#Japan #Tokyo #Suntory Museum #Lotus Sutra Art

The Lotus Sutra Art Exhibition: Creating with Aspiration

The Suntory Museum of Art, located in Roppongi, Tokyo, will be hosting a captivating exhibition titled "The Art of the Lotus Sutra: Creation as a Form of Aspiration" from December 12, 2026, until February 7, 2027. This exhibition aims to delve deep into the beauty and significance of the Lotus Sutra, a sacred text that articulates the possibility of enlightenment for all beings and offers guidance on escaping worldly suffering and calamity.

Exploring the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra, revered in various Buddhist traditions, emphasizes not only the recitation of the text but also the act of creating as a form of good deed, known as zasei. This includes practices such as copying the sutra, adorning temples, constructing pagodas, and sculpting Buddha statues. Such acts are seen not just as artistic expressions but as profound spiritual endeavors, merging faith with creativity throughout history, transcending time, class, and gender.

In this exhibition, visitors will experience a selection of stunning pieces spanning from ancient to early modern periods, categorized under three thematic sections: "Tower Construction," "Sutra Copying and Offering," and "Image Making." Each section promises to showcase unique artifacts and artworks that reflect the enduring influence of the Lotus Sutra in Japanese culture. Furthermore, it will highlight the perspectives of early modern Edo-period artists who contributed to the art and faith surrounding the Lotus Sutra.

Exhibition Details

Dates and Venue

The exhibition runs from December 12, 2026, to February 7, 2027, at the Suntory Museum of Art located at Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi. To ensure the preservation of the exhibits, there will be two display periods:

• - Early Period: December 12, 2026 - January 11, 2027
• - Late Period: January 13 - February 7, 2027

Ticket Information

• - Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM (Extended to 8 PM on Fridays and February 6)
• - Closed on Tuesdays and from December 29 - January 1

Admission Fees:

• - On-the-day tickets: General ¥1,800, University Students ¥1,200, High School Students ¥1,000
• - Advance tickets: General ¥1,600, University Students ¥1,000, High School Students ¥800
• - Pair tickets available at ¥3,000 (limited supply)
• - Free entry for children under junior high school age.

Advance tickets will be available for purchase from September 16, 2026, to December 11, 2026. They can be bought online or at the museum's reception during opening days.

Discounts Available

Discounts are available to larger groups or those presenting tickets from certain exhibitions at other museums:

• - Tour Group Discount: ¥100 off for groups of 20 or more
• - Art Museum Collaboration Discount: ¥100 off for presenting tickets from the National Art Center Tokyo or the Mori Art Museum.

Contact Information

For more details, please contact:

• - Phone: 03-3479-8600
• - Website: Suntory Museum of Art

This exhibition promises to be a remarkable journey through art and faith, celebrating the lasting impact of the Lotus Sutra on Japanese culture and its artistic legacy. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of historical treasures that illuminate the intersection of artistry and spirituality.