Ukiyo-e Meets Contemporary Art in a Geisha Ryotei: The Reiwa Ukiyo-e Tokaido Fifty-Seven Stations Exhibition
From November 21st (Thu) to 24th (Sun), 2024, an exciting collaboration called "Reiwa Ukiyo-e Tokaido Fifty-Seven Stations Exhibition" will be held in Kagurazaka, Tokyo. This exhibition of new ukiyo-e (Edo woodblock prints) by contemporary artist Noritaka Tatehana will take place in a unique setting: Kagurazaka’s exclusive ryotei Chigetsu, a venue normally reserved for geisha banquets.
Noritaka Tatehana: Fusing Japanese Craft with Modern Art, Beloved by Lady Gaga
Noritaka Tatehana, a rising star in contemporary art, is renowned for merging Japanese craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. He was born in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, in 1985 to a family who ran a public bathhouse. He is widely known for his 'heel-less shoes,' famously worn by global pop icon Lady Gaga. His works have also been included in major collections like New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Honoring Tradition: Ukiyo-e Meets Modern Art in Tatehana’s 'Fifty-Seven Stations of the Tōkaidō'
Ukiyo-e, or Edo-period woodblock prints, are world-famous traditional arts with celebrated artists such as Katsushika Hokusai, Toshusai Sharaku, and Utagawa Hiroshige. Designated as a traditional craft by the Japanese government, ukiyo-e is recognized for its cultural significance. This exhibition will showcase a new work inspired by Hiroshige’s The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō, created as Tatehana’s modern ukiyo-e titled The Fifty-Seven Stations of the Tōkaidō.
Exclusive Art Experience: Ukiyo-e Exhibition in Kagurazaka’s Prestigious Ryotei, Chigetsu
Chigetsu is a ryotei that traditionally only serves select guests, often with geisha entertainment and exclusive gatherings. As a long-term Kagurazaka resident, I’ve never had the chance to enter this ryotei myself, and I’m thrilled to see one of my favorite art forms, ukiyo-e, exhibited here.
Experience Japanese Art: Free Ukiyo-e Exhibition in Kagurazaka and Hands-On Workshops with Master Yukiko Takahashi
This exhibition is hosted by the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Crafts Cooperative, led by Yukiko Takahashi, who also offers ukiyo-e-making experiences through our tours at her Takahashi Kobo (Studio).
The “Reiwa Ukiyo-e Tokaido Fifty-Seven Stations Exhibition” is free to enter, making this a wonderful opportunity to visit Kagurazaka in Tokyo. If you can’t make it to Kagurazaka from November 21st to 24th, we encourage you to join our ukiyo-e-making experience, guided by the esteemed Yukiko Takahashi. Her expertise will make it an unforgettable experience in the world of Japanese art.
Event Information:
Event Name: Reiwa Ukiyo-e Tokaido Fifty-Seven Stations Exhibition
Date: November 21st (Thu) to November 24th (Sun), 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Venue: Ryotei Chigetsu (Kagurazaka 3-1, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo)
Organizer: Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Association
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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