Ten work friends will exhibit water color landscapes depicting people and animals.

*Exhibiting at KANOKO

[Image: Hayato Minoda "Prediction 1" (2008) 101.5x80.5cm Oil on Canvas]

*Exhibiting at 1F deux

[Image: Copyright (c)　Getsumin Corporation, Sachio Yoshikawa. All rights reserved]

Focusing on the concept of a room, the works will be displayed in a showroom inspired manner. [Image: Tomoko Iwai]

[Image: Hiroko Nakakita "Emono" 27.3×54.6cm（3S×2点) ]

"Pictures whose heart dances in unrestricted color. Sculptures whose unwavering presence never drops. In my hands if only I can blend these two things together..." (Statement by the artist)

*Exhibiting at Room A

Through portraits of women adorned in beautiful costumes, the exhibition explores the art of Matsuura Byobu. [Image: National Treasure "Byobu with Female Entertainment" (left panel)]

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-

*Exhibiting at 2F

This is Noritake Kinashi's new challenge. The works were created with the influence of many artists, with lively colors and curves. Satirizing the society with a good sense of humor and a positive vigor, Noritake uses colors to indicate the importance of family and friends, and the "memories of the heart". Approximately 100 items will be on display. [Image: "Reach Out" (2007) acrylic on canvas]

*Exhibiting at 8F Exhibition Room

Early modern folk painting masterpieces and the Hikone folding screens will be on public display.

On its 6th edition, the exhibition features works from 72 artists of various media and styles.

[Image: Kazuo Takiguchi "Go"]

Opening Party: April 19th (Sat) 18:00-20:00 [Image: (c)Mutsumi Sue/fabre8710]

[Image: Yasuhiro Tanigawa]

This exhibition features artworks from the Heian period that have been selected from the museum collection.

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)]

The exhibition features twelve works from the museum's Manyo Nihonga collection.

[Image: Hako Irie "Coming Spring"]

The exhibition features Byobu with calligraphy decoration and unique Korean folk paintings that depict Chinese poetry. [Image: "Gyoson-Rakusyo" (detail) courtesy of Koryo Museum]

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-

Ryouhei Koiso was asked by the Japan Bible Society to provide accompanying images for a publication of the Bible in 1971. Although 70 scenes from the Bible were suggested, it was up to Koiso to decide which scene to be used for creating the images. This exhibition showcases his 32 watercolor paintings and 43 sketches. Multiple sketches created for single scenes reveal Koiso's ideas for composition and methodology. Alongside the works, the exhibition includes panels displays of the appropriate Bible stories. [Image: Ryouhei Koiso "The Students of Astrology, Supplication to Jesus" (1970)]

Zenitani moved to Spain in 1990 and currently is working in the Costa-Brava area, north of Barcelona. This exhibition is based on the theme of prayer. Visitors will see a tranquil imaginary landscape, and an inquiring into the deepening of color.

Since its foundation, the Kitano-Tenmangu has acquired many treasures donated by religious imperial family members, samurai and wealthy merchants. Since the shrine is noted for its power of bringing good fortune, the wealthy faithful donated their art scrolls. Hence, the museum currently has an expansive collection of highly valued scrolls. In addition, there is the sword that was called "the devil's sword" by the Meiji emperor, swords donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and other swords with a significant historical background on display. Other works on display include arts and crafts, screens and tea ceremony equipment. Some items have been registered as cultural heritage items by the Japanese government.

Bunyo Ide and Hideo Midori are both held in esteem in Nihonga circles. The pair's work has a charm rooted in their finely drawn lines and subtle forms, and, adding the deeply expressive sketchings of Takashi Yasuzumi, the gallery will show 20 new works of this trio. [Image: Bunyo Ide "Ryokuko - Kibune River"]

"If a painting has no intensity, if it has no emotion, then it is worth nothing." (Statement by the artist) *Exhibiting at 58

Part I: April 19th (Mon) - May 11th (Sun) Part II: May 13th (Tue) - June 1st (Sun)

The exhibition features the collection's paintings from the Edo period. From an earlier time, the Hosomi collection has focused on works by Jakuchu Ito and the Rimpa artists. Works by Hokusai Katsushika and Taiga Ike will be on display.

Chikkyo Ono, who was born in Okayama prefecture in 1889, decided to become a painter. At 14, Chikkyo moved to Kyoto to study under Seiho Takeuchi, and at 29, he established an artists circle with Kagaku Murakami. During his career, he aimed to synthesize western painting and eastern painting through using vibrant colors and creating landscapes that reflected specific emotions. The exhibition features approximately 100 works by Chikkyo that have been highly approved by Shoen Uemura. [Image: Chikkyo Ono "Lake"]

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]

*For more information please visit the URL below.

