Nijo Castle digital art exhibition

The creative collective Naked, Inc. is organizing an immersive digital art exhibition at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, titled ‘Naked Meets Nijo Castle 2026’. Scheduled to run from October 23 through December 5, the event uses light, sound, and interactive technology to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the 1626 Kanei Gyoko, an imperial visit that facilitated cultural exchange between the imperial court and the samurai elite.

The exhibition draws inspiration from Tokugawa Masako, the daughter of the shogun and empress consort to Emperor Go-Mizunoo, to highlight the intersection of courtly elegance and samurai culture.

Following the initial announcement, it was revealed that Yoko Shogenji, a member of the idol group Hinatazaka46, will serve as the audio guide navigator for the event. Her narration will guide visitors through the history, art, and fashion of the early Edo period, specifically focusing on the era when Kazuko Tokugawa was 19 years old. The audio guide will be accessible for free via Spotify and other streaming services.