Exhibition Overview
The Yokohama Museum of Art will hold a major retrospective exhibition of painter Imamura Shiko (1880-1916), who was active from the late Meiji period to the early Taisho period. This marks the first retrospective in 42 years and the first ever at a public art museum. Shiko studied traditional yamato-e (Japanese painting) that dates back to the Heian period and demonstrated exceptional skill in historical paintings at a young age. He later aspired to innovate Nihonga (Japanese-style painting). Inspired by the free and spirited works of Rinpa school artists such as Tawaraya Sotatsu, he also incorporated new expressions from Nanga (Southern School painting, landscape paintings that flourished in the late Edo period influenced by paintings from China's Jiangnan region) and Western Impressionism, developing a powerful individuality in landscape painting. His distinctive features include bold brushwork, composition, and bright colors, exemplified in works such as "Nekkoku no Maki" and "Omi Hakkei" (both designated as National Important Cultural Properties). This exhibition traces the creative trajectory of Imamura Shiko, who powerfully lived through his 35-year life, through approximately 180 carefully selected works, including many being exhibited for the first time, structured in four chapters. The title of each chapter is taken from Shiko's own words.
Chapter 1: "Analyze the good points of old paintings and follow in their footsteps!"
Chapter 2: "Paint from many different perspectives!"
-1 Encounter with Sankei
-2 Shiko and Rinpa
Chapter 3: "Freedom and newness are mine!"
Chapter 4: "Paint at ease!"
Highlights
1. First major retrospective in 42 years, and the first at a public art museum
This is the first major Shiko retrospective since it was held at Yamatane Museum of Art in 1984.
2. The definitive exhibition approaching the complete picture of Shiko
A rare opportunity to see approximately 180 of Shiko's masterpieces, including National Important Cultural Properties, all gathered in one place.
3. Many works exhibited for the first time
Approximately 40 works from private collections will be exhibited for the first time.
Exhibition Merchandise
Lucky bird "Uso" and ball-holding "Monkey" fluffy charms
The adorable animals from "Biwa ni Uso" and "Mari Seizu" have become round and cute plushies.
Attach them to your bag as your companion.
Each 2,200 yen (tax included)
Audio Guide
Narrator: Actor Osamu Mukai, also a native of Yokohama City like Shiko
[Comment]
I am Osamu Mukai, and I am honored to serve as the audio guide narrator for "A Retrospective Commemorating the 110th Anniversary of the Artist's Death: Imamura Shiko: A Revolutionary Innovator of Nihonga."
I feel a special connection to this exhibition being held in Yokohama, where I was born and raised.
I also had the opportunity to interview at Yokohama Museum of Art for the 2011 Yokohama Triennale. I remember being impressed by my conversation with the chief director at that chaotic time after the earthquake.
Yokohama, the port city that has continued to be at the forefront of exposure to culture both domestically and internationally. Please fully enjoy Shiko's world while also experiencing the atmosphere of this city that nurtured him.
Rental fee: 650 yen (tax included) per device
Born in Yokohama City. Since his actor debut in 2006, he has appeared in many popular productions including the NHK serial TV novel "GeGeGe no Nyobo" (2010). Recent appearances include the drama "Lion no Kakurega" (2024), the film "Paripi Komei THE MOVIE" (2025), and the stage play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" (2022).
Exhibition Information
A Retrospective Commemorating the 110th Anniversary of the Artist's Death
Imamura Shiko: A Revolutionary Innovator of Nihonga
Period: Saturday, April 25, 2026 to Sunday, June 28, 2026
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Admission until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Thursdays *Open on April 30 and May 7
Organizers: Yokohama Museum of Art, The Mainichi Newspapers, TBS Growdia, Kanagawa Shimbun, tvk (Television Kanagawa)
Special cooperation: Maruedo, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Cooperation: Minatomirai Line
Support: TBS Radio
Admission: General 2,200 (2,000/2,100) yen, University students 1,600 (1,400/1,500) yen, Junior high and high school students 1,000 (800/900) yen, Elementary school students and younger free
*( ) indicates advance tickets/group rates for 20 or more paying visitors
Groups require advance reservation (TEL: 045-221-0300) and tickets are sold only at the museum ticket office
*Visitors with disability certificates and one caregiver are admitted free (Mirairo ID accepted)
*Advance ticket sales period: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 11:00 AM to Friday, April 24, 2026 11:59 PM
Advance ticket sales locations: Yokohama Museum of Art Museum Shop MYNATE (general advance tickets only), ARTPASS,
Exhibition online ticket (e-tix), Asoview!, Seven Ticket
*Your ticket to the "Imamura Shiko" exhibition also allows admission to the Yokohama Museum of Art Collection Exhibition on the same day.
<Advance tickets with audio guide (tax included)>
Sales period: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 11:00 AM to Friday, April 24, 2026 11:59 PM (limited quantity, while supplies last)
Sales location: Seven Ticket exclusive
Price: 2,600 yen
・Audio guide rental fee alone is 650 yen per device
・Only general admission pricing available.
・Please exchange for the audio guide at the audio guide rental counter (exhibition entrance) inside the venue.
Inquiries: Yokohama Museum of Art TEL: 045-221-0300 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Thursdays)
