Ukiyo-e Ojisan Festival

Ukiyo-e “Ojisan Festival”: The main character in every work is the Ojisan!

Tucked away in the corner of many ukiyo-e landscape prints, you can often find figures full of character—”Ojisan” (middle-aged men). They are depicted joyfully traveling, diligently working, or savoring gourmet food. Far from being mere background figures, the more you look at them, the more you discover their unique personalities and charm.

This exhibition introduces the various of Ojisan depicted in ukiyo-e through more than 150 works, shown across the first and second terms. Featuring works by artists spanning different styles and eras, including Utagawa Hiroshige, this is truly an “Ojisan Festival.” Taking a closer look at the details of ukiyo-e through these Ojisan, you are sure to rediscover the works’ new charms and the unexpected individuality of the artist.

※This exhibition is a newly curated presentation based on the concept of the highly successful “Ukiyo-e Ojisan Festival” exhibition previously held at the Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum of Art.

Beyond Hiroshige! Discover numerous Ojisan created by Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, Kiyochika, and more.

In recent years, the fascinating figures often small and full of character, depicted in landscape prints, particularly those by Utagawa Hiroshige, have garnered attention. Exhibitions showcasing their appeal have been held in various locations across Japan.

The Ota Memorial Museum of Art presents an “Ojisan Exhibition” for the first time in about three years, following the successful “Hiroshige’s Ojisan Encyclopedia” exhibition in 2023. This time, in addition to the familiar Ojisan from Utagawa Hiroshige, the exhibition significantly expands the selection of works by a wider range of Ukiyo-e artists, including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, and Kobayashi Kiyochika. This showcase presents a much deeper and richer “Ojisan World” to enjoy.

Rediscover the charm of Ukiyo-e by finding your “Oshi-Oji” (Favorite Middle-Aged Man)

When you deliberately focus on the Ojisan in well-known Ukiyo-e masterpieces, the appeal of details you might have previously overlooked emerges, such as the differentiation in the characters’ expressions, gestures, and clothing. The Ojisan subtly placed in the works were often subjects where the artist could relax and let the brush wield freely. Through them, the artist’s genuine individuality, keen observation skills, and reliable descriptive power become apparent. We invite you to find your own “Oshi-Oji” and rediscover the profound charm and depth of ukiyo-e.

Admission

Adult	1000 yen
University and High school students	700 yen
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	Free

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