Tokyo (10 July 2023) – The inaugural edition of Tokyo Gendai closed with robust sales and ambitious presentations from 73 international galleries. With SMBC Group as its Principal Partner, the fair took place from 7-9 July 2023 (VIP Preview 6 July) at PACIFICO Yokohama, and energized Japan’s art scene.
Tokyo Gendai’s launch edition cemented Japan’s status as an unmissable art destination and a focal point in the regional and global art market, gathering collectors from across the world for presentations of established and emerging Japanese and international artists.
Leading private collectors, museum directors, curators and patrons from over 34 countries visited Tokyo Gendai and took part in the exciting array of cultural offerings taking place around the fair. Tokyo Gendai welcomed many visitors from the art community such as representatives from The Obayashi Foundation, Taguchi Art Collection, Akeroyd Collection, Takahashi Ryutaro Collection, Mori Art Museum, Kanazawa 21st Century Museum, Arts Maebashi, Ilham Gallery, Singapore Art Museum and Artizon Museum. Other notable visitors included Digital Minister Taro Kono, the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emmanuel and his wife Amy Rule, politician Tamayo Marukawa, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung, actor Tadanobu Asano, and writer Haruki Murakami.
Eri Takane, Fair Director of Tokyo Gendai, says: “We have been thrilled to see the energy and enthusiasm from visitors to the first ever edition of the fair… Through our special programs Tokyo Gendai has helped to celebrate Japanese contemporary culture: from shining a spotlight on pioneering Japanese women artists, to new commissions, to conversations with leading voices in the creative community. Our international visitors have been able to explore some of the most exciting art happening in Japan today, while locals were able to experience the global art world right on their doorstep.”
The second edition of Tokyo Gendai is scheduled for 5 – 7 July 2024 (VIP Preview 4 July) at PACIFICO Yokohama.