Overview: Exhibitions, Events and Publications

Exhibitions:

Museum Rietberg Zürich: Japan de Luxe - The Art of Surimono Prints | Until 12 July 2026

Over one hundred surimono prints, most of them gifts of Gisela Müller and Erich Gross and are shown at the museum for the first time. 

Scheepvaartmuseum Amsterdam: Ekō - Japan in Two Visual Narratives | Until 30 August 2026

Early photographs of Japan from the museum's collection and contemporary work by photographer and visual artist Anaïs López

Paleis op de Dam Amsterdam: The Netherlands and Japan - Links through Time | Until 27 September 2026

Featuring imperial gifts and other Japanese masterpieces from the Royal Collections on display in the Palace’s Throne Room

Vincent van Gogh Huis Zundert, Netherlands: DUET – Holland + Japan | Until 4 October 2026

This exhibition showcases the results of exchanges with Japan. The museum in Zundert combines works by Dutch and Japanese artists, like a ‘duet’. Inspiration from Van Gogh serves as a guiding principle in this process.

Japan House London: Kyotographie - Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai | Until 18 October 2026

Encounter two of Japan’s most exciting photographers – Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai – in a rare opportunity to see their thought-provoking works in the UK. Kyotographie (awarded five stars by The Guardian) is the first time both artists have been presented together, with their works displayed in large, immersive projections and prints that make visitors feel part of the images themselves.

Design Museum London: NIGO - From Japan with Love | Until 4 October 2026

Explore the vision and legacy of Japanese designer and creative director NIGO – from street style to music and beyond, in the first UK exhibition showcasing his multifaceted creative work, alongside vintage objects and traditional crafts from his personal collection.

Abdij van Stavelot Stavelot, Belgium: From Woodblock Print to Manga - Artistic Japan | Until 29 November 2026

From the great masters of Edo-period woodblock printing to the renowned mangaka of contemporary times, the exhibition highlights a graphic tradition and aesthetic culture that has been passed down in Japan since the medieval era.

Events:

Wereldmuseum Leiden: Two Day Workshop on Japanese Woodblock Carving | 5 and 6 August 2026

The Wereldmuseum in Leiden offers a unique opportunity to discover the centuries-old Japanese art of woodblock carving and printing. For the first time, master printmaker Shōichi Kitamura is bringing his expertise to the Netherlands to share his craftsmanship.

Publications:

Kuniko Forrer, Matthi Forrer. Nippon: Japan through the Eyes of Philipp Franz von Siebold, 1832-1852. Published by Universiteit Leiden en Lannoo. May 2026. 

This unique single-volume reissue contains all the original plates, featuring fascinating illustrations of Japanese rituals, warfare, court culture, traditional dress, landscapes and much more. Kuniko Forrer and Matthi Forrer, experts on Japan, provide the historical context and detailed commentary accompanying all the illustrations.

This new edition of Nippon achieves what Siebold set out to do: introducing readers to the land of the shogun and inspiring wonder at the extraordinary beauty of Japan.

Recommendations for to the list can be submitted to: secretary[at]societyforjapaneseart.org