Featured Events in Nara in April 2025 (August Updated)

Takehiko Yamashiro (1908–1997) is an important figure in the study of modern and contemporary art history in Japan. He was the director of the art department of the Nara National Museum and a professor at Ryukoku University. He is also known for his profound research on Chinese art. This exhibition systematically reviews his academic career and private collection from the two dimensions of "collection" and "research", showing his love and unique vision for East Asian art. The exhibits include Chinese calligraphy and painting, ceramics, and ancient Japanese art, all of which are important objects that Yamashiro has collected or studied for many years, and some of the works are open to the public for the first time. The exhibition will also present precious documents such as his academic manuscripts, investigation notes, and lecture manuscripts, exploring the paths of "how to watch" and "how to study" from the perspective of scholars. In the Nara area, which is densely populated with cultural heritage such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Toshodaiji Temple, Yamato Bunkakan has always played the role of a cultural bridge. This exhibition is a beautiful practice that connects academic research and visual aesthetics, and it is worth savoring for audiences who love Chinese art and Japanese cultural history.

The Nara National Museum has a special exhibition for its 130th anniversary, "Super National Treasures - The Light of Faith!" There are about 110 national treasures and about 20 important cultural properties on display, totaling about 140 Buddhist and Shinto art works. Highlight exhibits include the "Standing Statue of Avalokitesvara" (Baekje Avalokitesvara) in Nara's Horyu-ji Temple and

Hamaguchi Tarishi (1931-2018) was a news photographer who documented postwar Japanese society. In the turbulent era of the Showa era, he recorded people's lives, social changes, and historical turning points with a keen perspective. His works examine social injustice and contradictions from the perspective of citizens. This exhibition will introduce the historical moments he captured. The photos recording the stone-throwing incident during the Crown Prince's wedding procession reflect the social unrest hidden behind the festive atmosphere. The struggle surrounding the construction of Narita Airport revealed the fierce conflict between national policies and personal lives. In addition, at the scene of the student movement, the enthusiasm of young people under the call for social change and the oncoming power struggle were also engraved by the camera. Hamaguchi's works convey the figures of those who live in the torrent of the times. I hope that through these photos, you can feel the thoughts of people at that moment and take this opportunity to think about the social direction that has continued from the past to the present.