40 Years of the Japanese-German Center Berlin: From Tradition to Modernity
A special anniversary exhibition of Japanese art in Berlin
September 26th, 2025
From 16 July to 19 December 2025, the Japanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB) will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the exhibition “Art from Tradition to Modernity.” Selected works from the JDZB’s collection will be on display, offering a profound insight into both traditional and contemporary expressions of Japanese art. The exhibition will take place at the Japanese-German Center Berlin, Saargemünder Straße 2, 14195 Berlin.
At the heart of the exhibition are works by the renowned Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama (1908–1999), who in the 1930s became the first Japanese DAAD fellow to study art history in Berlin. From 1985 to 1994, he served on the JDZB Foundation Council, maintaining a close connection to the institution. His painting “Morning Clouds” (1989), created to mark the foundation of the JDZB, embodies his lifelong dedication to the silent contemplation of nature and its spiritual dimension.
The exhibition also includes a painting by Kazuo Shiraga, a key member of the postwar avant-garde Gutai group. Known for his radical and innovative techniques, Shiraga’s work significantly shaped Japan’s artistic vanguard in the mid-20th century. In addition to paintings, visitors will encounter a wide range of Japanese craftsmanship and performing arts objects, including calligraphy, Noh costumes, and rare works by Manji Inoue (1929–2025) and Kazumi Murose (*1950), both designated “Living National Treasures” by the Japanese government.
With this anniversary exhibition, the JDZB invites the public to discover unique masterpieces and to experience the fascinating dialogue between heritage and modernity that continues to define Japanese art today.
References:
- https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_de/kultur_ausstellungen.html
- https://jdzb.de/de/veranstaltungen/40-jahre-jdzb-kunst-von-tradition-bis-moderne
