Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

Japan’s largest and most historic art exhibition returns to the house that was all but purpose-built for it. The National Art Center, Tokyo is one of the largest museums in the world without a permanent collection, and the existence of the sprawling annual Nitten show is one reason for that. Founded by the government in 1907, the exhibition underwent various shifts in name that reflected the degree of government control before emerging as an independent organization in the postwar period. Divided into yoga (Western painting) and nihonga (Japanese painting) categories, along with sculpture, crafts and calligraphy, the show presents literally thousands of artworks that reflect the current state of the Japanese artistic academy as symbolized by Nitten’s 580 members. For those able to get off work early, there’s a special ¥300 entry after 4:30pm.

The National Art Center, Tokyo
Nitten 41: The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. Various media. Until Dec 6, free (MS and under)/¥700 (HS, univ)/¥1,200 (adult). 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6812-9900. Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, closed Tue. Nearest stn: Roppongi, exit 4. www.nact.jp