What this is
Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita — the Japanese-French painter famous for his luminous white skin tones and cat paintings — would have turned 140 in 2026, and this special exhibition marks the occasion by displaying his works inside one of Tokyo's most restricted and architecturally spectacular venues. The State Guest House Akasaka Palace is a Meiji-era neo-Baroque palace that normally hosts foreign heads of state and is only open to the public on limited occasions, making the building itself as much of a draw as the art. The exhibition focuses on Foujita's French landscapes, a lesser-known facet of his output compared to his iconic figure paintings.
Who should go
Art lovers with an interest in the École de Paris or early 20th-century Japanese artists who made their name in Europe. Anyone who has wanted to see inside Akasaka Palace but hasn't found the right occasion will find this a compelling reason to visit.
Good to know
Entry to the State Guest House Akasaka Palace requires advance online reservation through the Cabinet Office website — walk-ins are generally not accepted on public open days. The palace accepts both cash and card for admission, but bring cash as a backup. The building is a designated National Treasure and one of the few Western-style palaces in Japan, so allow extra time to take in the architecture and gardens beyond the exhibition itself. Bag checks and security screening are standard at the entrance, similar to a government facility. Foreign visitors should note that English-language audio guides or pamphlets may be limited, so researching Foujita's life beforehand will enrich the visit.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.