A majority of ceramic works typically have a signature or hidden symbol scratched or painted. The exhibition explores the various symbols and signatures and attempt to reveal their meanings. *Exhibiting at Exhibition Room 3 Gallery Talk: April 13th (Sun), 20th (Sun), May 11th (Sun) 11:15- [Image: "Red clay vase" (mid-Edo period)]

This exhibition features works by the sci-fi cartoonist Fukujiro Yokoi, commemorating 60 years since his death. In December of 2007, a book was released documenting his works and its power of how it influenced the famous Osamu Tezuka. The exhibition will feature his works accompanied by additional background explanations. *Exhibiting at 2F Gallery 1 Lecture: February 2nd (Sat) 13:00-14:30 *For more information, visit URL below (Japanese). *at 3F Research Room 1 [Image: Fukujiro Yokoi "Adventurous Tarzan" (Kobun Publishing)]

The exhibition features rooftop tiles from the middle ages, swords from the Kamakura period, paintings and textiles from the Edo period, and coins from ancient China. Art Talk 1: April 26th (Sat) 14:00- Art Talk 2: May 16th (Sat) 14:00-

Uichi Shimizu, a ceramicist born and raised in Kyoto, opened a kiln in Shiga's Hira mountain range in 1970. Since then, until his death in 2004, Shimizu established a 34-year career making ceramics leaving a countless number of ceramic works. In 1985, the Japanese government accredited him with his ceramic technique Tetsugusuri, and honored him as "human treasure." Shimizu's ceramics come in different shades of blue, yellow, and green, and in different shapes and sizes, which will be evident through the works on display. Gallery Talk: April 13th (Sun), April 29th (Tue/Holiday) 14:00- [Image: Uichi Shimizu "Pale Blue Tetsugusuri Bowl" (1984) courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga]

Lyricism is a method in which one expresses their inner emotions through art. Abstract art is one form of this expression. This exhibition features works by artists Koshiro Onchi (1891-1955) and Masanari Murai (1905-1999), who both were born in Wakayama and utilized the expression. Art Talk: May 4th (Sun/Holiday), May 5th (Mon/Holiday), May 6th (Tue/Holiday) 14:00-15:00 on all days [Image: Koshiro Onchi "Lyric No.8 Spring" (around 1950)]

Chosei and Akihisa Miwa are father and son, and have both shown dedication in depicting Manyo Nihonga. Both Chosei and Akihisa learned painting under Insho Dohmoto. Both have presented works that have been recognized in high profile art competitions such as the Nitten. In fact, Akihisa himself is currently one of the jury members. The exhibition features approximately 50 works by both artists. Art Talk: March 23rd (Sun) 14:00-

Kazuhiro Fujita has worked as a fashion photographer, providing his work for magazines and catalogs. After a two and a half year stay in Paris, he has established a signature style of photography that keeps shadows and colors to a minimum amount. The exhibition features Fujita's works that capture light from daily scenes. Workshop: May 10th (Sat), 11th (Sun) 14:00- *For more information please visit the URL below

The exhibition features textiles from the museum collection that were acquired between 1902 to the Showa period. This exhibition features a type of textile called "Kireji." Gallery Talk: May 3rd (Sat/Holiday) 13:30-15:30

The Kozan Temple located in Tanabe city is a temple that particularly supports the Shingon sect. The temple has been an avid collector of Buddhist art, and the exhibition features the most notable pieces from the collection. Art Talk: April 27th (Sun), May 2nd (Fri), 9th (Fri), 11th (Sun), 16th (Fri), 23rd (Fri), 25th (Sun), 30th (Fri) *For more information please visit the URL below. [Image: "Kobo Daishizo" (late Kamakura period) wood, height 79.3cm]

Jomon ceramics, among the world's ancient ceramics, is known for its distinctive sculptural style. The exhibition features ceramic items that have been found in archaeological sites in both eastern and western Japan. Items include ceramic dolls, clay accessories, and mythical and or made-for-ritual ornaments. Lecture: May 18th (Sun)14:00- Dialogue: April 26th (Sat)14:00- Workshop: April 12th (Sat), April 19th (Sat) 13:00-17:00 Art Talk: March 15th (Sat), March 22nd (Sat), March 29th (Sat), April 5th (Sat), April 12th (Sat), April 19th (Sat), May 10th (Sat), May 17th (Sat), May 24th (Sat), May 31st (Sat) 14:00-14:40 *For more information please visit the URL below. [Image: "Flame Earthenware" courtesy of Tokamachi Museum]

