Featured Events in Osaka in February 2025 (March Updated)

The Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary Great Hunting Exhibition Osaka will be held in Osaka, Japan from February 20, 2025 to April 5, 2025. This Osaka exhibition will provide "Anniversary Theater", "Weapon Projection", "Equipment Interaction", "Monster Encyclopedia AR Experience", "Black Dragon Invasion" and sales of Great Hunting Exhibition commemorative peripheral products.

It is often said that it is difficult to understand what is depicted in 20th century art. But is that really the case? The 20th century, which experienced major wars in succession and is also known as the "century of refugees," was a time when many artists were forced to leave the lands they were used to living in and emigrate. In particular, artists who traveled to the United States pioneered new forms of expression, such as abstract expressionism, pop art, and minimal art, by promoting abstract expressionism. At the same time, the loneliness and alienation they felt in a foreign land continued to smolder deep questions that could not be easily answered, such as who they were and what art is. This was spurred on by the capitalist society of mass production and mass consumption. For example, after the sudden death of Marilyn Monroe in 1962, Warhol often created works with her as the subject, but we must not ignore the inner conflict of the great actress engraved in her death. The self that we really want to be, and the self that is forced to play the role of a seductive woman for the sake of a consumer society. Perhaps a similar conflict led Warhol to utter these not-so-simple words: "If you want to know everything about Andy Warhol... just look at the surface. That's where I am. There's nothing behind." Don't overthink it, start by taking a good look at the "surface." Enjoy the various "surfaces" with your eyes and heart, featuring 39 pieces of 20th century art from the Ohara Museum of Art (originally planned to be 35 pieces) and the Yakushi Nyorai standing statue (special exhibit) from our museum's collection.

It is often said that it is difficult to understand what is depicted in 20th century art. But is that really the case? The 20th century, which experienced major wars in succession and is also known as the "century of refugees," was a time when many artists were forced to leave the lands they were used to living in and emigrate. In particular, artists who traveled to the United States pioneered new forms of expression, such as abstract expressionism, pop art, and minimal art, by promoting abstract expressionism. At the same time, the loneliness and alienation they felt in a foreign land continued to smolder deep questions that could not be easily answered, such as who they were and what art is. This was spurred on by the capitalist society of mass production and mass consumption. For example, after the sudden death of Marilyn Monroe in 1962, Warhol often created works with her as the subject, but we must not ignore the inner conflict of the great actress engraved in her death. The self that we really want to be, and the self that is forced to play the role of a seductive woman for the sake of a consumer society. Perhaps a similar conflict led Warhol to utter these not-so-simple words: "If you want to know everything about Andy Warhol... just look at the surface. That's where I am. There's nothing behind." Don't overthink it, start by taking a good look at the "surface." Enjoy the various "surfaces" with your eyes and heart, featuring 39 pieces of 20th century art from the Ohara Museum of Art (originally planned to be 35 pieces) and the Yakushi Nyorai standing statue (special exhibit) from our museum's collection.

Toyotomi Hideyori was born in 1593 as the second son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the ruler of Japan who was already in his later years. He grew up surrounded by the love and expectations of those around him, but his life changed dramatically with his father's death. The system that had supported the young Hideyori collapsed, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who had subsequently gained power, threatened Hideyori and the Toyotomi clan. Finally, in 1615, the Toyotomi clan was destroyed along with Osaka Castle. This exhibition introduces the approximately 20 years that Hideyori walked through, focusing on the people who surrounded him, the battles that were turning points in his life, and the social movements that changed his life.

