The inaugural edition of the major new international art fair Tokyo Gendai closed with robust sales, ambitious presentations from 73 international galleries, and strong attendance from local and international visitors. Organized by The Art Assembly, and with SMBC Group as Principal Partner, the Fair took place at Pacifico Yokohama from 7-9 July 2023 (VIP Preview on 6 July) and attracted 20,907 visitors, including leading collectors, art museums and institutions.
Launched in 2023, Tokyo Gendai is a new art fair and meeting place for the international art world, organized by the Art Assembly. Taking place in one of the most dynamic and active art and design scenes in the world, the Fair is an exciting platform for commercial, artistic and intellectual exchange, and a nexus of cross-cultural discovery. Tokyo Gendai is a world class event showcasing curated presentations by internationally recognised contemporary artists. The Fair is accompanied by an extensive VIP program of exhibition and museum openings, studio visits and cultural experiences allowing visitors to explore the very best that Tokyo has to offer.
Cementing Japan’s status as an unmissable art destination and a focal point in the regional and global art market, Tokyo Gendai gathered together collectors from across the world for presentations of established and emerging Japanese and international artists. The local art scene was brought to life for visitors to the fair through a dynamic program of satellite events at acclaimed local institutions, talks with leading lights from the Japanese creative community, special curated exhibitions, and new commissions highlighting the very best of the vibrant contemporary culture of Japan.
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.
The fair program included Tsubomi ‘Flower Bud’ showcasing a special exhibition spotlighting the work of major Japanese women artists; the premier of a newly commissioned installation performance “figurante” by Tomoko Mukaiyama, an Art Talks program of conversations with leading lights from Japan’s creative community, the NE section (meaning ‘root’) presenting several leading local foundations, who host special showcases of their work; satellite exhibitions at renowned local institutions such as the Mori Art Museum; The National Art Center, Tokyo, and Artizon Museum.
The week around the fair featured a series of special events, exhibitions and gallery evenings that encouraged Tokyo Gendai visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture of Japan including a special open gallery evening on 5 July ‘YUKATA de ART’ where visitors were invited to enjoy the buzzing galleries of Roppongi, a district in Tokyo known for its exciting cultural scene. Meanwhile TERRADA ART COMPLEX, one of Japan‘s most significant art complexes and home to numerous leading art galleries, hosted a series of special programs, TERRADA ART WEEK, including Gallery Night on 7 July.
Tokyo Gendai was supported by a grant from the Japan Tourism Agency which went towards a bespoke VIP program of unique experiences highlighting cultural havens around Japan including special events within the city of Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, including a visit to the Sankeien Garden, and the BankArt Station + KAIKO, as well as Kanagawa’s Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Observatory. This marks the first step in Tokyo Gendai’s collaboration with the Japan Tourism Agency, to warmly welcome the global art community and support the development of cultural tourism in various regions of the country.
