hours: 10:00–17:00 (admission until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the museum is open and closed the following weekday)
Admission Fee: General 1,800 yen, University/High School students 1,200 yen, Junior High/Elementary students 600 yen
[Late Afternoon] Experience works by young artists at The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts
Next, head to 'The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts,' located about a 5-minute walk from the Ueno Royal Museum. As the museum of Japan's top art university, it exhibits works by a wide range of artists, from young talents to veterans. If a student exhibition or graduation project exhibition is being held, you can encounter the latest works by the next generation of young artists.
Museum Hours: 10:00–17:00 (admission until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the museum is open and closed the following weekday)
Admission Fee: Varies by exhibition
[Evening] Experience the fusion of art and nature at Ueno Onshi Park
Finally, head to 'Ueno Onshi Park,' located just a short distance from the University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts. It is a cultural forest where museums and galleries gather, and an urban oasis rich in nature. If you stroll through the park while looking for the public art pieces scattered throughout, you can enjoy an open-air art experience different from that of a museum.
Opening Hours: 5:00 - 23:00
Admission: Free
2.2.3. Useful Information to Know
The Ueno Park area is home to many other cultural facilities besides those introduced here, such as the National Museum of Western Art and the Tokyo National Museum, so feel free to stop by depending on your interests.
The Yanaka area has many slopes and stairs, so we recommend visiting in comfortable walking shoes.
There is an outdoor stage in Ueno Park, and street performances sometimes take place there on weekends.
The Yanaka area also features 'Yanaka Cemetery,' a quiet space surrounded by trees where you can see the graves of many famous people. If you are interested in history or literature, it is worth a visit.
3. Conclusion: In Search of New Art Discoveries and Experiences
This week, we have once again brought you notable news from the contemporary art scene both in Japan and abroad. From the 'DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN Exhibition 2025' and Tetsuya Noguchi's major solo exhibition to the Tokyo expansion of the major French gallery 'Ceysson & Bénétière,' there has been a lot of movement in just this past week. The art world is constantly changing, with new expressions and spaces being born.
Also, in the 'Tokyo Art Walk' introduced this time, we focused on Kiyosumi-shirakawa and the Yanaka/Ueno areas, each with its own distinct charm. The appeal of Tokyo lies in the diverse art experiences it offers, from large museums to small galleries and spaces renovated from historic buildings. Please use this as a reference for your weekend outings.
Art brings new perspectives and inspiration to our daily lives. Beyond just visiting exhibitions and galleries, walking through the city, taking a break at a cafe, and feeling nature in a park—through such a series of experiences, doesn't art begin to take on a richer meaning?
Next time, we will bring you the latest art news and another discovery-filled 'Tokyo Art Walk.' May your weekend be colored by wonderful encounters with art.
4. Reference Information & Source List
4.1. Latest Contemporary Art News Sources
Information regarding 'DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN Exhibition 2025':Tokyo Art Beat (May 16, 2025)
Information regarding Tetsuya Noguchi's major solo exhibition:Tokyo Art Beat (May 17, 2025), The Hakone Open-Air Museum Official Website
Information regarding Ceysson & Bénétière's Tokyo expansion:Tokyo Art Beat (May 16, 2025), Bijutsu Techo (May 17, 2025)
Information regarding the Michelangelo sculpture at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai:Tokyo Art Beat (May 19, 2025)
Information regarding the Vermeer exhibition documentary: Tokyo Art Beat (May 16, 2025)
Information regarding the three-person exhibition by Yasumasa Morimura, Kenji Yanobe, and Miwa Yanagi: Tokyo Art Beat (May 15, 2025)
Information regarding ART OSAKA 2025: Tokyo Art Beat (May 14, 2025)
Information regarding Jean Jullien's 'Osaka Sea Beast': Tokyo Art Beat (May 14, 2025)
Information regarding Kitagawa Utamaro's 'Ten Physiognomic Types of Women: Girl Blowing a Poppin': Tokyo Art Beat (May 14, 2025)
Information regarding the Masahiko Sato exhibition: Tokyo Art Beat (May 14, 2025)
4.2. Tokyo Art Walk Related Information
Exhibition information for the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Official Website
Exhibition information for SCAI THE BATHHOUSE: SCAI THE BATHHOUSE Official Website
Exhibition information for S.O.C. Satoko Oe Contemporary: S.O.C. Satoko Oe Contemporary Official Website
Exhibition information for the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa area: Tokyo Art Beat
Exhibition information for the Yanaka/Ueno area: Tokyo Art Beat
Information regarding Kiyosumi Garden: Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association Official Website
Ueno Park Information:Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association Official Website