Step into the World of Ukiyo-e and Travel Back to the Edo Period!
「Immersive Digital Art Theater: UKIYO-e RE:BORN」

■Immerse yourself in ukiyo-e from the Edo period and experience a journey through time and space

Ukiyo-e, the vibrant woodblock prints of the Edo period, were once a major part of everyday life. They showed everything from daily life and fashion trends to beautiful landscapes, heroic samurai, kabuki actors, beauty portraits, and even mythical creatures. Mass-produced and easy to find, these prints gave people a colorful window into the world around them.

Now, at the Kadokawa Culture Museum, you can experience that world like never before in a fully immersive digital art show created with renowned creative director Gianfranco Iannuzzi, who we have collaborated with many times before. Walk through famous towns, take in kabuki performances, and come face-to-face with legends and yōkai — all inside the vivid scenes painted by ukiyo-e masters like Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Kuniyoshi.

The soundtrack is an original piece by violinist Ryoma, from the Ryoma Quartet, blending traditional Japanese instruments like shakuhachi and koto with modern strings and piano — perfect for your journey back to Edo.

Free audio guides by Director Akira Ikegami are available during the show. Just bring your own smartphone and earphones to listen in!

■Alternating Screenings at Kadokawa Culture Museum: Director Akira Ikegami’s Audio Guide and Immersive Music Sessions

The Kadokawa Culture Museum has hosted a variety of immersive digital art theater experiences featuring artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. These exhibitions have offered immersive audiovisual experiences complemented by free audio guides and digital handouts to help deepen visitors’ understanding of the depicted worlds.

For this current exhibition, museum director Akira Ikegami himself provides the audio commentary. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the exhibition will feature screenings where his commentary plays through speakers in the venue alongside the visuals and music. These screenings, held at the beginning of each hour, allow guests to fully enjoy the world of ukiyo-e prints through synchronized visuals and narration.

※ Screenings begin every hour at :00 and :30 during museum hours. The sessions starting at :00 feature Director Ikegami’s audio commentary played through venue speakers, while the :30 sessions are immersive experiences with music only. For more details, please refer to this page (available in Japanese only).

※ For both types of sessions, you can also enjoy the audio guide (Japanese/English) and digital handout for free by using your own smartphone and headphones (Available via the QR code provided at the venue).

Director Akira Ikegami's comments regarding this exhibition.

●Comment from Director Akira Ikegami

The Ukiyo-e RE:BORN exhibition is about to begin. For those well-versed in ukiyo-e, you may find yourself thinking, “Ah, this is a Hiroshige piece,” or “Oh, here comes Sharaku,” and enjoy identifying the artists. But even if you don’t know the names of ukiyo-e masters, I encourage you to simply feel the power of the artworks themselves.

For those less familiar with the genre, I’ve prepared an audio guide to help deepen your understanding. That said, I actually recommend that you first immerse yourself in the sheer dynamism of the visuals and music without listening to my commentary. On your second viewing and beyond, I believe using the audio guide will help you appreciate the exhibition on a deeper level.

Coincidentally, NHK is currently airing a drama series called Unbound, which has likely sparked new interest in ukiyo-e. Tsutaya Juzaburo, who is depicted in the drama, was a prominent publisher active from the mid to late Edo period. He played a vital role in publishing the works of numerous ukiyo-e artists, including Bakin, Utamaro, Hokusai, and Sharaku.

To put it dramatically, without Tsutaya Juzaburo, the ukiyo-e boom might never have happened. Some experts even liken him to a modern-day publisher, editor, and producer rolled into one. He has even been referred ot as “the media king of Edo.”

In a way, and I say this with some bias, I believe there are parallels between Tsutaya and Genyoshi Kadokawa, the founder of Kadokawa Shoten. A scholar of classical Japanese literature and a haiku poet, Genyoshi launched Kadokawa Shoten and brought countless writers and poets to public attention. I believe that the Kadokawa Musashino Museum carries forward that legacy.

Rediscover the Edo period and enjoy it as contemporary art. I hope you’re looking forward to Ukiyo-e RE:BORN.

■Fully Experience, Learn About, and Enjoy the Edo-Era Ukiyo-e (Venue Guide)

●The Birth and History of Ukiyo-e (Introduction)

Upon entering the venue, visitors are greeted with an explanation of how ukiyo-e was born and how it evolved over time.

You’ll learn about the vibrant “floating worlds” of popular culture depicted by Hishikawa Moronobu, the founder of ukiyo-e; the vivid multi-colored prints pioneered by Suzuki Harunobu, the father of nishiki-e (brocade prints); and the explosive expansion of ukiyo-e under the direction of publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo. This introduction provides a foundational understanding to help you better enjoy the immersive video experience that follows.

●Immersive Digital Art (Main Exhibition Space)

This is the main area of the exhibition: an immersive digital art installation that envelops you in stories and visuals.

   

   

   

Ukiyo-e, a major form of media during the Edo period, functioned much like today’s social media—quickly spreading trends, fashions, travel scenes, celebrity actors, and famous geisha. 

In this space, the vibrantly colored worlds of ukiyo-e unfold around you on 360-degree floor-to-wall projections, transporting you into the Edo period.

The accompanying music was composed specifically for the exhibition by violinist Ryoma, leader of the group Ryoma Quartet. Blending strings and piano with traditional Japanese instruments, chorus, and sound effects, the music further immerses you in the atmosphere of Edo Japan.

Chapter Titles
Chapter 1: Journeys on the Tokaido and Landscapes of Japan
Chapter 2: Profound Nature and the Ever-Changing Seasons
Chapter 3: Portraits of Women in All Their Forms
Chapter 4: The World of Kabuki and Its Actors
Chapter 5: Heroic Feats of Brave Warriors
Chapter 6: Creatures of Myth and Legend

●The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido "Spinning Board" Corridor

 In the corridor beyond the digital art hall, the exhibition introduces The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido, a famous series by Utagawa Hiroshige. The long hallway recreates a panoramic view of the Tokaido route. Visitors can spin nameplates of various post towns to reveal ukiyo-e prints depicting each location, offering an engaging way to learn about ukiyo-e while enjoying the artwork.

●The Fascinating Beauty of Ukiyo-e (Exhibition Hall 2)

This section showcases major genres of ukiyo-e such as warrior prints, actor prints, beauty prints, and landscape prints, along with representative artists and their works. By observing these works closely, visitors can gain insight into the daily life and culture of the Edo period.

In addition, the exhibit introduces the unique division-of-labor production process used in ukiyo-e making, as well as valuable tools used in its creation.

●Ukiyo-e 3D Diorama (Photo Spot / Free Entry)

In the foyer at the venue entrance, there is a free photo spot open to all. Iconic ukiyo-e elements such as giant waves, kabuki actors, Mount Fuji, and Tokaido landscapes are recreated in three dimensions, forming an immersive, real-world space.

Visitors can walk through the vividly colored world of ukiyo-e and take photos from a variety of angles.

Design and creative direction: GIANFRANCO IANNUZZI
Multimedia content production: KARMACHINA.
© Kadokawa Culture Museum

■A brand-new immersive digital art theater experience by Gianfranco Iannuzzi, inspired by ukiyo-e

Dive into a fully immersive experience where art and storytelling surround you from all sides. At the Kadokawa Culture Museum’s Grand Gallery, over 1,000 square meters of space has been transformed into a spectacular immersive digital art theater, filled with music and moving images. With 33 high-brightness projectors seamlessly covering every wall and even the floor, this completely new kind of visual experience is unlike anything else — not a movie, not VR, but a shared, one-of-a-kind space you can explore with others.

Previous shows in this series included:
• Vol.1: Ukiyo-e Theater from Paris (2021)
• Vol.2: Van Gogh: This is How I See the World (2022)
• Vol.3: Salvador Dalí – Endless Enigma (2023)
• Vol.4: Monet: I Can See the Lights - An Immersive Journey (2024)

Each one has enchanted visitors with its deep, all-encompassing art experiences. Working once again with creative director Gianfranco Iannuzzi — who’s led the shows since Van Gogh — Kadokawa Culture Museum presents an all-new original production: Immersive Digital Art Theater: UKIYO-e RE:BORN. This show is being unveiled in Japan first before going global.

● Immersive Art Creative Director Gianfranco Iannuzzi

A digital artist and creative director for immersive art exhibitions. As a pioneer of immersive art installations, he has hosted numerous exhibitions worldwide over more than 35 years, welcoming millions of viewers.

【comment】
“From the end of the 80s I never stopped creating new immersive installations by integrating new technologies to provide an ever-growing public with the opportunity to experience art in a more emotional way. I hope that more and more people will enjoy art through this new kind of immersive and social experience.”

website：http://www.gianfranco-iannuzzi.com/

●Multimedia content production：
Karmachina / Rino Stefano Tagliafierro

　

Karmachina is a multimedia design studio based in Milan, founded by Paolo Ranieri and Rino Stefano Tagliafierro. The studio produces immersive exhibitions and events for museums, cultural institutions, and fashion brands both in Italy and around the world.Karmachina

Rino Stefano Tagliafierro — an Italian artistic director, video artist, and co-founder of Karmachina — has worked with world-renowned museums such as the Prado Museum in Madrid and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, using multimedia technology to bring art to life. His animated short film Beauty has won numerous awards. In recent years, he has also been active in the immersive exhibition scene, collaborating with Gianfranco Iannuzzi on various projects.

Official Karmachina website：https://www.karmachina.it/

■Time-travel to the Edo period with original music by violinist Ryoma

Accompanying the immersive world of ukiyo-e surrounding the venue is an original soundtrack composed specially for this exhibition by Violinist Ryoma. Blending modern musical styles with Edo-period themes, his compositions reimagine the world of ukiyo-e in a fresh, contemporary light.

●Violinist Ryoma (from Ryoma Quartet)
Ryoma has contributed music to over 300 visual works, including popular NHK historical dramas like Ryomaden and Heart of a Samurai, as well as the film Always: Sunset on Third Street. He has also appeared in various TV dramas, films, and commercials. As a composer, he has created music for events, commercials, stage productions, and fashion shows. His song YAMATO was even chosen as the official cheer anthem for Japan’s national baseball team, Samurai Japan. As a producer, he founded the instrumental group Ryoma Quartet, which made its major label debut with Pony Canyon in 2016. The group has earned international acclaim for its unique sound and style.

Collaboration Information

■ Ukiyo-e RE:BORN Collaboration Goods

Special collaboration merchandise related to the “Ukiyo-e RE:BORN” exhibition is available at the Rock Museum Shop inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum, as well as at Musashino Reiwa Shrine and LOVE Saitama Park within Tokorozawa Sakura Town.
※Please note that availability periods and product offerings may change. Items may sell out.

●Rock Museum Shop

The Rock Museum Shop inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum offers original museum goods inspired by ukiyo-e.
※Some of the original goods are selectively featured.

• Glass Magnets (8 types)
Price: ¥550 each (tax included)
• Tote Bags (2 types)
Price: ¥1,980 each (tax included)
• Tatami Coasters (3 types)
Price: ¥990 each (tax included)
• Ukiyo-e Coloring Book with Transparent Watercolors
Price: ¥1,650 (tax included)

A wide variety of other original goods are also available. For more details, please see this page. (Japanese only) 

●Musashino Reiwa Shrine

    

Ukiyo-e RE:BORN Collaboration Goshuin (Temple Seal)
Special goshuin (temple seals) featuring artwork by two iconic ukiyo-e artists will be available. After enjoying the ukiyo-e exhibition at the museum, be sure to take one home as a commemorative item.
• Types: 2 varieties
• Fee: ¥800 each (tax included)
• Availability: April 26, 2025 (Sat) – January 18, 2026 (Sun)

●LOVE Saitama Park Presented by J:COM

※Images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual products may differ.

Ukiyo-e Soka Senbei
Enjoy both the flavor and atmosphere of the Edo period with “Ukiyo-e Soka Senbei”. These rice crackers are made by Ikedaya, a long-established shop in Soka City, Saitama, and feature ukiyo-e designs from the Edo period. Two classic prints by ukiyo-e artists are used for the design:

① Hokusai – The Great Wave off Kanagawa (from Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji)
② Sharaku – The Actor Otani Oniji III as the Edobei
Price: ¥270 each (tax included)
Availability: Scheduled to begin April 26, 2025; end date TBD

■ Ukiyo-e RE:BORN Collaboration Food & Drinks

Special food and drink items inspired by the exhibition will be available at the following venues:
•    SACULA DINER (main dining space inside the Kadokawa Musashino Museum)
•    KadoCafe (within the same facility)
•    Kadokawa Shokudo (inside Tokorozawa Sakura Town)
※Some items will be offered for a limited time only. Please note that menus and availability are subject to change without notice.

●SACULA DINER

Ukiyo-e RE:BORN Special Course
This special course at SACULA DINER reimagines popular Edo-period fast foods—sushi, tempura, and grilled eel (kabayaki)—using Italian culinary techniques, transforming them into an elegant, multi-course dining experience.
• Price: ¥3,500 (tax included)
• Availability: April 26, 2025 (Sat) – Mid-October 2025 (planned)

●KadoCafe

 
Ukiyo-e RE:BORN Collaboration Printed Latte
Available in 3 designs:
• The Actor Otani Oniji III as Edobei (left image)
• Three Beauties of the Kansei Era (center image)
• The Ghost of Taira no Tomomori at Soma (right image)
• Price: ¥800 each (tax included)
• Availability: April 26, 2025 (Sat) – January 18, 2026 (Sun)

●Kadokawa Shokudo

Ukiyo Matcha Warabi Mochi Float
This luxurious dessert drink combines Edo-period tea culture with the world of ukiyo-e, presented as a matcha latte float. It’s topped with warabi mochi, strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream.
• Price: ¥850 (tax included)
• Availability: May 9, 2025 (Fri) – End date TBD

Exhibition Overview

Exhibition Title：Immersive Digital Art Theater: Ukiyo-e RE:BORN – The Spirit of Edo and Timeless Japonism
Venue：Kadokawa Culture Museum, 1st Floor, Grand Gallery
Exhibition Dates：April 26, 2025 (Sat) – January 18, 2026 (Sun)
Closed Days：Every Tuesday (except April 29, May 6, August 12, September 23, and December 30 when the museum will be open)
Note: The museum will be closed from June 2 (Mon) to June 6 (Fri), as well as on December 31 (Wed) and January 1, 2026 (Thu).
Opening Hours：10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission: 5:30 PM)
Organizer：Kadokawa Culture Museum (Kadokawa Culture Promotion Foundation)
Advisor：Nobuhisa Kaneko (Curator, Fuchu Art Museum)
Ticket Prices (Tax Included)：
●Online Purchase（https://tix.kadcul.com/）、Same-Day at Museum
Adults (University students and up)：¥2,700／Junior High & High School Students：¥2,200／Elementary School Students：¥1,500／Preschool Children：Free
※This exhibition is also included with the “1DAY Passport.” For details, please refer to the ticket page.

＊Note: Museum hours and closed days are subject to change. Please check the latest calendar for updates.
＊Exhibition content may change or be canceled without notice.