An artistic city that has continued to change over the past year or two
Tokyo is Asia's leading art city, home to numerous unique art museums and galleries, and where you can encounter a variety of public art just by walking around the city. We spoke to Hashizume Yusuke, editor-in-chief of the online magazine Bijutsu Techo, about Tokyo's recent art scene.
"The renovation of the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum of Art and the opening of the first gallery in Japan, Pace Tokyo, were big topics of conversation. The Ueshima Museum, a museum run by a contemporary art collector that opened last year, is also interesting. Also, the new Jil Sander store, which has an exhibition space, has a harmony between the exhibits, interior design, and products, and I felt that they have a particularly strong respect for art, even among luxury brands that have art spaces."
Tokyo is seeing a steady stream of eye-catching art spots being born, but this trend is also accompanied by large-scale urban development.
"Large-scale developments such as Azabudai Hills and Toda Building, which have been particularly impressive in the past year or two, are characterized by the way art is fully integrated into the project from the very beginning. This shows that developers are increasingly taking a more direct approach to art in the private sector."
For example, the Toda Building is currently implementing a project to display public art in its entrance lobby as a space for emerging artists to present their works.
"I think the good thing about public art is that it creates a connection with people who aren't interested in seeing the artwork. I think that adds value to the place."
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum (Marunouchi)
RENEWAL November 2024
This museum opened in 2010, restoring a building originally designed by Josiah Conder and completed in 1894. The highlight is the small exhibition room that was opened during last year's renovation. Small special exhibitions are held here, focusing on the collection of artworks that form the core of the museum's activities. "From Edo to Tokyo" is currently on display until May 11th (exhibition admission is included).
Pace Tokyo (Azabudai)
OPEN September 2024
This gallery was founded in Boston, USA in 1960, and is one of its eight locations around the world. The interior, designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, is also a highlight. The gallery also features works by artists who have not been widely introduced in Japan. The Sam Gilliam exhibition is currently on view until May 6th.
UESHIMA MUSEUM (Shibuya)
OPEN June 2024
This art museum will be showcasing the contemporary art collection of businessman Mikikuro Ueshima from 2022. From the basement to the fifth floor, the museum has six floors filled with works by world-renowned artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Ryoji Ikeda. If you want to catch up on the latest trends in the art scene, this is the place to go.
JIL SANDER Ginza (Ginza)
OPEN November 2024
The world's largest flagship store. The art exhibition space features a permanent display of works by British sculptor Rachel Whiteread. The interior, designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Kasper Müller-Kunier Architects, makes use of natural materials such as travertine, creating a beautiful and stunning harmony.
Azabudai Hills (Azabudai)
OPEN November 2023
A "compact city" that combines commercial facilities, residences, offices, etc. It also features several galleries and public art by Olafur Eliasson and Yoshitomo Nara.
TODA BUILDING (Kyobashi)
OPEN November 2024
This office building is a fusion of art and cultural facilities and is home to some of Japan's leading galleries. The entrance also features public art supervised by curators active both in Japan and overseas. Currently, works by four artists, including Atsuko Mochida, are on display.
