Tokyo National Museum to host ‘Colorful Asia’ exhibition

The Tokyo National Museum will host its annual autumn exhibition, ‘A Journey through Museums in Asia: Colorful Asia,’ at the Oriental Pavilion from September 15 to November 8, 2026. This year’s theme focuses on the vibrant colors found in Asian art, crafts, and archaeological artifacts.

Featured items include Qing dynasty multi-colored glass candlesticks, mandalas utilizing high-quality pigments, ancient Egyptian blue baboon statues, and multi-colored textiles. The exhibition aims to explore both the aesthetic beauty of these works and the historical technical challenges involved in achieving specific colors and pigments.

To enhance accessibility, the museum is implementing ‘talk-free’ viewing sessions as part of its Inclusive Project, catering to visually impaired visitors and families with small children. Other scheduled events include gallery talks by researchers and performances by the Tokyo University of the Arts Javanese Gamelan Club.

Commemorative merchandise inspired by the exhibits, such as tote bags, pin badges, neck straps, and towel handkerchiefs, will be available at museum shops starting September 15.