Memories of Emperor Showa’s 64-year reign from 1926 to 1989, evoke mixed feelings. It was a momentous period that started with financial and growing militarization followed by war, defeat, reconstruction, and rapid economic growth. During an economic bubble, the era ended on a high. People who had endured poverty and suffering came to enjoy prosperity and comfort. Positive change succeeded turmoil.

Upheavals in the social world affected artists, too. They navigated the stormy seas of a turbulent time. Before and after the war, Showa art had a completely different character. Senior artists like Takeuchi Seihō, Yokoyama Taikan, and Kawai Gyokudō had lived through earlier reigns but just when they were at their peak, the hardship of war affected everyone, including painters. Recovering from the shock of war, Higashiyama Kaii, Sugiyama Yasushi, and others in the up-and-coming generation steered Japanese painting into the future.

Had the emperor lived, 2026 would have marked the 100th year of his reign. This inspired the museum to select 100 works painted during the Showa era’s 64 years. The paintings on show richly document the winds of change breathed by the era’s artists. These 100 works express the foundations of Japan today. Here in Arashiyama, you can feel the breeze blowing from that special era as you wonder at the nostalgia evoked by Showa enthusiasm and artistic passion.

Exhibition Overview