Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese style of woodblock print and painting that emerged in the 17th century and flourished until the 19th century. The term "ukiyo-e" translates to "pictures of the floating world," referring to the ephemeral, fleeting nature of life and the focus on pleasure-seeking urban life in Edo-period Japan. Ukiyo-e is characterized by its use of bold lines, vibrant colors, and iconic imagery, including landscapes, portraits of courtesans and actors, and scenes from classical literature and folklore. Ukiyo-e had a profound impact on Western art and continues to be highly influential to this day.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum marks its centenary with Edo-period paintings and ukiyo-e prints from the British Museum, including works returning to Japan.
25 Jul – 18 Oct 2026Tokyo · KantoA display inside the Ginza goldfish museum on how Edo townspeople kept and looked at goldfish, and how the fish reached the woodblock prints of the time.
From 14 Sep 2026Tokyo · KantoMatsumoto Castle features projection mapping with ukiyo-e imagery, traditional crafts, and seasonal scenes unfolding in three phases with interactive illuminations throughout the park.
13 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027Nagano · ChubuA winter festival in Yokohama celebrates the legacy of a historic plum grove, with around 100 trees blooming at Myōhōji Temple, reviving centuries of tradition.
14–15 Feb 2027Kanagawa · Kanto
