What this is
This major retrospective at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, celebrates the life and work of Takehisa Yumeji (1884–1934), one of the most beloved and influential artists of Japan's Taishō era. Yumeji is best known for his distinctive 'Yumeji-style' beauty illustrations — melancholic, elegantly elongated female figures that defined a generation's aesthetic sensibility. The exhibition brings together approximately 500 works spanning paintings, prints, sketches, designs, and archival materials drawn from collections across Japan, offering an unprecedented survey of his career as painter, poet, journalist, designer, and illustrator. A centrepiece of the show is the Tokyo debut in 40 years of his celebrated 1919 masterpiece 'The Black Ship House,' making this a genuinely rare cultural event. For anyone interested in Japanese modern art, design history, or the Taishō period, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see the full scope of Yumeji's vision.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for art lovers, design enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity about Japan's Meiji and Taishō periods and the cultural transformation they represent. Fans of Japanese illustration, graphic design history, and early 20th-century aesthetics will find the breadth of 500 works deeply rewarding. History buffs and literature lovers will appreciate Yumeji's dual identity as poet and visual artist, and the archival materials add rich context. The atmosphere at MOMAT is typically calm and contemplative, making it a great choice for solo visitors or couples seeking a refined cultural afternoon. Arrive on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds and allow at least two hours to do the exhibition justice.
Good to know
Tickets for major MOMAT retrospectives are typically sold at the museum box office and via online platforms such as e-tix or the museum's own website — foreign credit cards are generally accepted at the MOMAT box office and online. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo holds a permanent collection gallery in addition to special exhibition spaces, so consider budgeting extra time to explore the building. The museum is closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday), so plan accordingly. Kitanomaru Park surrounds the venue and is a pleasant spot to decompress after the exhibition — particularly beautiful in autumn, which coincides with this show's run. Coin lockers are available near the entrance for bags and coats.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.