NAKAMURA Kunio Collection Exhibition
The Origins of Wasei Youga: Deciphering modern Japanese-style Western Paintings

　
This exhibition invites visitors to explore how modern Western-style paintings created in Japan were conceived through the lens of historical works of the past, in particular, Wasei Youga*. Delivering a fresh perspective to understanding and appreciating Japanese art history, rather than simply reviewing works in chronological order from oldest to latest, this exhibition seeks to ask from whom and what each artist had learned from, and what did they subsequently pass along to the next.
Supervised and curated by artist NAKAMURA Kunio, he runs a multipurpose cultural space in Tokyo’s Ogikubo neighborhood, called Rokujigen (6th Dimension), consisting of a cafe, used book store, and gallery. This is NAKAMURA’s first exhibition featuring a curation of artworks from his personal collection.
Through these works, this exhibition takes on the challenge of visualizing the “chain of learning” and connecting the “lines of influence” throughout art history. Known to present extensive research on modern Western-style paintings both within Japan and overseas as well as a unique perspective on art history in his publications, NAKAMURA’s approach aims to shed light on the lineage of artistic expression inherited today, as well as highlighting the humble potential and beauty of local culture.
During the exhibition period, a series of lectures will be held (mainly in Japanese) to deepen learning, offering attendees hands-on appreciation techniques directly in front of the actual artworks and historical materials. These lectures aim to provide the general audience a hands-on opportunity to engage, learn, and appreciate the history of art.
*Wasei Youga (Japanese-Style Western Painting) refers to Western-style paintings (such as oil paintings) produced by modern Japanese artists who adapted European techniques to incorporate Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, local subjects, and cultural perspectives.

NAKAMURA Kunio, Exhibition Supervisor
Artist and founder of Rokujigen
His artistic career began in his teenage years, from the age of 15, holding his first solo exhibition at 17, and has since participated in major art events such as the Yamagata and Tokyo Biennales. He also has authored numerous books on modern and contemporary art history. In addition, with a career in art collection that spans 30 years — ranging from ancient antiquities to contemporary art — his future plans involve establishing his own private art museum.

Date: Saturday November 14th through Sunday December 20th 2026
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closed Mondays (Except for November 23rd. Closed on Tuesday November 24th)
At the special exhibition room 1 and 2 of Sugimura Jun Museum of Art (Shiogama City), 30 minutes east of Sendai

Admission (permanent collection + special exhibition):
For individuals
• Adults: 500 yen
• University / High school students: 400 yen
• Junior high school students and under: Free

Discount for museum members and people with special needs.
Please note that for visitors with special needs and one accompanied person, they can receive a 50% discount for admission. Please let us know upon your visit.

For groups of 20 or more
• Adults: 400 yen
• University / High school students: 320 yen
• Junior high school students and under: Free

[Notice Regarding Temporary Vehicle Parking]
For visitors arriving with their vehicles, please use the nearby parking services provided by Times Shiogama Motomachi, a 5-minute walk from the Museum. The parking service is located in front of the Urakasumi Sake Brewery in Shiogama’s Motomachi Shotengai Shopping Street.
After parking, please visit us at our office, located at the Museum entrance, before seeing the exhibition or visiting us at the Museum cafe, Danwashitsu. A staff member will provide you a Parking Validation Ticket (Parking Voucher) waived for 1 hour of use. For additional assistance, please feel free to ask our staff.
Due to current construction work around the Museum’s vicinity, on-site parking space is very limited and may not be available. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

Contact us: sugimurajun-museum●shiomo.jp（●＝@）
Translated by JUNBI Supporters