What this is
A major special exhibition at the Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu, near Fukuoka, presenting masterworks from the celebrated Hosomi Collection — one of Japan's most significant private holdings of Japanese and East Asian art spanning over a millennium. The show centers on paintings by Ito Jakuchu, the Edo-period master renowned for his extraordinarily detailed and vivid depictions of nature, alongside works from the Rimpa school, known for its bold, decorative aesthetic rooted in classical Japanese sensibility. Rare scrolls, folding screens, and decorative works travel from Kyoto to Kyushu, offering a rare opportunity to encounter these treasures outside their home region. The Kyushu National Museum, opened in 2005 as Japan's first new national museum in over a century, is uniquely positioned to host such an exhibition, with world-class conservation facilities and a mandate to explore cultural exchange across Asia. This is a significant cultural event for anyone interested in the refined artistic traditions that defined Kyoto during the Edo period.
Who should go
Art enthusiasts and lovers of traditional Japanese painting will find this exhibition exceptional, with two distinct yet deeply complementary aesthetic movements represented at the highest museum quality. Cultural travelers who have admired Jakuchu's work at Kyoto institutions or seen Rimpa designs on ceramics and lacquerware will relish the chance to study original masterpieces up close. Design professionals, serious collectors, and academics will appreciate the scholarly depth of the Hosomi Collection and the museum's high-resolution documentation systems that bring fine details to life. The exhibition is also well-suited to curious visitors new to Japanese art history, as the museum provides English-language interpretation throughout. Book tickets in advance, as special exhibitions at national museums frequently sell out on weekends and public holidays.
Good to know
Tickets for special exhibitions at the Kyushu National Museum are sold separately from general admission and can be purchased via eplus.jp, pia.jp, or Lawson Ticket convenience store terminals — all options accept foreign credit cards online, and combini pickup at Lawson is the most reliable method for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. The museum box office also sells tickets on the day, but weekend slots can sell out, so advance purchase is strongly recommended. The Kyushu National Museum is a large, fully seated and gallery-style venue with spacious, climate-controlled exhibition halls; bags are not typically restricted but large luggage can be left at coin lockers near the entrance. Photography policies vary by exhibition — check signage at the gallery entrance, as works on loan from private collections like the Hosomi Collection are often no-photography. English audio guides or pamphlets are generally available for major special exhibitions; ask at the information desk on arrival.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.