There are many "borders" in our daily lives. These boundaries range from physical to psychological, social and cultural, and shape our actions, thoughts and values. However, artists attempt to dismantle these existing frameworks and present new perspectives on identity, culture, physical space, time and genre. This exhibition introduces works that question the very nature of what we call "borders." Artists scheduled to be exhibited: Ming Wong, Alin Runjiang, Evelyn Tao-Chen Wang, Mika Tajima, Chikako Yamashiro, Christian Boltanski, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Danh Vo, Wolfgang Tillmans, and more.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between Shanghai and Osaka. Commemorating this event, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka has collaborated with the Shanghai Museum to organize a special exhibition titled “Resonating Treasures of Chinese Ceramics—Shanghai Museum X The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka.” Since its opening in 1952, the Shanghai Museum has become a prominent institution in China, renowned for its impressive collection of Chinese artifacts. Notable works in this treasure trove include bronze vessels, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, jade works, and currency. The museum's ceramics collection is considered one of the finest in the world. The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka has fostered a friendly relationship with the Shanghai Museum through collaborative exhibitions and academic exchanges.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between Shanghai and Osaka. Commemorating this event, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka has collaborated with the Shanghai Museum to organize a special exhibition titled “Resonating Treasures of Chinese Ceramics—Shanghai Museum X The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka.” Since its opening in 1952, the Shanghai Museum has become a prominent institution in China, renowned for its impressive collection of Chinese artifacts. Notable works in this treasure trove include bronze vessels, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, jade works, and currency. The museum's ceramics collection is considered one of the finest in the world. The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka has fostered a friendly relationship with the Shanghai Museum through collaborative exhibitions and academic exchanges.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between Shanghai and Osaka. Commemorating this event, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka has collaborated with the Shanghai Museum to organize a special exhibition titled “Resonating Treasures of Chinese Ceramics—Shanghai Museum X The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka.” Since its opening in 1952, the Shanghai Museum has become a prominent institution in China, renowned for its impressive collection of Chinese artifacts. Notable works in this treasure trove include bronze vessels, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, jade works, and currency. The museum's ceramics collection is considered one of the finest in the world. The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka has fostered a friendly relationship with the Shanghai Museum through collaborative exhibitions and academic exchanges.

After the war, the avant-garde art group "Gutai Art Association" was formed in the Kansai region, proclaiming "the pursuit of pure creativity" and producing a succession of revolutionary expressions. They became known around the world under the name "GUTAI" and continue to be highly regarded even now, more than 70 years later. This exhibition features a new installation and collection works by Shuji Mukai (1940-), a member of the Gutai Art Association. From Mukai's perspective, he reminisces about GUTAI, reconsiders its position in art history, and explores its value in the present and its prospects for the future. Inspired by Goethe's favorite expression, "architecture is frozen music," he created an installation that resonates with the exhibition space of Tadao Ando Architect & Associates. An unknown rhythm spreads throughout the space, as if a "violin symbol party" was being played. In addition, the exhibition will also feature a masterpiece by Jiro Yoshihara exhibited at the 1970 World Expo, as well as works by representative GUTAI artists including Kazuo Shiraga. Please come and enjoy this unique space where architecture and art resonate together, as a special moment to kick off the new year.

Participating artists: Jiro Yoshihara, Kazuo Shiraga, Sadamasa Motonaga, Atsuko Tanaka, Shozo Shimamoto, Tomosuke Uemae, Tsuruko Yamazaki, Yuko Nakasaka, Takehan Matsutani, Shuji Mukai To commemorate the opening of ICHION Contemporary Art Museum, ICHION CONTEMPORARY will hold the exhibition "GUTAI was live" from January 13 (Monday) to March 29 (Saturday), 2025. After the war, the pioneer art group "Gutai Art Association" was established in the Kansai region, advocating "the pursuit of pure creativity" and producing a series of innovative forms of expression. Its existence is known as "GUTAI" worldwide, and even more than 70 years later, it is still highly praised. This exhibition features new installations and collected works by Shuji Mukai (1940-), a member of Gutai Art Association. We will immerse ourselves in the memory of Gutai from Mukai's perspective, rethink its place in art history, and explore its contemporary value and future prospects. In addition, he created an installation that resonates with the exhibition space of Tadao Ando Architectural Institute, inspired by Goethe's favorite expression "Architecture is solidified music". An unknown rhythm spreads throughout the space, as if a "violin symbol party" is being staged. In addition, large-scale works by Jiro Yoshihara exhibited at the 1970 World Expo, as well as works by representative artists of the Gutai group such as Kazuo Shiraga, will be exhibited. This is a unique space where architecture and art resonate, so please treat it as a special moment for the perfect start of the new year.

