[Second half of exhibition starts September 2nd] Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition – 30 pieces replaced, new works unveiled
Smappa!Group Press release: August 29, 2025 [Second half of exhibition starts September 2nd] Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition – 30 pieces re-exhibited, new works unveiled The second half of the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition has begun! Also check out the satellite event, Sawako Kaburagi’s mini solo exhibition “Momojiri Ketsutaro Joy Group: Heroes Edition.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-8a96915c52504bcebf2504a82c3b4ce4-1080×1350.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-c0d9f898328de221947d39e78f28b70f-3000×2000.jpg This exhibition features approximately 150 shunga prints created during the Edo period, including works by Hishikawa Moronobu, Kitagawa Utamaro, Katsushika Hokusai, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, from the shunga collection of Urakami Sokyudo’s president, Mitsuru Urakami. Mr. Urakami is the world’s leading collector of Hokusai Manga and a leading authority on shunga, promoting its appeal both in Japan and around the world. In 2013, he was involved as an exhibitor and sponsor of the British Museum’s “Shunga: Sex and the Pleasures of Japanese Art” exhibition in London, and in 2015, he was instrumental in realizing Japan’s first “Shunga” exhibition, held at the Eisei Bunko Library in Tokyo. It attracted approximately 210,000 visitors over three months, generating significant buzz. The venue is the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage, operated by Smappa!Group. With art director Yasutaka Hayashi (Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group) at the helm, the exhibition utilizes the entire space of the Noh stage, from the main stage to the bridge and auditorium, creating a dynamic exhibition layout. Additionally, artworks are on display and merchandise is available for purchase at the second venue, a Smappa!Group host club. This is an exhibition that allows you to fully enjoy the Kabukicho district.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-0a8b185973fef74932b5191250054bdd-3000×2000.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-ccf4ae86efafb82e5b6a8750278bd938-3000×2000.jpg About related events JUST IN CASE x Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition ~Learning about Sex Positivity from Shunga~
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-d3216f642d483605786eb4891fc56f64-1200×740.jpg We will be holding a special event in honor of World Sexual Health Day on September 3rd. While unraveling sexual values from the Edo period through shunga, the talk will intersperse lectures and discussions on “more positive and safe ways to enjoy sex” in modern times.
Furthermore, participants will put what they learn into practice through an original card game. The venue is a host club before hours. This extraordinary space, combining shunga and host clubs, offers a unique learning opportunity for positive discussions about sex. ■Event Overview■ JUST IN CASE x Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition ~Learning about Sex Positivity from Shunga~ Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 4:30 PM Speaker: Akihiro Sato (Just In Case Supervising Physician / Director of KARADA Internal Medicine Clinic Gotanda) Maki Tezuka (Smappa! Group / (Founder of the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition) Venue: Host Club “AWAKE” 1-2-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Kabukicho Daikan Plaza Seizakan, B1F Participation Fee: Free *This offer is only available to those who have visited the exhibition at least once. You can also participate by purchasing a ticket on the day of the event and visiting on a different day. Mini solo exhibition by Sawako Kanuki, “Momojiri Ketsutaro Joy Group – Heroes Edition” @ Human Restaurant
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-208f75591307022b5fe61fb025e3609e-1920×1080.jpg As a satellite event of the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition, illustrator Sawako Kaburagi will be holding a mini solo exhibition, “Momojiri Ketsutaro Joy Group ~Heroes Edition~,” at Ningen Restaurant. Shunga (shunga) stimulated people’s imaginations during the Edo period. Sawako Kaburagi’s works also boldly depict female sexuality and the body with vibrant colors and humorous expressions. Her style, influenced by 1970s Japanese graphic design and ukiyo-e, shares the universal spirit of “sexual liberation” and “humor” with shunga. The two works resonate with each other, allowing viewers to enjoy a new perspective on sexual expression and humor. ■ Sawako Kaburagi Profile A Japanese illustrator and animator based in Tokyo and New York. Combining vibrant colors with playful yet provocative themes, she explores female sexuality, body image, and social norms. Her work is influenced by 1970s Japanese graphic design and the bold compositions of ukiyo-e, creating a unique style that blends tradition and modernity. Her work is characterized by dense textures and dense compositions, and she often paints small, nude figures repeatedly, which she calls “butt therapy.” This repetitive technique has a meditative aspect, bringing humor and depth to her work. While attending university, her animation work was nominated at four major animation film festivals around the world, and she was later selected by Courrier Japon as one of the “100 Japanese People Captivating the World in 2023.” Since then, she has continued to gain recognition on the international stage. https://sawako-kabuki.com/ ■Event Overview■ Momojiri Ketsutaro Joy Group: Heroes Edition Dates: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Venue: Ningen Restaurant (4F Kai Building, 1-13-11 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) Business Hours: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Mondays) / 2:30 PM – 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays ※Admission is free, but please enjoy a meal and drink at Ningen Restaurant. Shunga Exhibition Tour with a Kabukicho Host
