The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Welcome to the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, often referred to by its acronym, MOMAT. We are located in the historic Takebashi district, situated on the northeastern edge of the Imperial Palace grounds. …

As we begin our tour of the permanent collection galleries, which span the fourth through second floors, let us consider the chronological layout. The fourth floor typically focuses on the early 20th century, a time of radical…

In the specialized print and photography galleries, we often encounter the delicate and intellectually rigorous works of the Taisho era. A notable figure in this period is Oda Kazuma, a pioneer of lithography in Japan. …

As we descend to the lower floors of the collection, the narrative shifts to the post-war period, a time of profound national soul-searching and artistic rebirth. One of the most beloved works in this section is 'Michi' (The…

One of the most popular and unique features of MOMAT is the observation lounge on the fourth floor, appropriately named 'The Room with a View.' As you step into this glass-walled space, you are presented with a living…

As we explore the sculptural works within the museum, we encounter a fascinating intersection of materiality and tradition. Before the introduction of Western concepts of 'fine art' in the Meiji era, Japan had a rich tradition of…

In the final galleries of our tour, we encounter the work of contemporary Japanese artists who are engaging with global issues and new media. Here, the traditional boundaries between painting, sculpture, and performance often…

As you step out of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and back into the vibrant air of Takebashi, I hope you carry with you a deeper appreciation for the complex narrative of Japanese modernity. We have traversed over a…