Participating artists: Jiro Yoshihara, Kazuo Shiraga, Sadamasa Motonaga, Atsuko Tanaka, Shozo Shimamoto, Tomosuke Uemae, Tsuruko Yamazaki, Yuko Nakasaka, Takehan Matsutani, Shuji Mukai To commemorate the opening of ICHION Contemporary Art Museum, ICHION CONTEMPORARY will hold the exhibition "GUTAI was live" from January 13 (Monday) to March 29 (Saturday), 2025. After the war, the pioneer art group "Gutai Art Association" was established in the Kansai region, advocating "the pursuit of pure creativity" and producing a series of innovative forms of expression. Its existence is known as "GUTAI" worldwide, and even more than 70 years later, it is still highly praised. This exhibition features new installations and collected works by Shuji Mukai (1940-), a member of Gutai Art Association. We will immerse ourselves in the memory of Gutai from Mukai's perspective, rethink its place in art history, and explore its contemporary value and future prospects. In addition, he created an installation that resonates with the exhibition space of Tadao Ando Architectural Institute, inspired by Goethe's favorite expression "Architecture is solidified music". An unknown rhythm spreads throughout the space, as if a "violin symbol party" is being staged. In addition, large-scale works by Jiro Yoshihara exhibited at the 1970 World Expo, as well as works by representative artists of the Gutai group such as Kazuo Shiraga, will be exhibited. This is a unique space where architecture and art resonate, so please treat it as a special moment for the perfect start of the new year.

Participating artists: Jiro Yoshihara, Kazuo Shiraga, Sadamasa Motonaga, Atsuko Tanaka, Shozo Shimamoto, Tomosuke Uemae, Tsuruko Yamazaki, Yuko Nakasaka, Takehan Matsutani, Shuji Mukai To commemorate the opening of ICHION Contemporary Art Museum, ICHION CONTEMPORARY will hold the exhibition "GUTAI was live" from January 13 (Monday) to March 29 (Saturday), 2025. After the war, the pioneer art group "Gutai Art Association" was established in the Kansai region, advocating "the pursuit of pure creativity" and producing a series of innovative forms of expression. Its existence is known as "GUTAI" worldwide, and even more than 70 years later, it is still highly praised. This exhibition features new installations and collected works by Shuji Mukai (1940-), a member of Gutai Art Association. We will immerse ourselves in the memory of Gutai from Mukai's perspective, rethink its place in art history, and explore its contemporary value and future prospects. In addition, he created an installation that resonates with the exhibition space of Tadao Ando Architectural Institute, inspired by Goethe's favorite expression "Architecture is solidified music". An unknown rhythm spreads throughout the space, as if a "violin symbol party" is being staged. In addition, large-scale works by Jiro Yoshihara exhibited at the 1970 World Expo, as well as works by representative artists of the Gutai group such as Kazuo Shiraga, will be exhibited. This is a unique space where architecture and art resonate, so please treat it as a special moment for the perfect start of the new year.

A symbol of Taisho romanticism, Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934), who took the world by storm with his "Yumeji-style beauties," was an artist who best exuded the mature charm of modern Japanese art and culture from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. Yumeji was active in a wide range of genres, including not only painting but also magazines, sheet music, book covers, and the design of everyday items, and his work continues to fascinate us even today. This exhibition introduces Yumeji's artistic career and appeal through approximately 180 works and documents selected from a new perspective based on the latest research, centered on the carefully selected collection held by the Yumeji Local Museum. Please come and enjoy the world of Yumeji to your heart's content at the venue.

