社会や経済とアートとの、いい関係がつづきますように。

Essay|2025.1.20

Text_Toshinori Okada
Photo_Toshinori Okada


May the harmonious relationship between society,the economy, and art continue.

Japan is experiencing an art boom, with numerous new art spaces and museums like Ueshima Museum and TODA Building popping up in Tokyo. Even upcoming projects like the MoN at Takanawa Gateway include art-focused elements, advertised with the tagline “The Museum of Narratives.” Tokyo’s redevelopment projects are consistently incorporating art-related spaces.
It’s not just Tokyo—many rural revitalization projects across Japan are also centered around art. One day, someone calling themselves a producer or art director comes to town, presenting lofty concepts, image strategies, and brand stories. People think, “I’ve seen this somewhere before, but at least it’s safe,” and the proposal is accepted. The result is a slew of similar art events being held everywhere.
It seems art is becoming a business, too. In the business book section of bookstores, you’ll find self-help titles like “Art Thinking Spurs Innovation.” Art is also said to be a good investment, with rumors of startup CEOs eagerly buying contemporary art.

There’s nothing wrong with art permeating society, and if it increases love for art and respect for artists, that’s wonderful. However, there are also stories like the following.The DIC Kawamura Memorial Museum of Art in Sakura City, Chiba, will close at the end of March 2025. The reason given is that the museum and its collection, when viewed as assets, are not being effectively utilized in terms of capital efficiency.
This museum boasts an exceptional collection, ranging from Rembrandt’s Man with a Wide-Brimmed Hat to Cy Twombly’s works, spanning 17th-century paintings through Impressionism to modern Western art. It includes pieces by Monet, Chagall, Picasso, Fujita, and Magritte. A highlight is the room dedicated to Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals, featuring grand paintings over 4.5 meters wide that invite deep introspection with their layers of red paint, creating a unique, emotive space. This museum was a rare gem, offering the chance to experience such masterpieces at any time.
After the closure, the museum may move to Tokyo, but will lose some of its scale and opulence.
Historically, patrons have enabled artists to sustain themselves, allowing the public to enjoy their works. I sincerely hope that those masterpieces will remain accessible like before.

緑豊かな地に建つ川村記念美術館。

大きな池に白鳥が泳ぐ。

広大な芝生広場も気持ち良かった。