Yayoi Kusama documentary memorial screening announced in Japan

A memorial screening of the documentary film ‘Near Equal: Yayoi Kusama I Adore Myself’ (2008) has been scheduled to begin on October 2, 2026. The screenings will take place at various locations across Japan, including Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho and Uplink Kichijoji.

Directed by Takako Matsumoto, who has collaborated with Kusama since 1995, the film follows the avant-garde artist for a year and a half. Unlike archival-heavy works, this documentary captures Kusama’s direct words, breathing, and daily life, showcasing both her intense creative passion and her human, charming personality.

The decision for the screening follows the passing of Yayoi Kusama on August 14, 2026. Director Matsumoto expressed a desire for audiences to encounter Kusama’s unique presence on the big screen, describing the artist herself as her greatest masterpiece.