A symbol of Taisho romanticism, Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934), who took the world by storm with his "Yumeji-style beauties," was an artist who best exuded the mature charm of modern Japanese art and culture from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. Yumeji was active in a wide range of genres, including not only painting but also magazines, sheet music, book covers, and the design of everyday items, and his work continues to fascinate us even today. This exhibition introduces Yumeji's artistic career and appeal through approximately 180 works and documents selected from a new perspective based on the latest research, centered on the carefully selected collection held by the Yumeji Local Museum. Please come and enjoy the world of Yumeji to your heart's content at the venue.

Collection 2 in 2024 will focus on the work of three artists, Louise Bourgeois and Leonor Antunes, who were acquired by the museum in 2023, and Ruth Asawa, who was acquired in 2024 and will be exhibited in Japan for the first time, and will focus on the artist's technique and the way in which the work unravels and reconstructs existing materials, structures, and history. In addition, many works acquired in recent years will be introduced. The title of this exhibition is inspired by the title of a work by Bourgeois that she exhibited in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern in 2000, "I Do, I Undo, I Redo," and the creative process of artists such as Aiko Tezuka, two of whose works were acquired in 2023.

Collection 2 in 2024 will focus on the work of three artists, Louise Bourgeois and Leonor Antunes, who were acquired by the museum in 2023, and Ruth Asawa, who was acquired in 2024 and will be exhibited in Japan for the first time, and will focus on the artist's technique and the way in which the work unravels and reconstructs existing materials, structures, and history. In addition, many works acquired in recent years will be introduced. The title of this exhibition is inspired by the title of a work by Bourgeois that she exhibited in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern in 2000, "I Do, I Undo, I Redo," and the creative process of artists such as Aiko Tezuka, two of whose works were acquired in 2023.

This exhibition will feature 54 works by 18 ukiyo-e artists carefully selected from the museum's collection of masterpieces, including Kitagawa Utamaro, a leading figure in painting beautiful women who established the style of "large neck painting" that focuses on the face rather than the whole body, and Katsushika Hokusai, a genius artist who influenced not only Japan but the world. Please also take a look at 12 works being shown at the museum for the first time, including Kitagawa Utamaro's "Blue Chamber of Victory - Tamayauchi Komurasaki and Hanamurasaki" and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "One Hundred Views of the Moon - Nankaitsuki," known as the last ukiyo-e artist and active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era.

This is the traveling exhibition of "Sho Sakurai's Future Words PLAYFUL!", which adds new content to the exhibition "Sho Sakurai: Future Words" held at Roppongi Museum from April to May 2023. He also publishes the blog "Otonoha" which has been operating since 2008, "Sakura Sauna" where you can listen to lyrics as if you are bathing in powerful rap lyrics, and the picture book "Exchange Thanks" co-created with artist AYAKA FUKANO. Something like this. In addition to "Pictures and Words", Sakurai will also bring his new picture book "Suki no Aiueo", which will be exhibited at the "Shuntaro Tanikawa Picture Book Department Store Exhibition" held at PLAY! MUSEUM in April 2023, and a "Word Factory" where Sakurai's words will create new sentences, expanding the exhibition around "Pictures and Words". It will be a fun exhibition that both adults and children can participate and enjoy.

Shells fascinate people with their beautiful shells. There are tens of thousands of known species on Earth, making them extremely diverse creatures. The Japanese archipelago is particularly affected by both warm and cold currents, and has many islands, making it one of the areas with the largest number of shellfish species in the world. Perhaps because of this background, many people in Japan have been fascinated by shellfish since ancient times, and have tried to study them academically. This special exhibition brings together everything from herbal books to early illustrated books, actual specimens that have led to historic discoveries, and the latest research techniques, unraveling the history of shellfish research from the Edo period to the present day in Japan and its results. Come and experience what it means for researchers to be "addicted" to shellfish in this special exhibition.

A special museum event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the work "Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun" will be held from January 2025!! Please come to this event packed with "congratulations" to Hanako-kun and "thank you" to all the readers!!

