#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum #Ueno Artist Project #Embroidery

Experience the Intricacies of Embroidery at Ueno Artist Project 2025

Starting from November 18, 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum has opened the doors to an enchanting exhibition titled Ueno Artist Project 2025: Embroidery—The World Unraveled by a Needle. This exhibition highlights the delicate art of embroidery, showcasing over 100 pieces created by five skilled artisans. The event thrives to provide not just a visual feast but also to stimulate discussions about the intricate world of thread, fabric, and needlework.

A New Exploration of Craft and Art

This year marks the ninth installment of the Ueno Artist Project, which usually introduces creators related to public exhibitions. In a significant departure from previous themes focused primarily on painting and calligraphy, the focus this time is on embroidery. This ancient technique transforms pieces of fabric into textured works of art using needles and threads, inviting visitors into a world where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine.

The Artists

Among the artists featured at the exhibition are:
1. Ritahiro Hirano: A master of traditional Japanese embroidery techniques, skillfully intertwining heritage with innovation.
2. Masano Onoe: Known for portraying landscapes and objects through unique needle techniques, bypassing standard stitching forms in favor of a painterly approach.
3. Mika Okada: Celebrated for her realistic representations using various materials like threads and beads, blending realism with artistry.
4. Yohhei Fushiki: Engaging in self-reflection through repeated needlework, focusing more on the interaction with thread rather than producing images.
5. Mari Mochizuki: Dedicated to studying Bengali cloth, particularly Kantha, adding cultural depth to the exhibition.

The confluence of these artists' works promises a rich visual experience, showcasing diverse embroidery forms that go beyond typical understandings.

Significance of Embroidery

The act of needlework, typically termed embroidery, serves multiple functions across cultural contexts—repairing fabric, providing embellishment, expressing faith, and more. This craft, rooted in historical practices, reflects not only the technical skills but also the emotional resonance it can evoke. The exhibition intends to kindle conversations about the diverse meanings and potentials behind needlework. The act of sewing invites a kind of meditation and self-exploration, allowing artisans to delve into their thoughts while engaging physically with their craft.

Parallel Exhibition: When Embroidery is Born

Coinciding with the main exhibition is a secondary event, When Embroidery is Born: Modern & Contemporary Thread, Needle and Fabric Creations Seen in the Tokyo Metropolitan Collection. This segment focuses on the historical context of embroidery in Japan, tracing its evolution through artifacts and artworks from various Tokyo museums. Visitors can see how embroidery served educational, decorative, and cultural purposes throughout different eras.

Exhibition Details

• - Dates: November 18, 2025, to January 8, 2026
• - Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Galleries A and C
• - Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 8:00 PM
• - Admission: General admission is 800 yen, while senior citizens (over 65) and students under 18 enter for free.

This exhibition is not just a display but an invitation to experience and reflect on the rich tapestry of human creativity demonstrated through the needle and thread. Don't miss this opportunity to see how embroidery threads through our lives, connecting generations, cultures, and emotions.

For more information, visit the Ueno Artist Project website.