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]

This exhibition features about 110 treasures that have been kept by the three temples, Eifuku-ji, Yachu-ji, and Taiseisyogun-ji, which have a strong relationship with Prince Shotoku. Exhibition highlights include screen paintings from the 14th century that depict the life of Prince Shotoku. These paintings have also gone through a major restoration and their vibrant colors will be available for public view after 500 years. [Image: "Pictorial biography of Prince Shotoku" (Nambokucho to Muromachi period) courtesy of Eifuku-ji, Osaka]

Our forefathers would learn that by "drawn" brushstrokes the actions of the body remained, and this grew to an understanding of "division" in the outline and borders of objects. By the action of these two lines, mankind became aware of the world, of tools and of language, cultivating civilization, before giving birth to art. If we unravel art history, through the "drawn" line, centered on the essential components of sketching, ink painting and calligraphy, we were able to arrive at feeling articulated by expressionism, a development continuing unbroken to our present day of "painting through gesture". The "dividing" line, forming the foundations of geometry and architecture, has brought us the rules of perspective and composition, and even now is the structure of modern design and minimalism. This exhibition will display about 60 works from Zen writing, modern painting, contemporary design, in each of which is hidden the double line of drawing and division, the reading of which will give us a deepened opportunity to understand art. [Image: Tadaaki Kuwayama "Blue" from the series "Olive, Green Blue, Violet Purple" (1966)]

The Tale of the Genji is a Japanese novel that depicts the joy and pain of love. In 1008, the novel was read in the royal court. This year, the museum celebrates its 20th year of existence along with the millennium of the masterpiece. The exhibition features paintings that depict scenes from the narrative, and artworks that depict the lifestyle prevalent then. *Exhibiting at exhibition rooms on 3rd & 4th floors

This exhibition introduces the mural art of Konbira Shrine, known as Konbira-san, in Konbiracho, Kagawa prefecture. It includes representative Cultural Properties from prominent Edo period painters like Oukyo Maruyama and Jakucho Ito, as well as pioneering Western-style painter Yuichi Takahashi and Kyouji Takubo's contemporary mural project. [Image: Oukyo Maruyama "Tigers Drinking Water" (1787)]

The Ashiya City Museum of Art & History currently maintains a collection of about 1400 works. The works mostly concentrate on those by local artists. This exhibition focuses especially on Shizan Uera's calligraphy works (1926-95), Kousai Yamada's Nihonga (1906-97), and Émile Antoine Bourdelle's relief works (1861-1929). *Exhibiting at Exhibition Room 2 [Image: Kosai Yamada "Sanboukan" (early 1970s) courtesy of the museum]

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 25 figure paintings on the theme of wind. [Image: "Blessing of the Earth" (2007), oil on canvas]

In recent years, the technology in projecting images has advanced greatly. The exhibition features works by 14 artists from Japan, China, and other countries that utilize this technology in their art.

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

The relationship between Ryouhei Koiso and Churyo Sato began after they broke away from the then-called Imperial Art Academy and formed the New Creative Faction Committee. The New Creative Faction Committee was founded in 1936 with nine members, starting with Koiso himself, as well as Genichiro Inokuma, in opposition to the revival of the Teiten after its 1935 re-organization. Initially just established as a painting group, in 1939 a further seven artists, including Sato and Yasutake Funakoshi, joined it and created the sculpture division. The re-named New Creative Committee is now organized into three areas, that of painting, sculpture and space design. There was disparity in this meeting of the fields of painting and sculpture, but as two figurative artists it is not hard to imagine how they found mutual stimulation. Sato himself said admiringly of Koiso, "Out of the many portraits, for myself the strongest have been "Practice Room and Dancing Children", painted at 35, and "Chorus", painted at 38. The intent vision of the young boys and girls, the depth of emotion restrained and given out by Koiso's art; the secret of youth is really shown off." Here one can see the deep impression that Koiso's work made on Sato. The two artists expressed much on the spatial difference between surface and dimension, but in their work it can surely be said that their mutuality was in the promotion of model studies. Koiso from early on successively employed models that he had selected, and his own family; likewise Sato also created work that repeatedly featured his relations and favorite models. For them both, the model gave out an intimate presence of daily life, and was a source of artistic inspiration. It is in their ideas regarding models that one can likely see what they had in common. This exhibition is made up of works of models and people by Koiso and Sato, works that capture the emotions of the moment and the mind. An up to now unseen symphony of surface and dimension will be born, and the interaction of influences between these two similar figurative artists and the heightened charms of their respective works will create a deep impression on many visitors. [Image: Churyo Sato "Hat, Summer" (1972)]

