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 150 historic and contemporary objects, ranging from animated movies, origami, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints to dolls, robots, and youth fashion.

To spark more creativity, activities inspired by the exhibition are offered in both the Upper-Level Galleries and Martin ArtQuest.  Fold origami boats, play taiko drums, design anime characters and create collaborative manga comic strips, watch charming animations, and more! 

Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga celebrates the spirit of playfulness and imagination at the heart of Japanese culture. 


Created by the V&A – Touring the World 

V&A logo blue

Exhibition gallery

Exhibition supporters


The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by

The Frist Foundation, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts

Events and programs

Tours
Thursday, January 2, 2025, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

Thirty-Minute Exhibition Tour 

Tours
Thursday, January 9, 2025, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

Thirty-Minute Exhibition Tour 

Family Activity
Sunday, January 12, 2025, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Family Drop-In ARTlab: Robo-Collage

Family Activity
Sunday, January 12, 2025, 1:00–5:30 p.m.

Family Sunday: Journey through Japan 

Tours
Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

Thirty-Minute Exhibition Tour 

Food event
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Sake Tasting and Talk

Tours
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

Thirty-Minute Exhibition Tour 

Workshops
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Adult ARTlab: “Make Cute: An Exploration of Kawaii Through Mixed Media”

Tours
Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

Thirty-Minute Exhibition Tour 

Performance
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Musical Performance and Talk with Jennifer Cihi

Resources

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Please consider supporting the Frist Art Museum with a donation. Your gift is essential to our mission of serving the community through the arts and art access in particular. We truly appreciate your generosity.