The exhibition features documents and paintings that render the life of Tensho-in's Atsuhime, a prominent figure during the Tokugawa period. *Exhibiting at 6F Special Exhibition Room Guided Tour: April 25th (Fri) 19:00-, April 26th (Sat) 14:00-, May 9th (Fri) 19:00- [Image: Kiyoo Kawamura "Tenshoin Portrait" (detailed view) (1884) courtesy of Tokugawa Memorial Foundation]

In the 18th century, the Kyoto school of painters including Jakuchu Itoh, Taiga Ikeno, and Oukyo Maruyama, were prominent figures in the Japanese painting field. Within this field, Buson Yosa's works were highly valued, especially with his ability to fuse poetry and art. This exhibition explores Buson's contributions in art and poetry, along with letters to his students and friends that will provide background information on his life. Art Talk: April 12th (Sat) 14:00-16:00 Symposium: May 11th (Sun) 13:30-16:00

Since opening its doors in 1987, the Itami City Museum of Art has collected over 2000 prints by Daumier, and has focused on acquiring works that depict social satire. In November 2007, the museum celebrated its 20th anniversary in search of an alternative focus. Thus, this first exhibition of the series focuses on color with works ranging from those by Raoul Dufy, Man Ray, and Song Ah-Yoo. Workshop: April 27th (Sun) 13:30- COLOR x COLOR Cafe: May 11th (Sun), 25th (Sun) 11:00-16:00 [Image: Song Ah-Yoo "Colors of Vibrance" (1998)]

*Exhibiting at the Main Building Art Talk: May 4th (Sun) 14:00- Slide Presentation: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday 14:00- [Image: "Amida Portrait" (detailed view) (Korai period: 918-1392) 133.3x58.9cm]

Since the Heian period "The Tale of Genji" has continued to be read for a thousand years, truly deserving the label of timeless classic. This special exhibition will introduce the places in Mie with a connection to the work. Emaki (illustrated scrolls), Byobu (folding screens) and many folios will be on display. Art Talk: May 25th (Sun) 13:30-15:00 Exhibition Explanation: May 25th (Sun) 11:30-12:00 Exhibition Explanation: June 7th (Sat) 16:00-16:30

The exhibition celebrates the 120th anniversary since the artists Kagaku Murakami and Shonan Mizukoshi were born. Nanga is a type of painting that was established during 18th century Japan. Since then, countless artists have adopted the style, especially from the mid-Edo period to the early Showa period. The exhibition aims to discover the similarity that occurs between these paintings through a display of about 190 works by approximately 70 artists. Part I: April 22nd - May 18th Part II: May 20th - June 9th Art Talk: April 27th (Sun) 14:00-15:30 Art Talk: May 17th (Sat) 14:00-15:30 Children's Workshop: May 25th (Sun) 10:30-15:30 [Image: Keisen Tomita "Uji River Scroll" (detail) (1915) courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga]

The exhibition features artwork from ancient Greece. These works portray the philosophical exploration of Greek minds and their investigation of nature's works. *Exhibiting at exhibition rooms 1 & 2 Art Talk: April 25th (Fri), May 26th (Mon) 13:30- [Image: "Red vase of Patera" 35.2x35.2cm]

As in jars, bowls, dishes and tea cups, crafts were first and foremost to function as receptacles. According to the forms of receptacles, how have the meanings of craft come to be defined? From various points of view such as the interior and exterior spaces of vessels, the mouths of receptacles, and their modeling for the purpose of touch, the opportunity afforded by "Containers, Dishes, and Vessels as Art" will allow us to search out new fascinations in recent arts and crafts. Works by Tomimoto Kenkichi, Yagi Kazuo and Yanagihara Mutsuo among others, will be exhibited. Gallery Talk: April 19th (Sat), May 24th (Sat) 14:00-15:00 Workshop: June 1st (Sun) 13:30-16:30 [Image: Tozan Miyanaga "Vase with turnips in relief" (1905)]

The exhibition focuses on how Insho Domoto depicted familiar objects and things such as flowers and birds. Art Talk 1: April 19th (Sat) 10:30-12:00 Art Talk 2: May 17th (Sat) 10:30-12:00 Art Talk 3: June 7th (Sat) 10:30-12:00

