Major Art Exhibits in Tokyo for May 2025

Part of my upcoming trip to Tokyo is visiting museums. I have compiled a list of exhibitions that are on for May 2025 for my reference and anyone else. Check the museum for more complete info - I can always make a mistake.

Mori Tower, home of the Mori Museum, Roppongi Hills

1. Tokyo National Museum (TNM), Ueno Park

Description: Japan's largest and oldest museum, housing an extensive collection of Japanese, Asian, and Egyptian art and artifacts. The museum complex includes several galleries (Honkan, Heiseikan, Toyokan, Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, Kuroda Memorial Hall, and Hyokeikan) which typically have ongoing exhibitions.

• Tsutaya Jūzaburō: Creative Visionary of Edo (April 22 - June 15, 2025): Focuses on the innovative work of Tsutaya Jūzaburō, a key figure in Edo-period publishing.
• Ukiyo-e In Play: Artists Re-Working the Traditions of Woodcut Prints (April 22 - June 15, 2025): Explores how contemporary artists reinterpret the ukiyo-e tradition.
• Immersive Theater on Neo-Japonism: From Ancient Art to Anime (March 25 - August 3, 2025): An engaging exhibition exploring the connections between traditional Japanese art and modern anime.
• Shin-hanga: Japanese Woodblock Prints after Ukiyo-e (April 15 - June 15, 2025): Showcases the Shin-hanga movement, revitalized woodblock printing in the 20th century.
• Highlights from the TNM Collection: Ongoing displays within the various galleries will showcase key pieces from their permanent collection.
• The Garden in Spring (March 1 - May 31, 2025): The museum's beautiful traditional garden will be open, featuring seasonal flora.

2a. Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills

Description: A contemporary art museum located on the top floors of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, offering stunning city views alongside its exhibitions.

• MACHINE LOVE: Video Game, AI and Contemporary Art (February 13 - June 8, 2025): Explores the relationship between video games, artificial intelligence, and contemporary art through various media and installations.
• GODZILLA 70th Anniversary: GODZILLA THE ART EXHIBITION (April 26 - June 29, 2025): Celebrates the 70th anniversary of Godzilla with artistic interpretations of the iconic monster by 29 different artists.
• MAM Collection 019: Viewpoint - Haruki Maiko, Katayama Mari, Yoneda Tomoko (February 13 - June 8, 2025): A selection of works from the Mori Art Museum's collection, focusing on the perspectives of these three artists.
• MAM Research 011: Tokyo Underground 1960-1970s - A Turning Point in Postwar Japanese Culture (February 13 - June 8, 2025): An archival exhibition exploring the underground cultural scene in Tokyo during the 1960s and 70s.

2b. Suntory Museum of Art, Tokyo Midtown

Description: Suntory Museum of Art holds a diverse collection that spans paintings, ceramics, lacquerware, and glass, with a focus on Japanese traditional arts.

• Shutendōji Begins: Tales of the Demon Slayer Throughout the Ages (April 29 - June 15, 2025) This exhibition focuses on the tale of the demon Shutendōji, a story that has been admired in Japan for centuries and continues to inspire manga and anime today. The exhibition features the Suntory Scrolls, which are on full display after a multi-year restoration.

2c. 21_21 Design Sight, Tokyo Midtown

Description: it hosts innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions that examine various aspects of design, from industrial products to graphic communication and architecture.

The Art of the RAMEN Bowl (March 7 - June 15, 2025) It features 40 original Artist Ramen Bowls, including 10 that have not been previously displayed. Additionally, the exhibition showcases Ramen Stalls designed by three groups of architects and designers. By employing the "design anatomy" method, the exhibition explores the history and culture of ramen and ramen bowls, while also highlighting the natural environment of Tono, the production center for Mino ware. 

3. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno Park

Description: Focuses on modern and contemporary art, hosting a variety of temporary exhibitions.

• Joan Miró (March 1 - July 6, 2025): A major retrospective exhibition dedicated to the renowned 20th-century Spanish artist Joan Miró.

4. National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)

Description: Features a collection of modern and contemporary Japanese art from the Meiji era to the present day, as well as some Western art.

• Hilma af Klint: The Beyond (March 4 - June 15, 2025): An exhibition dedicated to the pioneering abstract artist Hilma af Klint.

5. National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Park

Description: Focuses on Western art from the medieval period to the 20th century, with a significant collection of Impressionist paintings.

• Legacy of Zen Temples: Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto (March 29 - May 25, 2025): An exhibition highlighting the artistic heritage of these important Zen temples in Kyoto.
• Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art (March 11 - June 8, 2025): Features European master paintings from the San Diego Museum of Art and the National Museum of Western Art's own collection.

6. Nezu Museum, Omotesando

Description: Features pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art in a beautiful setting with a traditional Japanese garden.

• Special Exhibition Celebrating the 85th Anniversary of Founding the Nezu Museum. The Kōrin, Ōkyo, and Kiitsu Trio. Masterpieces of Screen Painting 1 (April 12 - May 11, 2025): Showcases masterpieces of screen painting by these three important Japanese artists.   

7. Artizon Museum, Kyobashi

Description: Houses a diverse collection spanning ancient to contemporary art, with a focus on Impressionism and 20th-century Japanese art.

• Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Jean Arp (March 1 - June 1, 2025): An exhibition exploring the works of this influential artistic duo.

8. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), Koto

Description: Focuses on post-World War II contemporary art from Japan and abroad.

• Kenjiro Okazaki (April 29 - July 21, 2025): A major retrospective exhibition of the influential Japanese contemporary artist Kenjiro Okazaki.