Tokyo’s autumn lineup is rich and varied: from thought-provoking contemporary solo shows to dynamic festivals and retrospectives spanning ceramics, painting, fashion, and more. Here are some standout exhibitions and art events to look forward to:
1. Maruyama Ōkyo: From Innovator to Great Master
- Venue: Mitsui Memorial Museum, Kyobashi, Nihonbashi
- Dates: September 26 – November 24, 2025
- Overview: A major retrospective on Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795), the pivotal figure who revolutionized nihonga (Japanese painting) by blending realism with traditional Japanese styles. Expect masterworks that showcase his influence on modern brushwork.
2. Aki Sasamoto’s Life Laboratory
- Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Kiyosumi
- Dates: August 23 – November 24, 2025
- Overview: This immersive solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Aki Sasamoto bridges sculpture, performance, and installation. It reflects on creative improvisation and hybridity, featuring kinetic works and interactive setups.
3. Art Deco and Fashion
- Venue: Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Marunouchi
- Dates: October 11, 2025 – January 25, 2026
- Overview: A lavish exploration of Art Deco’s influence on fashion and design, part of the centennial commemorations of the 1925 Paris Exposition. Expect around 60 iconic outfits by fashion houses like Poiret, Chanel, and Lanvin, paired with paintings and decorative arts.
Find out more on TokyoArtBeat.
4. The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest”
- Venue: Mori Art Museum, Roppongi
- Dates: July 2 – November 9, 2025
- Overview: A large-scale exhibition spotlighting architect Sou Fujimoto, celebrated for integrating nature within modern architecture. This immersive display examines his visionary concepts for futuristic, organic urban spaces.
5. Tokyo Biennale 2025: Art Projects Originating in Local Areas of Tokyo”
- Venue: Ueno, Yanaka (details TBA)
- Dates: October 17 – December 14, 2025
- Overview: This biennale showcases site-specific and community-based art projects across local Tokyo neighborhoods. It’s slated to be a dynamic celebration of grassroots creativity and place-based contemporary art.
See: Tokyo Biennale 2025 official
6. Art Week Tokyo
- Dates: November 5 – 9, 2025
- Overview: A citywide festival that brings together over 50 galleries and institutions for a comprehensive showcase of contemporary art. With coordinated programming and free shuttle services, it’s one of Tokyo’s most accessible and inclusive art events.
See: Art Week Tokyo 2025: What to Expect and How to Navigate Japan’s Leading Contemporary Art Event
7. Andy Warhol: Serial Portraits – Selected Works from the Collection”
- Venue: Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, Omotesando
- Dates: October 2, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Overview: A highlight for pop-art fans—this exhibition presents Andy Warhol’s iconic serial portraits, offering a deep dive into his explorations of identity, media, and celebrity culture.
8. Major Gallery Exhibitions & Fairs
- Tokyo Gendai 2025 | September 12–14 — A contemporary art fair featuring regional and international artists.
- Nikki Maloof: Aspects of Daily Life — Perrotin (Sept 10–Oct 25)
- Steph Huang: When An Encounter Takes Place — Perrotin (Sept 10–Oct 25)
- Leo Villareal: Golden Game — Pace Gallery (Sept 5–Oct 18)
- Alex Katz: Four Seasons — SCAI PIRAMIDE (Aug 29–Oct 18)
- Tomoaki Suzuki Solo Exhibition — SCAI THE BATHHOUSE (Aug 23–Oct 18)
- Others: Ryu Takeda, and group shows at MAKI and Kosaku Kanechika.
Make sure to read: The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo’s Art Scene
| Exhibition / Event | Venue & Dates | Focus |
| Maruyama Ōkyo | Mitsui Memorial Museum (Sep 26–Nov 24) | Nihonga’s realist master |
| Aki Sasamoto | Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Aug 23–Nov 24) | Performance + sculpture |
| Art Deco & Fashion | Mitsubishi Ichigokan (Oct 11–Jan 25 ‘26) | 1920s fashion + design |
| Sou Fujimoto | Mori Art Museum (Jul 2–Nov 9) | Nature-inspired architecture |
| Tokyo Biennale 2025 | Ueno/Yanaka (Oct 17–Dec 14) | Local art projects |
| Art Week Tokyo | Citywide (Nov 5–9) | Contemporary art festival |
| Andy Warhol | Espace Louis Vuitton (Oct 2–Feb 15 ‘26) | Iconic pop portraits |
| Gallery/Fair Exhibitions | Various (Aug–Oct) | Contemporary works, installations |
Tips for Planning
- Timing: Early October is especially rich—atmospheric and full of variety.
- Transport: Art Week Tokyo offers free shuttle buses—ideal for covering more ground.
- Tickets: Major exhibitions (e.g., Fujimoto, Sasamoto) often require advance bookings.
- Diversity: From traditional painting and fashion to performance, architecture, and pop art—you’ll find something to resonate with every interest.
Read more:
- How Hagoita Turned a New Year Game into Art
- Pinterest Fall 2025 Decor Trends: Comfort, Creativity, and Glamour
- Tansai Gafu: A Forgotten Design Album of Shōwa Japan
- 11 Essential Tips to Transform Your Home with Art
- The Art of the Edo Period: A Floating World in Full Color
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