This exhibition features ceramic items that reflect the Ohmi merchant's principles on humbleness and honesty. *Exhibiting at Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art Art Talk: April 27th (Sun), May 18th (Sun), June 8th (Sun) 13:30-14:30 [Image: Soube Tsuji "Cup and Saucer with Landscape Decoration" (1891-1945) courtesy of Hino Elementary School]

To mark 150 years of Franco-Japanese relations the Kobe City Museum is holding the "Louvre Museum Exhibition, the Beauty of the French Court". At the French royal court of the 18th century saw the flowering of the most refined culture in history. Marquis Pompadour's consort, a favorite of Louis XV, and Louis XVI's queen Marie Antoinette: These female lovers of beauty gave color to the court and to the salon, developing the styles of Rococo and Neoclassicism. The accessories and furnishings specially ordered by the royalty and nobility made unsparing use of expensive material and techniques, pushing French crafts to their zenith. Much of the possessions of the French court were lost during the French Revolution, but at the Arts and Crafts Department of the Louvre there remains a precious collection that evaded the turmoil of the revolutionary period. This exhibition will display around 140 paintings and objects handpicked from that collection, introducing the elegance and beauty of the court. From the fine gold and silver crafts liked by the Marquess Pompadour to the writing desks favored by Marie Antoinette, and portable travel items, many of the displays are being shown in Japan for the first time. Art Talk: April 26th (Sat) 14:00-15:30 Art Talk: May 24th (Sat) 14:00-15:30 Children's Workshop: May 5th (Mon) 10:00- & 13:00- School Student Talks: May 17th (Sat), May 31st (Sat) & June 14th (Sat) 14:00-16:00 [Image: "Wall Clock With Diana Statues Decorative Frame" (1745-1750) Bronze, Gilt, Enamel ©2007 Musée du Louvre／Martine Beck-Coppola]

Gallery Tour: April 13th, 27th, May 11th, 25th, June 8th, 22nd, July 6th, 20th All 14:00- [Image: "A Scenery at Ichinotani" (1960)]

In the late 1960's, the Mono movement in Japan created a new wave in the Japanese art world and was eventually recognized internationally. The core person behind this movement was Nobuo Sekine, who created "Topology - Land." Sekine has been an active artist in the Kansai area, and his career bloomed after the release of "Topology - Land." The exhibition will be held in both YOD gallery and Kyobundo Gallery in Osaka. YOD gallery will feature his latest works, and Kyobundo Gallery will have works created before and around 1990 on display. Art Talk: May 17th (Sat) 15:00- [Image: "Magnetic Field" (2008) wood, paper, gold leaf, pigment, 72.7x60.6cm]

The exhibition explores the theme of "pop" (alluding to popular culture as well as popular media), which appears in our daily lives in the form of insulation. Works by contemporary Japanese artists will be on display. Opening Party: May 14th (Wed) 17:00- Artist Talk: May 24th (Sat) 14:00-

From ancient times known as a ceramics centre, Seto City in Aichi prefecture cooperated with Seto City Art Museum and the Seto Collection Museum's holdings for this exhibition. Through the collection, the exhibition introduces the charm of Seto ceramics and its one thousand-year history. Talk: "The History and Allure of Seto Ceramics" May 17th (Sat) 13:30-15:00 Fumitaka Hattori (Seto City Art Museum Curator)

Osaka, Kobe, New York, San Francisco, Paris, London, Shanghai, Seoul, Buenos Aires, Sydney... The works taken in various cities compose the exhibition "Erotica." Daido Moriyama has taken countless photographs in these cities, exposing their dangers and erotic temptations. The exhibition features Moriyama's works taken between 1999 and 2007. Talk Event: May 19th (Mon) 19:00-

"People's Art" arose from Korea's unique traditions and the campaign for democracy. Taking 109 pieces from the Korean National Modern Art Museum's collection of paintings and sculptures, the currents of Korean Realism will be introduced. Art Talk: June 7th (Sat) 14:00- "1980s People's Art and the Currents of Korean Realism" Ko Sonjun (Niigata Prefectural Bandaijima Art Museum Liberal Arts Department) *For more information, telephone the museum on 07-9833-0164 [Image: Yun O "Father" (1983)]

The exhibition features works by author Miyoko Matsutani and the illustrated books she has created. One of the core themes of her work is the war, and has released many books on that topic. Talk: July 27th (Sun) 13:30-15:30 *For more information please visit the URL below [Image: (right) "Tatsunoko Taro" (1960), (left) "Tatsunoko Taro" (2006)]