Kobe Maritime Museum will hold the special exhibition "Bird's-Eye View Artist Daisuke Aoyama: City, Port, Past, Present" (鳥瞰図絵師青山大介が描いたまち・みなと・過去・現代) from Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Sunday, January 24, 2027, marking the 20th anniversary of his career as an artist.
About the Exhibition
Born in Kobe, Daisuke Aoyama has continued to draw the changing face of the city with deep affection while reflecting on its history. To mark his 20th anniversary, this exhibition brings together about 40 of his representative works.
Looking at Kobe's past and present from a bird's-eye view reveals the city's history, and its ever-changing appearance offers visitors new discoveries.
Container Terminal (コンテナターミナル)
Kobe Kitano Ijingai 2026 (神戸北野異人街2026)
Visitors can also see the works depicting cruise ships and container ships that are on permanent display at the museum, along with other ship-related exhibits.
About the Artist: Daisuke Aoyama
Born in 1976, Daisuke Aoyama began creating bird's-eye view works as a self-taught artist in 2006 and reaches his 20th year as an artist in 2026. He has published contemporary bird's-eye views of cities including Kobe, Umeda, and Hakodate, and his Kobe bird's-eye view is used on tsunami evacuation information boards in the city.
He also draws bird's-eye views of towns as they once were, such as Kobe in the early days of its port opening and the first Kobe Station. His work extends to see-through perspective drawings of buildings, in-building maps, and picture book illustrations. Drawing on the viewpoint of an artist who keeps watching the changing city, he also serves as an instructor for culture schools and walking events. He lives in Kobe.
He received the 2023 Kobe City Cultural Encouragement Award.
Related Events: Lectures and Gallery Talks by Daisuke Aoyama
- Sunday, December 6, 2026: "Me and Bird's-Eye Views" (わたしと鳥瞰図)
- Monday, January 11, 2027 (public holiday): "This Is How to Draw a Bird's-Eye View!" (鳥瞰図はこう描く！)
Each event starts at 2:00 PM. After a lecture of about 60 minutes, the artist's works are explained in the exhibition hall. Attendance is free, but museum admission is required. Limited to the first 200 people.
Exhibition Overview
- Dates: Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Sunday, January 24, 2027
- Venue: Kobe Maritime Museum
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
- Closed: Mondays and the year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4). The museum will be open on Monday, January 11 (public holiday) and closed the next day, January 12.
- Admission: This exhibition can be viewed with regular museum admission only. Adults ¥900, children (elementary, middle, and high school students) ¥400 (includes admission to Kawasaki World (カワサキワールド))
For discounts and other details, please check the museum's official website.
