Japan has long been known for its deep appreciation of art and craftsmanship, establishing itself as a leading global hub for artistic expression. But it is not only the country’s rich artistic heritage that draws attention—modern Japan remains a dynamic force in the global art world, embracing both local and international contemporary works. In 2025, the nation’s vibrant art scene will take center stage, with a series of major festivals celebrating innovation, culture, and community unfolding throughout the year. Here's a look at what to expect.
Setouchi Triennale
Every three years, the islands scattered across Japan’s Seto Inland Sea become the stage for a remarkable celebration of modern art—the Setouchi Triennale. This region, home to Japan’s first national park established in 1934, is known for its serene beauty and cultural richness. Today, the expanded Setonaikai National Park includes a number of well-known scenic spots, making it the country’s largest national park and a fitting location for a major international art event.
The festival began in 2010 with the vision of using art to breathe new life into the region’s island communities. It brought together creators from Japan and around the world, who installed artworks that seamlessly blended with the natural landscape. The result was a compelling fusion of environment and creativity that drew hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Since its debut, the Setouchi Triennale has become a global highlight for art enthusiasts. In 2025, the festival will once again invite travelers to discover contemporary artworks set among the peaceful beauty of the islands—a unique encounter where nature and artistic expression meet.
Learn more: https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/
Aichi Triennale
Aichi Prefecture, once the base of power for the iconic shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, has evolved from a land of historic conflict into a modern hub of innovation—particularly known for its leadership in automobile and robotics production. Despite its industrial reputation, Aichi also has a rich and vibrant cultural side that continues to thrive today.
One of the most prominent showcases of the region's artistic spirit is the Aichi Triennale, a major international event celebrating contemporary art. Held across various locations in the prefecture, the festival features a wide spectrum of works by both Japanese and international artists. Key venues include the Aichi Arts Center and the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum. Seto City, long respected for its ceramic heritage and as one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, also plays a central role in the festival. Here, the age-old craft of setomono—traditional Seto ceramics—is not just celebrated but reimagined in new, contemporary works.
The Aichi Triennale is known for embracing a multidisciplinary approach, showcasing not only visual art but also theater, dance, and other performance forms. By bridging traditional and modern practices, the event creates a platform where boundaries between artistic genres dissolve, fostering creative experimentation and dialogue.
Each edition of the Triennale centers around a unifying theme that guides the festival’s direction. In 2025, the theme “A Time Between Ashes and Roses” poses a thought-provoking question: “Do flowers bloom on dead trees?” This motif encourages reflection on humanity’s interaction with nature, the tension between destruction and renewal, and the impacts of war and commercial exploitation on the land.
Beyond exhibitions and performances, the Triennale emphasizes community learning and engagement. Visitors can deepen their experience by joining workshops, attending lectures, or participating in guided tours—all facilitated by a dedicated learning team and local volunteers. Through these educational programs, the festival not only presents art but invites the public to engage with it in meaningful ways.
Learn more: https://aichitriennale.jp/en/index.html
Experience Art Across Kansai for Expo 2025
In 2025, Osaka will take center stage as it hosts the highly anticipated World Expo. Known for its dynamic energy, flavorful street food, and rich cultural character, the city is preparing to welcome an international audience with an array of new attractions and experiences. Already a favorite destination in Japan with iconic neighborhoods like Dotonbori, famous for its neon-lit canals and sizzling food stalls, and Shinsekai, known for its nostalgic charm – Osaka is gearing up to offer even more during this global event. One of the architectural highlights to debut will be the Grand Roof, a striking circular structure set to become a visual symbol of the Expo.
In tandem with the Expo, the city will also present Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival, adding an artistic dimension to the international gathering. Originally launched in 2022 through a series of pre-events, the festival will return alongside the Expo, aiming to spotlight the transformative power of art in addressing pressing societal challenges. Under the theme of “social impact,” the event invites artists to explore how creative expression can influence and respond to the issues shaping our world today.
This expansive festival will feature a wide variety of contemporary artworks by both Japanese and international artists, dispersed across the urban landscape. Exhibitions and installations will be held in well-known venues like the Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, and the Osaka International Convention Center. Art will also be woven into the fabric of daily life, appearing in public spaces such as JR Osaka Station and local shops in the Nishinari district. Furthermore, portions of the Expo grounds themselves will serve as temporary galleries, blending art with the innovation-driven spirit of the Expo.
Through this parallel event, Osaka aims to enrich the visitor experience by offering not just a showcase of technological progress, but also a deeper, more reflective engagement with the cultural and social narratives shaping the present and future.
Learn more: https://osaka-kansai.art/en
