Experience the Depths of Edo Culture at Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition
The Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition, titled "Cultural Threads of 'Wa' - A Moment of Connection," is set to take place from July 26 to September 30, 2025. This exhibition marks a cultural celebration of shunga, the erotic art of the Edo period, featuring an impressive collection of nearly 100 works by renowned ukiyo-e artists such as Hishikawa Moronobu, Kitagawa Utamaro, Katsushika Hokusai, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
The event is hosted at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage, operated by Smappa! Group, and is envisioned as an immersive experience that intertwines historical art with contemporary culture. The exhibition will utilize the entire space of the Noh stage, from the performance area to the audience seating, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment. Art director Yasudaka Hayashi from Chim↑Pom has crafted a unique display that integrates the essence of both Edo culture and the pulsating energy of modern Shinjuku.
Shunga, often referred to as "images of spring," captivated the hearts and imaginations of Edo's citizens, transcending social classes and gender. This art form was not just about eroticism; it served as a way for people to bond, laugh, and explore creativity together. In Edo period society, shunga offered a playful escape from daily life, acting as a reflection of the cultural and social dynamics of the time. Notably, the shunga genre was a vital outlet for ukiyo-e artists who infused their work with humor and artistry, often navigating the complexities of censorship imposed by the Edo government.
Featuring works that include motifs from classical literature, such as poetry and historical texts, shunga challenges viewers to engage intellectually with its deeper meanings. It acts as a crossroad where literature and visual art converge, urging audiences to explore the intersections of desire and affection embedded in Japanese culture. The exhibition not only showcases the artistic techniques of the past but also emphasizes the ongoing relevance of these themes today.
The exhibition arrives at a time when Shinjuku Kabukicho remains a hub of vibrant nightlife, mingling modern desires with historical echoes. As attendees step into the Noh stage, they will find an entrance reminiscent of traditional Edo pathways, leading them into a dynamic world where past and present merge seamlessly. This event invites individuals from all walks of life—regardless of gender, nationality, profession, or faith—to appreciate the beauty and complexity of shunga, fostering a new appreciation for cultural 'wa' or harmony.
Exhibition Title: Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition - Cultural Threads of 'Wa'
Dates: July 26, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Closed: Mondays (open if a holiday falls on a Monday, closed the following Tuesday)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (10:00 AM - 9:00 PM on weekends and holidays)
Location: Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: A 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, and Toei Shinjuku lines, or an 8-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
Ticketing: Early bird tickets available at 1,900 yen until July 25, 2025. General admission is 2,200 yen, with free entry for one caregiver accompanying individuals with disabilities.
The Chain Museum, based in Tokyo, operates the ArtSticker platform, supporting this event's ticketing and promotional efforts. The overarching mission of ArtSticker is to enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of art and culture through innovative experiences, connecting audiences directly with artists.
This exhibition not only presents a historical look at shunga but also encourages ongoing dialogues about art, sexuality, and cultural identity. As we enter the next chapter of this 'wa' culture, we invite everyone to embark on this remarkable journey back to Edo and beyond.
The event is hosted at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage, operated by Smappa! Group, and is envisioned as an immersive experience that intertwines historical art with contemporary culture. The exhibition will utilize the entire space of the Noh stage, from the performance area to the audience seating, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment. Art director Yasudaka Hayashi from Chim↑Pom has crafted a unique display that integrates the essence of both Edo culture and the pulsating energy of modern Shinjuku.
A Glimpse into the Past
Shunga, often referred to as "images of spring," captivated the hearts and imaginations of Edo's citizens, transcending social classes and gender. This art form was not just about eroticism; it served as a way for people to bond, laugh, and explore creativity together. In Edo period society, shunga offered a playful escape from daily life, acting as a reflection of the cultural and social dynamics of the time. Notably, the shunga genre was a vital outlet for ukiyo-e artists who infused their work with humor and artistry, often navigating the complexities of censorship imposed by the Edo government.
Bridging Art and Culture
Featuring works that include motifs from classical literature, such as poetry and historical texts, shunga challenges viewers to engage intellectually with its deeper meanings. It acts as a crossroad where literature and visual art converge, urging audiences to explore the intersections of desire and affection embedded in Japanese culture. The exhibition not only showcases the artistic techniques of the past but also emphasizes the ongoing relevance of these themes today.
A Modern Encounter in New Shinjuku
The exhibition arrives at a time when Shinjuku Kabukicho remains a hub of vibrant nightlife, mingling modern desires with historical echoes. As attendees step into the Noh stage, they will find an entrance reminiscent of traditional Edo pathways, leading them into a dynamic world where past and present merge seamlessly. This event invites individuals from all walks of life—regardless of gender, nationality, profession, or faith—to appreciate the beauty and complexity of shunga, fostering a new appreciation for cultural 'wa' or harmony.
Event Details
Exhibition Title: Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition - Cultural Threads of 'Wa'
Dates: July 26, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Closed: Mondays (open if a holiday falls on a Monday, closed the following Tuesday)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (10:00 AM - 9:00 PM on weekends and holidays)
Location: Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: A 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, and Toei Shinjuku lines, or an 8-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
Ticketing: Early bird tickets available at 1,900 yen until July 25, 2025. General admission is 2,200 yen, with free entry for one caregiver accompanying individuals with disabilities.
A Cultural Collaboration
The Chain Museum, based in Tokyo, operates the ArtSticker platform, supporting this event's ticketing and promotional efforts. The overarching mission of ArtSticker is to enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of art and culture through innovative experiences, connecting audiences directly with artists.
This exhibition not only presents a historical look at shunga but also encourages ongoing dialogues about art, sexuality, and cultural identity. As we enter the next chapter of this 'wa' culture, we invite everyone to embark on this remarkable journey back to Edo and beyond.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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