Yokosuka Museum of Art presents Arts to Link Mountain and Seaside: Narukawa Art Museum Collection, the third installment of the Hakone–Yokosuka collaboration project initiated in 2023. This exhibition connects two distinct regions—Hakone’s mountain landscapes and Yokosuka’s coastal scenery—through the serene beauty of Japanese-style paintings (Nihonga).

Running from April 19 to June 22, 2025, the exhibition features approximately 50 carefully selected works from the renowned Narukawa Art Museum, which houses a collection of around 4,000 modern and contemporary Nihonga pieces. Visitors will encounter works by leading artists such as Kyujin Yamamoto, Ikuo Hirayama, and Fumiko Hori, along with paintings related to Kanagawa Prefecture.

Set in a museum overlooking the sea, this springtime exhibition offers a tranquil opportunity to appreciate the delicate brilliance of Nihonga, while reflecting on the cultural dialogue between mountain and ocean.

Exhibition Overview

This exhibition is part of an ongoing cultural initiative jointly undertaken by Hakone and Yokosuka, launched in fiscal year 2023 under the theme “Arts to Link Mountain and Seaside.” Now in its third edition, the collaboration brings together two distinctive regional identities through shared artistic expression.

The Narukawa Art Museum, located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, is renowned for its exclusive focus on Nihonga—modern Japanese-style paintings—and holds a distinguished collection of approximately 4,000 works. It is also admired for its traditional Japanese architecture and panoramic views of the lake.

For this special exhibition, about 50 works have been selected to represent the breadth and refinement of the Narukawa collection. The selection includes pieces by acclaimed artists such as Kyujin Yamamoto, Takehiko Mori, Yoshihiko Yoshida, Ikuo Hirayama, Kazuho Hieda, Fumiko Hori, and Reiji Hiramatsu. In addition to these masterworks, visitors will also find paintings with strong connections to Kanagawa Prefecture, deepening the exhibition’s regional relevance.

This overview sets the stage for appreciating the exhibition as both an artistic and cultural bridge between two remarkable landscapes—Hakone’s mountains and Yokosuka’s sea.

About Narukawa Art Museum

Located on a scenic hilltop overlooking Lake Ashi in Hakone, the Narukawa Art Museum opened to the public in 1988. It was founded by entrepreneur Minoru Narukawa, who spent over two decades collecting masterpieces of Nihonga—Japanese-style painting—from the mid-1950s onward. The museum houses approximately 4,000 works, including more than 200 paintings by Cultural Order recipient Kyujin Yamamoto.

The museum building, designed by architect Takashi Imazato, is recognized for its elegant blend of traditional and modern Japanese architecture. It received the Tokyo Kenchikusho award for architectural excellence.

In 2012, the Narukawa Art Foundation was established to support the ongoing study, exhibition, and promotion of contemporary Nihonga as a vital part of Japanese culture.

Learn more at:
http://www.narukawamuseum.co.jp/en/

Artists and Works on Display

This exhibition presents a curated selection of approximately 50 works from the Narukawa Art Museum’s acclaimed Nihonga collection. These works exemplify the stylistic diversity, technical sophistication, and emotional depth that define modern Japanese-style painting.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view pieces by some of the most respected Nihonga artists active in the postwar era, including Kyujin Yamamoto, Takehiko Mori, Yoshihiko Yoshida, Ikuo Hirayama, Kazuho Hieda, Fumiko Hori, and Reiji Hiramatsu. Each artist brings a unique perspective—ranging from traditional techniques to contemporary interpretations—reflecting both continuity and innovation within the genre.

The exhibition also features works that are closely associated with Kanagawa Prefecture, offering local visitors a sense of cultural connection and regional pride. Together, these paintings illustrate not only the breadth of the Narukawa collection but also the enduring appeal of Nihonga as a medium that resonates with Japan’s natural landscapes, seasons, and poetic sensibility.

Visitor Information

Exhibition Dates
April 19 (Saturday) – June 22 (Sunday), 2025

Opening Hours
10:00 – 18:00
Last admission: 17:30

Closed Days
Monday, May 12 / Monday, June 2

Venue
Yokosuka Museum of Art
4-1 Kamoi, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Official Website: https://www.yokosuka-moa.jp/

Admission (tax included)
● Adults: ¥1,300
● Adults (group of 20 or more): ¥1,040
● University and high school students, seniors aged 65 and over: ¥1,100
● University and high school students, seniors (group): ¥880
● Junior high school students and younger: Free
● Free admission for high school students residing in or attending school in Yokosuka
● Free admission for persons with a disability certificate and one accompanying person
● Admission includes access to the permanent collection and the Taniuchi Rokuro Pavilion

Additional Information
● Original goods from the Narukawa Art Museum will be available at the museum shop during the exhibition.
● The initiative highlights the collaboration between the two museums.

Inquiries
Yokosuka Call Center: 046-822-4000
Multilingual support available in 21 languages
● Weekdays: 8:00–18:00
● Weekends and holidays: 8:00–16:00

A Spring Visit to the Museum by the Sea

Perched on a hill overlooking Tokyo Bay, the Yokosuka Museum of Art is renowned not only for its collection but also for its stunning coastal setting. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the sea and sky through the museum’s expansive glass windows, creating a harmonious environment where art and nature coexist.

This spring, the museum becomes a gateway to both culture and relaxation. After viewing the exhibition, guests can stroll along the scenic Kannonzaki coastline or explore the surrounding parklands. Whether arriving from Tokyo or enjoying a local day trip, the museum offers a refreshing and contemplative escape from the everyday.

In addition to the featured exhibition, admission includes access to the permanent collection galleries and the Taniuchi Rokuro Pavilion, which showcases the charming illustrations of one of Japan’s beloved postwar artists. Together, these spaces offer a rich and layered cultural experience for visitors of all ages.