Celebrating 50 Years Since Munakata Shiko's Passing: A Special Exhibition

Special Exhibition Commemorating Munakata Shiko

The Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store is set to host a remarkable exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of the renowned artist Munakata Shiko, in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of his passing. The event will unfold over two distinct periods:

- First Session: June 26 (Thursday) - July 1 (Tuesday), 2025
- Second Session: July 2 (Wednesday) - July 8 (Tuesday), 2025

Note that on July 1 (Tuesday) and July 8 (Tuesday), the venue will close at 4 PM due to the transition of displayed works.

The exhibition will take place at the 8th floor's art gallery within the Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, showcasing a collection of Shiko's diverse works, which include woodblock prints, traditional Japanese paintings, oil paintings, and calligraphy.

Munakata Shiko: An Artistic Pioneer

Born in Aomori City in 1903, Munakata Shiko realized that woodblock prints represented the beauty of Japan. He dedicated himself to mastering this craft, expressing love for his family, awe for nature, joy for his mentors, and sorrow for the fate of his hometown through his artwork. His deep-rooted cultural and ethnic themes resonated powerfully, earning him international accolades and establishing him as a pivotal figure in Japan's post-war artistic revival.

Shiko's contributions not only astonished the global art scene but also played a significant role in Japan's re-emergence on the international stage. Today, he is honored as one of the 20th century's leading artists, fondly referred to as "the World’s Munakata."

Featured Works

The exhibition will feature several of his illustrious pieces that highlight Shiko’s exceptional artistic prowess:

- "Isowashi no Saku" (1955)

This piece measures 24x15 cm and represents a response to the poem of poet Haruishitan. The narrative captures a moment of inspiration when a hawk descended toward him during a climb on Mt. Hakkoda, showcasing the interconnectedness between nature and artistry in Shiko's life.

- "Ashiyuki Hime no Saku" (1959)

Created after a trip to Europe and America, this 40.5x30 cm work reflects the vibrant experiences and influences from the grand masters like Van Gogh. The dynamic portrayal of a woman is evident through its vivid use of color employing back-painting techniques.

- "Oshida no Saku" (1945)

Sized at 44.3x33 cm, this work honors ceramic artist Kawai Kanjirō, Shiko’s mentor. It embodies a brilliant contrast, merging decorative elements with complex characters, marking an essential phase in his post-war woodblock prints.

- "Haruue no Saku" (1956)

Derived from poetry by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, this 33.4x31.8 cm piece showcases delicate impressions of water lilies, made possible through Shiko's innovative use of various carving tools, paving the way for an expansion of his artistic expression.

Visit the Exhibition

Join us for an extraordinary journey through Munakata Shiko’s artistry at the Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store.

- Address: 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8569
- Contact: 03-3981-0111
- Website: Seibu Ikebukuro
- Opening Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM (Please check the website for updated hours).

This exhibition not only commemorates a significant milestone in art history but also invites everyone to appreciate the profound impact of Munakata Shiko’s legacy on contemporary art.