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-90fee3cc39521dc2e896ba1e428e16c1-1200×740.jpg Every Thursday night, a Kabukicho host will guide you through a special tour of the Shunga Exhibition. He will share the charm of shunga and highlights of the exhibition with his unique perspective and witty conversation. Enjoy an extraordinary experience. Dates: Every Thursday from 6:00 PM Participation Fee: Free (Tickets for the Shunga Exhibition are required separately) Meeting place: Kabukicho Noh stage (1st venue) reception Guide Tenson (Host belonging to Smappa! Hans Axel von Fersen/Kabukicho Noh stage
director/Calligrapher)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-4557d1ecf63106033aa1fdaa2672dd03-2160×2700.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-85a2e58840a335608ea80ffd84596555-1080×1350.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-85d2e2e314ba7cdd8e04ad785ceccb23-1832×2289.jpg Other related events already announced include Chizuko Ueno and Suzumi Suzuki’s “Shunga and Feminism” (September 6th, sold out), a rakugo performance by Shofutei Umitsu and Chamitsu, “Spring Stories – A Moment of ‘Wa’ Woven Through Rakugo,” Night 2: Lovesickness (September 15th), and a walking tour of Kabukicho’s “Izumi” and shunga (September 3rd, 6th, 19th, and 26th). Please visit the official website for details. Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition
Website
Podcast [Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition Radio Station “Wa” – Connect to the World of Shunga with Your Ears]
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/42926/81/42926-81-26720623aa7290445e22592953b7e734-1100×1100.jpg To help you enjoy the “Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition – A Moment of Unity Woven Through Culture” even more, we’re broadcasting Japan’s most pop (?!) Japanese culture and entertainment radio show from Kabukicho. Using shunga as a gateway, we lightheartedly explore ukiyo-e, life in the Edo period, and customs of the time. The program will also feature stories about Tsutaya Juzaburo, who has been featured in a historical drama, allowing you to experience the depth of Japanese culture through your ears. The hosts will be Maki Tezuka (representative of Smappa! Group/exhibition organizer) and Sebastian Takagi (Japanese culture radio host). Assisted by Honya-shan (exhibition project manager), they will share the charm of culture from Kabukicho. Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition Radio Station “Wa”
Event overview Exhibition title: Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition – A moment of unity woven through culture. Dates: Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Closed: Mondays *Open if Monday is a national holiday and closed the following Tuesday Open on Mondays: August 11, September 15; Closed on Tuesdays: August 12, September 16 Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM *Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Venue: Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage Tickets: General admission 2,200 yen * Persons with a disability certificate and one accompanying person are admitted free of charge. * This exhibition requires advance reservations (specified date and time tickets). Please purchase a “specified date and time ticket” online. * If there are vacancies in the specified date and time slots on the day, you may enter without making a reservation. *This ticket allows you to see the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage the second venue. *Reception is at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage. *Re-entry is permitted only on the day of your visit. Access: Lions Plaza Shinjuku, 2F, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 3-minute walk from Exit E1 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, and Toei Shinjuku Line; 8-minute walk from the North Exit of Seibu Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line — Venue 2 Goods Shop Access: Kabuki Social Building, 1-2-15 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 9th Floor A few minutes’ walk from the Noh Stage in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district. Exhibits: Approximately 100 shunga prints from the Urakami Sokyudo and Urakami Mitsuru Collections. [Special Notes] ⚫︎Those under 18 are not permitted to enter. ※Proof of age is required upon ticket purchase. Please note that you may be asked to present identification (My Number Card, driver’s license, health insurance card, etc.) upon arrival. ●To protect the artworks, some exhibits will be changed during the exhibition. ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Organizer: Smappa! Group Special Cooperation: Urakami Sokyudo Supervisor: Mitsuru Urakami (President of Urakami Sokyudo, Standing Director of the International Ukiyo-e Society) Planning: Maki Tezuka (President of Smappa!Group) Art Direction/Venue Design: Yasutaka Hayashi (Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group) Venue Design: Takaaki Mitsui Sound Composition: Manabu Uchida (Compose/Karesansui Surrounding), Umeo Saito (Sound Design/FLEXTONE) Planning Cooperation: Yuko Yamamoto (ANOMALY), Koichi Morota (Morota Office), Hanako Aiyama (OFFICE-Hai) Sponsors: West River Co., Ltd., General Incorporated Foundation Ernest Development Foundation, Pipi-chan Farm, TST Entertainment Co., Ltd. In cooperation with: Japan Cultural Radio, Sebastian Takagi, The Chain Museum Co., Ltd., “Emotion, Symbolism, Passion: Godard’s ‘The Book of Images'” exhibition, Blue Man Group Japan Tour 2025 Sponsored by: Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Partners: Time Out Tokyo, FLIP Japan, Kyūtō-ryū Tea Ceremony, NiEW, JPH/Metropolis Project Managers: Honya-shan, Ashibe Rena, Ebina Kaede (Smappa! Group) Advisors: Kisaragi Mami (Etau performer), Tanaka Aki PR/Design: Smappa!Group ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Official
website:https://www.smappa.net/shunga/ Official
X:https://x.com/KabukichoShunga Official
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shunga_kabukicho/