Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

Naito Haruji, Wall Clock, 1927

The interwar Art Deco movement sought to find beauty in the new technologies fast transforming domestic lifestyles and the cities that provided their setting. In its rush to catch up with the West, Japan was by no means immune to these changes, and soon had trains rushing around Tokyo at breakneck speed. This exhibition presents Art Deco items from the museum’s collection that celebrate such shifts, including a poster by Hisui Sugiura marking the opening of Asia’s first subway in 1927, plus examples of fine decorative pieces by Japanese craftsmen like Haruji Naito and renowned Europeans such as Rene Lalique.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Craft & Design
Modern Crafts and Design in the Art Deco Period. Until June 27, free (18 and under, 65 and over)/¥70 (univ)/¥200 (general). 1-1 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial). Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Takebashi, exit 1B. www.momat.go.jp