The Tokyo National Museum has launched the "Immersive Theater: New Japonism - From Jomon to Ukiyo-e and Anime," an exhibition that allows visitors to experience the rich culture of Japan through a stunning 24-minute high-definition video presentation.
Opened on March 25, 2025, and running until August 3, 2025, this innovative display is showcased in the museum's Main Building Special Room 5. With a massive 7-meter tall screen, the immersive theater takes viewers on a journey through Japan's artistic evolution, encompassing periods from the Jomon era, known for its pottery and figurines, to the iconic ukiyo-e prints and contemporary anime.
“Experience the essence of thoughtful Japanese artistry that spans over a millennium,” the exhibition invites, providing rare glimpses of national treasures and significant cultural artifacts. While the exhibit focuses on visual media, there are no physical pieces on display, as it emphasizes the advanced technology of NHK, merging multimedia with traditional Japanese art forms.
The production team, including the creative collective Panoramatiks and renowned creator group CEKAI, utilized cutting-edge techniques to craft this extraordinary presentation. The breathtaking visuals are complemented by a soundtrack created by celebrated composer Yuta Bandoh, ensuring a holistic experience.
With sections titled “Time Travel Japan's Beauty,” “Edo Mid-term: Tsutaya Juzaburo Built the Foundation of Pop Culture,” “The Birth and Leaps of Japanese Anime,” and “Japanese Anime and Japanese Culture's Common Codes,” visitors are promised a multi-faceted exploration of Japan’s identity and its artistic lineage.
Additionally, from April 22 to June 15, ticket holders can see the "Ukiyo-e: Modern" exhibition for free, further enriching their visit. “Look for the synergies running between historic and contemporary art,” museum curators state, encouraging visitors to appreciate the dialogue between epochs.
The exhibition showcases influential figures in both art and anime—ranging from traditional masters like Tsutaya Juzaburo, who played a pivotal role in Edo-period publishing, to modern animation legends such as Osamu Tezuka and Mamoru Hosoda. This aspect highlights the continuity and evolution of Japanese aesthetics into modern storytelling.
The exhibition format is part of a larger trend in art institutions worldwide, integrating technology to engage audiences in unique ways. By merging art and immersive experiences, the Tokyo National Museum offers an engaging way of connecting the past with contemporary culture.
During the media preview, museum guides walked attendees through the details of this captivating event. “Art should be an experience, not just something you look at,” one guide remarked, encapsulating the ethos behind immersive art exhibitions. The usage of advanced visual effects is not only compelling but also pays homage to Japan's rich cultural narrative.
In a statement regarding the exhibition, the museum highlighted, “Our goal is to create a setting where visitors can dive into and feel the beauty of Japanese art forms through innovative technology.”
As the immersive theater unfolds before audiences, viewers are transported through time to witness the stunning transitions of Japanese art. “From the primitive expressions of the Jomon period to the sophistication of modern-day anime, each frame invites exploration,” noted an exhibition official.
In a related event, from April 22 to June 15, the museum will also hold the exhibition "Tsutaya Juzaburo: A Pioneer of Content Business." This special exhibition pays homage to Tsutaya Juzaburo (1750-1797), a significant figure in Edo culture who helped popularize renowned ukiyo-e artists like Kitagawa Utamaro and Tōshūsai Sharaku.
This dual exhibition period at the museum emphasizes the vibrant culture of the Edo era, especially the metamorphosis of publishing in a rapidly changing world. Visitors will learn how Tsutaya's innovative practices in media were ahead of their time and how they paved the way for future content industries.
Many recognize Tsutaya as a trailblazer, bringing the world of art and literature to a mass audience. The exhibition will detail his relationships with various artists and authors, presenting an interconnected view of Edo society.
“Through these exhibitions, guests can experience the narrative threads that connect Japanese art through every age,” said a museum spokesperson. The focus on interactivity and learning aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of Japan's artistic heritage.
The Tokyo National Museum continues to broaden its outreach by creating events that blend culture with modern technology, seeking to captivate new and returning audiences alike. “The intersection of technology and art presents endless opportunities for education and engagement,” they emphasized.
“Immersive Theater: New Japonism - From Jomon to Ukiyo-e and Anime” invites audiences of all ages to revel in the history and beauty of Japan's artistic legacy, providing a platform for both education and entertainment.
Open daily with admission fees set at 2,000 yen for general entry, and special discounts for students, the museum remains focused on accessibility. Its dedication to sharing Japan's rich artistic heritage is evident in not just exhibitions but also in programs for free entry for children and individuals with disabilities.
Keeping in mind that the museum often experiences heavy foot traffic, visitors are encouraged to consider visiting during off-peak hours to make the most of this enriching experience without long wait times. The importance of engaging with art allows people to connect on deeper levels with history.
As the exhibition unfolds, one thing is clear: the Tokyo National Museum is at the forefront of blending tradition with innovation, creating spaces where past and present collide for an extraordinary artistic journey.
