Designed with our younger audience in mind, yet fun and fascinating for all ages, this exhibition goes on a colorful, atmospheric exploration through Japan to show how popular stories have shaped the country’s art, design, and technology across the centuries. Divided into four thematic sections—Sky, Sea, Forest, and City—it presents over one hundred and fifty historic and contemporary objects, ranging from animated movies, origami, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints to Daruma dolls, robots, and youth fashion.
To spark more creativity, activities inspired by the exhibition will be offered in both the Upper-Level Galleries and Martin ArtQuest. Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga celebrates the spirit of playfulness and imagination that the Japanese never outgrow.
Created by the V&A – Touring the World
Exhibition gallery
Katsushika Hokusai. Under the Wave off Kanagawa, from the series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, ca. 1831. Woodblock print; 9 3/4 x 14 1/2 in. V&A: Given by the Misses Alexander, E.4823-1916. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Epoch Co. Ltd for Tomy. Sylvanian Families camping set and animal figurines, 1987–95. Flocked plastic; dimensions variable. V&A: Given by Tomy UK Ltd., A: B.49, 69:1, 70:1, 78:1, 85:1-1998. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Utagawa Hiroshige. Treasure Ship, 1847–52. Woodblock print; 10 3/8 x 14 7/8 in. V&A: E.3461-1886. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Sakar International, Inc. Hello Kitty rice cooker, 2014. Plastic, metal, electrical components; diameter: 8 5/8 in. V&A: FE.19-2015. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Unidentified maker. Fisherman’s festival robe, 1900–1930. Cotton, stencil paste-resist dyeing; 55 1/2 x 52 in. V&A: FE.102-1982. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Noritaka Tatehana in collaboration with Rykb. Heel-less shoes, 2021. Leather, silk, metal; 11 x 4 x 8 1/2 in. Image courtesy of Kosaku Kanechika NT-HIS-21-006. Photo: Keizo Kioku. © Noritaka Tatehana K.K.
Exhibition supporters
The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by
Events and programs
Curator’s Perspective: Journey Through Japan
Making Memories: A Dementia Social Engagement Program