[Image: Eitaro Ishigaki "Bonus March"]

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]

This exhibition is an opportunity to look back at the career of leading Showa era Japanese Southern School painter Ryoun Watase, introducing some of his best works and commemorative pieces. Part I: April 26th (Sat) - June 1st (Sun) Part II: June 7th (Sat) - July 6th (Sun) [Image: Ryoun Watase "Estuary"]

The exhibition features Mucha drawings and paintings from the Sakai city collection, focusing more on his process than his finished pieces that are often seen in poster-formats. *Exhibiting at the Alphonse Mucha Wing [Image: "Bulgarian Girl" (1927) pencil on paper]

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

This is a permanent exhibition room of about 50 modern French paintings between the 19th and 20th century, which were donated by Kunitomi Keizo in 1994. The works range from Naturalism and Realism, Impressionism, Fauvism and Modernism. [Image: Claude Monet "Dusk at Port in Argenteuil" (1874)]

The exhibition is held throughout the year, and displays sculptures, paintings, crafts, calligraphy texts, and historical texts from Shiga prefecture. Exhibited items (especially those recognized as cultural heritage items) will rotate on a scheduled basis.

The crowded, bustling atmosphere of the street corners of Shinsaibashi and Dotombori in the late Taisho and early Showa periods are realistically reproduced at this exhibition. *Exhibiting on the 7th floor [Image: "Modern Girl"]

*Exhibiting at Murakami Kagaku Exhibition Room

*Exhibiting at Yamaguchi Kaoru Exhibition Room

*Exhibiting at Kitaoji Rosanjin Exhibition Room

"I paint everything that is visible. People can view them the way they like," said artist Saburouichi Kojima. Kojima was born in Mie prefecture in 1908 and painted fruits, flowers and landscapes in a fresh color palette. Between 1939 to 1952, he studied under Kunitaro Suda and exhibited his works at independent shows. After a few solo exhibitions around the country, he passed away at age 90 right after his exhibition period in Nagoya. This exhibition features paintings, drawings and sketches by Saburouichi Kojima that depict the different seasons. *Exhibiting at 1F/the 6th room [Image: "Lily" (1988) oil painting, (c) 2004 paramita museum. All Rights Reserved]

In Vietnam, the encounter of traditional lacquer painting and western painting produced a unique genre called lacquer painting during the colonial period. Thanh Chuong has high recognition in this genre. His works seem to embrace prayer for peace by a person who had to spend his youth in the period of warfare. *By appointment only [Image: "On the Farm" (1999) 120x180cm, lacquer on panel]

The exhibition features the world of when Nobunaga Oda fought at Hongan-ji Temple in Osaka. In addition to a 1/20th scale miniature town model, the Bunraku puppet "Naniwaya" is exhibited in the Edo period zone. *Exhibiting at 9F [Image: "Naniwaya"]

Exhibiting works by students of L-Osaka Painting Class. *Exhibiting at rooms T & J

The participants in this show all entered the Osaka Design Technical School at the same time and are co-students of the same illustration faculty. And now CASO is the space where they will present their graduation works together. *Exhibiting at Room X [Image: Mikan]

*Exhibiting at 1F [Image: Eiji Imao "The Location of Dreams"]

The exhibition will showcase the stone gorilla works and gorilla paintings of Hiroshi Abe.

*Exhibiting at Room 1

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]

*Exhibiting at COLLAGE

*Exhibiting at Room C [Image: Chikayo Nakanishi]

*Exhibiting at Room Y

[Image: "Flying" part 30]

Ryouhei Koiso (1903-1988), a western-style painter, and Kaii Higashiyama（1908-1999), a Nihonga painter, are both well respected Japanese artists. They both graduated from Hyogo Prefectural Kobe No. 2 Middle School, now known as Hyogo Prefectural Hyogo High School. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the school's foundation, this exhibition traces the lives and works of Koiso and Higashiyama after their school years, showing 30 pieces from their early period, in addition to 30 well known paintings. [Image: Kaii Higashiyama "Hardangervidda" (1963)]

[Image: Kozuki Watanabe "Dream Pillow" (2007) 162x162cm Mixed Media]