Shells fascinate people with their beautiful shells. There are tens of thousands of known species on Earth, making them extremely diverse creatures. The Japanese archipelago is particularly affected by both warm and cold currents, and has many islands, making it one of the areas with the largest number of shellfish species in the world. Perhaps because of this background, many people in Japan have been fascinated by shellfish since ancient times, and have tried to study them academically. This special exhibition brings together everything from herbal books to early illustrated books, actual specimens that have led to historic discoveries, and the latest research techniques, unraveling the history of shellfish research from the Edo period to the present day in Japan and its results. Come and experience what it means for researchers to be "addicted" to shellfish in this special exhibition.

Fishing Show Osaka goal is to promote information sharing among involved traders and users by exhibiting a wide range of fishing tools and related products Fishing Show Osaka goal is to promote information sharing among involved traders and users by exhibiting a wide range of fishing tools and related products while explaining the movement of the market in a clear manner. It also focuses on expanding the bottom line of the fishing population and promote the improvement of fishing manner, environmental preservation, and handing down fishing culture. Information Source: Osaka Fishing Tackle Cooperative Association | expotobi

Seafood Show Osaka 2025 will showcase a wide array of seafood products, services, and innovations related to the fisheries industry. This event is scheduled to take place at the ATC Hall in Osaka, Japan, from February 19 to February 20, 2025. Visitors can expect to explore the latest trends and developments in the seafood sector, network with industry professionals, and discover new opportunities for business growth. Join us at Seafood Show Osaka 2025 to stay informed and connected within the dynamic world of seafood and fisheries.

PARCO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter PARCO) will hold an exhibition + pop-up shop event [DEATH STRANDING 5th Anniversary Exhibition & Popup] at Shibuya, Nagoya, and Shinsaibashi PARCO to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the release of the world-famous game "DEATH STRANDING" by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. "Death Stranding" is an open-world action adventure game created by game creator Hideo Kojima and starring world-famous actors such as Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux, and Lindsay Wagner. It boasts a total of more than 19 million players worldwide, and even now, five years after its release, it has many enthusiastic fans. An exhibition + pop-up shop event to commemorate the 5th anniversary of its release will be held at Shibuya PARCO in November. This well-received event, which attracted a total of 12,000 visitors, will be held at Shinsaibashi PARCO from February 7th. The exhibition venue will recreate the "distribution center" visited by the main character Sam, who makes deliveries in the work, and will feature a number of valuable archives, including original drawings and concept art by Shinkawa Yoji that have never been on public display until now, as well as production materials. In addition, Ludens, the symbol of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, will be installed in the venue, and visitors can enjoy taking photos with Ludens in a space that makes them feel like they are in the studio. The content of the exhibition of Shinkawa Yoji's original drawings will change at each venue. New exhibits will be available at each venue.

PARCO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter PARCO) will hold an exhibition + pop-up shop event [DEATH STRANDING 5th Anniversary Exhibition & Popup] at Shibuya, Nagoya, and Shinsaibashi PARCO to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the release of the world-famous game "DEATH STRANDING" by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. "Death Stranding" is an open-world action adventure game created by game creator Hideo Kojima and starring world-famous actors such as Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux, and Lindsay Wagner. It boasts a total of more than 19 million players worldwide, and even now, five years after its release, it has many enthusiastic fans. An exhibition + pop-up shop event to commemorate the 5th anniversary of its release will be held at Shibuya PARCO in November. This well-received event, which attracted a total of 12,000 visitors, will be held at Shinsaibashi PARCO from February 7th. The exhibition venue will recreate the "distribution center" visited by the main character Sam, who makes deliveries in the work, and will feature a number of valuable archives, including original drawings and concept art by Shinkawa Yoji that have never been on public display until now, as well as production materials. In addition, Ludens, the symbol of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, will be installed in the venue, and visitors can enjoy taking photos with Ludens in a space that makes them feel like they are in the studio. The content of the exhibition of Shinkawa Yoji's original drawings will change at each venue. New exhibits will be available at each venue.