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Celebrating Women Artists at NMWA

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is launching an official program to promote gender equality in the art world. A special exhibition titled A Book Arts Revolution will be held from March 4 to March 29, 2026, at the AND COLLECTION gallery located in Omotesando Hills, Tokyo. This exhibition features five exceptional contemporary female artists from Japan: Sayaka Irie, Sachiko Kazama, Aiko Miyanaga, Hanako Murakami, and Tomoko Yoneda, showcasing their works that reflect the diverse facets of contemporary society.

NMWA and Its Commitment to Women Artists

The NMWA, based in Washington D.C., is recognized as one of the top ten art museums in the United States by Time Out magazine. As it approaches its 40th anniversary, it continues to support the contributions of women in art through exhibitions and collections. The museum’s international program, Women to Watch, aims to discover and highlight extraordinary female artists from around the globe.

This year’s Tokyo exhibition marks the second official collaboration with NMWA, following the success of the previous showcase in 2023-2024, which featured the work of Ai Hasegawa. Hasegawa's work was presented at NMWA and received significant acclaim, further establishing the presence of Japanese artists in the international art arena.

Exhibition Overview

• - Title: A Book Arts Revolution
• - Artists: Sayaka Irie, Sachiko Kazama, Aiko Miyanaga, Hanako Murakami, Tomoko Yoneda (in alphabetical order)
• - Dates: March 4, 2026 - March 29, 2026
• - Venue: AND COLLECTION Contemporary Art, 150-0001, Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae 4-12-10, B2F
• - Entrance Fee: Free
• - Organizer: NMWA Japan Committee

Curated by Yukie Kamiya, chief curator of the National Art Center, Tokyo, this exhibition shines a light on the artistic pursuits of the selected women artists, showcasing their unique interpretations of the theme. Each artist brings a different lens to their work, reflecting personal narratives, cultural insights, and contemporary issues.

Future Engagements

The exhibition is crucial as it sets the stage for future representations of Japanese artists at international levels. In early April 2026, one of the exhibiting artists will be selected to represent Japan at the NMWA’s next Women to Watch initiative in the United States, aligning with the museum’s 20th anniversary of the Women to Watch project.

Supporting Organizations

The exhibition has garnered support from various sponsors and partners, highlighting the importance of fostering women's voices in the art world. Key supporters include leading corporations such as SMBC Global Foundation, Suntory Holdings, and several others. The cultural initiative is further bolstered by collaborations with well-known art galleries and cultural institutions.

As we approach this groundbreaking event, the NMWA Japan Committee emphasizes its continued commitment to championing women in the arts. It is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of talent, creativity, and the ongoing fight for equality in the art sector.

For more information, visit NMWA Japan.