Asian Art Walk
East Asia: Exploring Proximity and Difference

We are delighted to start our new exhibition series, Asian Art Walk, featuring works from our collection throughout the fiscal year 2026. Designed to attract a wider range of visitors, including those expecting their first-time experience with Asian art, the show brings together works from three regions: East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, along with introductions to their respective characteristics. Distinctive works of art created across Asian regions not only illustrate local climate, history, and culture, but also deliver the joy, sorrow, hope, and more, embraced by those who live there. This year-round exhibition invites you to broaden your worldview and discover another dimension of Asia you have never seen.

East Asia, as the opening chapter of the series, presents works of art from six countries/regions: Japan, South Korea, North Korea, China, Taiwan, and Mongolia. The history of mutual exchange in these regions of East Asia dates back to ancient times, with numerous cultural commonalities, such as Chinese characters, Confucianism, Buddhism, and food. On the other hand, distinctive climates and historical paths have nurtured unique customs and ways of thinking.

This exhibition introduces over 50 works of art from East Asia through three sections: “Climate and History,” “Interrelationships Between Nations/Regions,” and “Individuals in Each Society.” How did the climate and history of each region shape people’s vision and ways of expression? How have human relations in East Asia intersected with each other? What do people hold in their hearts, and how do they embody their lives today within respective environments?

The current situation in East Asia remains quite volatile, shouldering its complex historical trajectories. We hope this show will be an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the region and provide us with a clue to consider its future.

Asia Gallery is also open on Wednesdays between July 9 and August 30.