Shinjuku Kabukicho SHUNGA EXHIBITION: WA
Returns In Autumn 2026!

This autumn, two masters who captivated Edo came together in Kabukicho.

Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1864)
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861)

Both artists trained under Utagawa Toyokuni I, yet each developed a distinctive style of his own. Together, they commanded enormous popularity in the ukiyo-e world.

Kunisada was a master of actor prints and bijin-ga, or pictures of beautiful women.
His depictions of beautiful women, handsome men, and kabuki actors earned him immense popularity, while his exceptional sense of design made his works instantly compelling.

Kuniyoshi, known for his bold and unconventional spirit, rose to fame through his warrior prints.
Combining assured technical skill with a brilliant sense of humor, he poured his energy into creating captivating entertainment for the people of Edo.

Now, the contrasting artistic worlds of two masters who electrified Edo in the final years of the shogunate come together in Kabukicho.

Further details will be announced soon.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

1. An Exceptional Selection of Ukiyo-e

The exhibition will feature works carefully selected by Mitsuru Uragami, supervisor of the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition: WA.

The remarkable state of preservation of these works often prompts visitors to ask, “Are these really original prints?” and “Were they printed recently?”

2. Beyond Shunga: Discover the Full Range of Both Artists

Alongside shunga, the exhibition will also feature works from other genres, including bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), actor prints, and warrior prints.
Experience the remarkable breadth of the artistic careers of Kunisada and Kuniyoshi.

3. Works in a Wide Range of Formats and Sizes

The exhibition will present works in a wide variety of formats and sizes, from illustrated books to ōban, chūban, and mameban woodblock prints.
Ōban refers to a large, standard ukiyo-e print format; chūban is a medium-sized format, approximately half the size of ōban; and mameban refers to miniature prints.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Exhibition Period

October 3 (Sat) – November 29 (Sun), 2026　-58 days-

Venue

Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage