DISCOVER JAPAN'S RICH TRADITION OF ART AND CULTURE

A FEELING OF THE SEASON – APRIL 2026

April 25: We have earthquakes, tsunamis, and wildfires, but we don’t have oil. Due to the unpredictable situation in the Middle East, Japan and other Asian countries are seeking to purchase US crude oil. The Panama Canal is the shortest route for transport from the US to Asia. As demand has increased, the Panama right-of-way is surging to three times its pre-Iran attack price. An increase in fuel prices will affect our daily lives.

April 20: It is a pleasant day with sunshine, with the temperature around 19℃ and the humidity is 63% in Tokyo. Sun protection is necessary. Dust and sandstorms are coming from the continent, and pollen is in the air. Those with a yellow sand allergy may need to use musk.

In the evening, a major earthquake struck northern Japan. TV runs a Tsunami warning to people in Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. Hope they stay safe.

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April 14: Cherry blossoms have faded, and now green leaves are growing.

“Waiting” Exhibition is being held at Mizoe Gallery in Denenchofu.

Mizoe Art Gallery
3-19-16 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo 145-0071
“Waiting” by TAKASHI YATOUJI
April 4 – Sunday, April 19, 2026

Takashi Yatoji shows scenes and people we see every day. He also draws AI-made portraits with his own lines, faces, and colors. This exhibition highlights “a group of people.”

People waiting in lines at station platforms or at shrines during the New Year holidays think about food, work, shopping, and other aspects of everyday life.

If people with different thoughts come together in one place, it may be chaotic or create unity. Then, they become one large, mysterious being.

The exhibition shows the drawings based on such observations and ruminations, as well as the paintings using a various materials to feature his unique perspectives.

April marks the start of the school year and the fiscal year for companies. Today’s rain seems to have ruined the cherry blossoms that were in full bloom yesterday.

Many Asian countries appear to be facing challenges related to a shortage of oil. The situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable.

We have new museums opening in Tokyo:

The Edo-Tokyo Museum opened at the end of March after a 4-year renovation. It was highly appreciated by many foreign visitors for its exhibition contents, which look back on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo. The building itself is unique, designed by Kikutake Kiyonori, and the seismic system was installed during renovation.

The other one is MoN Takanawa, Museum of Narratives at Takanawa Gateway City. The building is very unique and attractive, arousing our curiosity. I will visit there once the busy season is over.

Tokyo is always evolving, and we’re never bored. There’s always something looking forward to.

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