New Ways To Engage Art And Pop Culture
This article is reprinted from Arts JP, which was produced in collaboration with The Japan Times.
Immerse yourself in the world of the globally popular manga and anime “Attack on Titan” in the hometown of its creator. Experience Japan’s most iconic artworks through digital technology. Embrace the creativity of tanka and Japanese illustrations and let them move you.
At these events and others across the country, visitors can discover and enjoy Japanese art and culture, both traditional and modern, from exciting new angles.
Augmented art experiences
The “Augmented Experience of Japanese Art” project connects two exhibitions, allowing art lovers to see renowned spring-themed masterpieces both in their original form and as reimagined through immersive multimedia installations.
The first is “The Dynamics of Detail,” which begins Feb. 25 at the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. This will feature video and sound instal-lations inspired by works from the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT). Using cutting-edge technologies, the installations gener-ate sensory experiences that expand how audiences can engage with art. Its main piece, inspired by Atomi Gyokushi’s “Scroll of Cherry Blos-soms,” creates an immersive space where the petals and branches of Atomi’s delicate brushwork unfold before viewers’ eyes.
The original works, including “Scroll of Cherry Blossoms,” will be shown at the second exhibition, Spring Festival in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, from March 13.
“The Dynamics of Detail”
- Event period
- Feb. 25 to March 2
- Venues
- Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building, 1F Central Hall
- Address
- 1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
- Website
- https://www.mistore.jp/store/nihombashi/shops/other/other_shopnews/momat.html
Spring Festival in MOMAT
- Event period
- March 13 to April 12
- Address
- 3-1 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥500 for adults, ¥250 for college students, free for high schoolers, seniors and others (see website for details)
- Website
- https://www.momat.go.jp/en/events/20260313
‘Attack on Titan’ festival
“Attack on Titan in Hita Fest” will be taking place in Hita, Oita Prefecture, until March 1 — transforming the hometown of Hajime Isayama, the artist behind “Attack on Titan,” into an immersive adventure with themed events, exhibitions, a treasure hunt, a special appearance by the anime’s voice actors and more.
In “Real Treasure Hunting: Operation Hidden Code Investigation,” participants can explore the city’s Mamedamachi district and other nearby areas to search for hidden clues for this puzzle-solving adventure.
A talk show featuring the TV anime cast will take place March 1 at the Patria Hita cultural center. The Attack on Titan in Hita Museum and Annex will also hold special exhibitions through March 31.
An overnight Commemorative Bus Tour on Feb. 28 and March 1 will include tickets to the talk show, treasure hunt and other event venues, including the museums and the Oyama Dam.
- Event period
- Until March 1; museum exhibitions end March 31.
- Venues
- Throughout the city. Tickets for Real Treasure Hunting available at the Hita City Tourist Information Center, the Titan in Hita Cafe and the Tenryo Hita Museum.
- Fee
- “Real Treasure Hunting”: ¥3,850; talk show: ¥5,500; some events free.
- Website
- https://shingeki-hita.com/event_hita_fest.html
‘The Landscape of Emotion’
As the traditional poetry form known as tanka experiences a boom in popularity on social media, “The Landscape of Emotion — In Tanka Poems and Illustration” exhibition is set to feature evocative pairings of art and poetry.
The entire exhibition is curated by creative director and illustrator Mika Pikazo and is designed to highlight the shared essence of poetry and illustration: Both nurture emotions and transform them into creative expression. Using these thoughtful pairings, the show aims to provide viewers with an opportunity to reconnect with their emotions.
Before the exhibition, two contests were held. One was for illustrations inspired by four traditional tanka by renowned Japanese poets, such as Akiko Yosano and Hakushu Kitahara. The other was for tanka based on four illustrations by contemporary artists, including Mika Pikazo, who served as a judge for the contests with contemporary poet Hiro Sakakibara. The winning entries are included in the exhibition.
- Event period
- Feb. 13 to March 29
- Venues
- Kadokawa Culture Museum, 3rd Floor Exhibition Room, Tokorozawa Sakura Town
- Address
- 3-31-3, Higashi-Tokorozawa Wada, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama Pref.
- Fee
- ¥1,800
- Website
- https://tokorozawa-sakuratown.com/special/kanjyoten/en/