The exhibition features 40 artists from Japan and around the world that will join together to show their works across a vast range of media. The exhibition is divided into two one-week shows, with artworks grouped by media. Painting, Sculpture: May 20th - 25th Photography, Video/New Genres: May 27th - June 1st Performance Art Live Event: May 31st 20:00- Opening Reception: May 20th (Tue) 19:00- Closing Reception: May 31st (Sat) 19:00-

Renoir + Renoir are the Impressionist master Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) and his second son and renowned French film director Jean Renoir (1894–1979). While working with the differing media of paint and film, many direct references to his father’s paintings can be found in Jean Renoir’s films. The present exhibition is divided into four chapters comparing the themes and motifs shared in the father and son’s paintings and films, demonstrating the commonality of the two masters: “Portraits of the Family,” “Models,” “Nature,” and “Entertainment and Society.” With the full cooperation of the Musée d’Orsay, fifteen of their works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, along with approximately fifty other paintings collected from within and without Japan, and approximately fifteen excerpts from films representative of Jean Renoir’s work will constitute this exhibition. This is the first endeavor to compare the two masters in Japan. Video Screening of Jean Renoir: Tuesdays to Fridays *at 1F Hall [Image: Jean Renoir "Elena and Her Men" (1956) Collection particulière © STUDIO CANAL IMAGE/TELEDIS/ELECTRA COMPAGNIA CINEMATOGRAFICA]

Last year, the Kyoto National Museum received a generous gift of twelve Chinese paintings from the Japanese novelist Sawada Fujiko (b.1946). One of the most noteworthy works among this donation is "Landscape with Birds and Flowers" by the Ming-dynasty painter Chen Zhen, of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, dated to 1640. Executed on silk, this large painting (H. 177.0 cm, W. 91.5 cm) captures a tall mountain, covered lightly with snow, soaring high above an enchanting valley. Cascading from the mountain precipice to the viewer's left is a waterfall flowing down to the ravine into a meandering stream. Two trees stand prominently at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by bamboo, broad-leafed shrubs, and blossoming plum and camellia trees. One interesting stylistic feature is the unusual contrast between the colorful birds the mountain magpies, eagles, and green pheasants painted in striking hues and realistic detail in the foreground, and the almost surreal cliff, depicted in ink and light colors, towering over the valley in the background. From the Ming dynasty onwards, paintings of landscapes and birds and flowers begin to develop into separate genres. This painting, which would ordinarily represent a winter scene in a set of four hanging scrolls depicting landscapes of the four seasons, is a rare example that successfully reintegrates these two themes. Incidentally, in a letter by the late Edo-period literati painter Okada Hanko (1782-1846), affixed to this painting, Hanko referred to the work as "Landscape Painting with Birds and Flowers." He also noted that it was the prized possession of the 115th Abbot of the Rinzai Zen temple Shokoku-ji in Kyoto, Imyo Shukei (1731-1808), who praised it as an unparalleled masterpiece. *Exhibiting at the Collections Hall Galleries 13, 14 & 17 [Image: Chen Zhen "Landscape with Birds and Flowers" courtesy of Kyoto National Museum]

"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)]

"My aim is to use the minutely changing faces of the commonplace things from daily life, those inexorably fading away in concurrence with destiny, to express something that gets a little closer to a sense of being." (Statement by the artist)

Bruno Munari (1907-1998) was an Italian designer active in a range of fields, from painting to product design, art education, graphics and sculpture, who left behind a oeuvre unique, dream-like and overflowing in humor. To mark the centenary of Munari's birth, this exhibition, starting from the task of a "book" taking on his life, will comprehensively introduce his colorful career. Focusing on his early publications, it is composed of over three hundred works of picture book manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, sketches and films. Munari's work is filled with a child-like curiosity, ideas free and lithe, a rich creativity, and a warming perspective on humanity and nature. It is said to be a treasure forever continuing to glitter in our hearts. Colorful, brimming with the surprises of dreams, both adults and children can enjoy being in the enchanting fantasia of Munari's world. Children's Workshop "Make a Picture Book": June 15th (Sun) 13:00-15:30 Reservation required ¥300 *For more information, visit the URL below. Children's Workshop "Make a Card": June 28th (Sat) 13:30-16:00 Reservation required *For more information, visit the URL below. Lecture: June 8th (Sun) 13:30- The Museum of Modern Art Shiga Fine Arts Faculty Member *At Lecture Hall

This exhibition will introduce a new style from the artist. All the paintings have been produced on giant canvases over size 20, each showing her individual stories. Added to the paintings the story will be set in the middle, so that the work can be carefully appreciated from two perspectives, that of a text and that of a visual object. Further, during the exhibition period, the gallery will hold special live painting events on its exterior walls.