Seiji Togo (1897 - 1978), who was well-known for his depictions of the beauty of modern women (“Seiji Beauties”), lived in France for seven years from the age of 24, and from the age of 63 travelled overseas almost every year.

In this exhibition, we consider internationality that originated from Japan and France to be one of Togo’s core qualities, and follow in the footsteps of Togo, who continued to be deeply interested in foreign countries throughout his life, through the works that were inspired by the things he saw on his travels and the things he brought home.

What did Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) learn, and what did he pass on? This exhibition will place Van Gogh within the development of still life painting in Europe, from the 17th-century Netherlands to the start of the 20th century, and explore what Van Gogh learned from his predecessors, how this was reflected in his own works, and how he influenced future generations of artists. The exhibition will also include an area that focuses on ‘Sunflowers’, introducing works by Van Gogh and other artists that depict sunflowers and investigating why they painted this subject.

From our collection, around 70 masterpieces of different genres, such as Western and Japanese style painting, sculpture, and porcelain, will be exhibited in the Commemorative Special Exhibition Part 1. The theme of this show derives from our new logo which symbolizes one of the most valuable aspects of art; “opening people’s mind.”

Encountering with the works selected here and appreciating their pure forms and colors, or sceneries and objects represented in them, viewers would be awakened a sense of exaltation or tranquility. Although difficult to experience in a busy daily life, such awakening of the sense through art is of great importance in leading to open-mindedness and thereby in fostering a meaningful life.

This show is aimed at introducing overlooked aspects of life and works of Seiji Togo, one of the important artists in the 20th century Japan. More than 100 works of art will be showcased alongside about the same amount of documents and other materials. A half of the works are paintings, sculptures and prints of Togo, praised for his depiction of the beauty of women in the rise of Modernism in Japan. The other half are works of other artists who were acquainted with or influenced by him, or who participated in French artists’ groups related to the Nika Association, Japanese independent art organization Togo was deeply involved in.

The documents include correspondence of Togo with his wife and friends and printed materials such as book covers he designed and invitation letters to his solo-exhibitions. Also, Togo’s easel, paintbrushes, and other painting materials will be exhibited. Some of these documents and materials in the Togo collection are open to the public for the first time in this show.