Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka

World-renowned luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is charting its rich history and unveiling its storied archives in a milestone exhibition that coincides with the ongoing Osaka Expo and commemorates the maison’s 170th anniversary. Held at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art through September 17, this immersive showcase also explores the brand’s long-standing cultural dialogue with Japan. Curated by renowned fashion historian Florence Muller and designed by Shohei Shigematsu OMA, Visionary Journeys weaves an engaging narrative using more than 1,000 items – including archival pieces, sketches, artworks, trunks, bags and multimedia installations – alongside 200-plus traditional Japanese crafts. As you enter the exhibition, you are greeted by the breathtaking Trunk Hemisphere, an impressive installation constructed from 138 of Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks. From there, the journey unfolds across 12 thematic sections, beginning with 'Asnières', which traces the brand’s origins and key milestones since its founding in 1854, followed by 'Origins', where you’ll see cornerstone designs like the flat-topped trunks and the classic Steamer Bag. Louis Vuitton’s travel heritage is evident throughout, particularly in the 'Expeditions' section, which features the brand’s then-innovative travel gear, including zinc-lined trunks and foldable desks. One of the exhibition’s standout sections is 'Louis Vuitton and Japan', as it delves into the country's influence on the maison's designs. Here, the...

Despite having concluded its 20th run earlier this year in March, the Osaka Asian Film Festival returns in August for a special edition held in conjunction with the Osaka Expo. Featuring an extensive programme of Asian films – from Singapore, South Korea and Kazakhstan to China, Bhutan and Thailand – the festival offers a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures of Asia, showcasing a broad range of ideas, perspectives, interests and filmmaking artistry. Complementing the screenings is a symposium, where filmmakers from across the region will gather to discuss the potential of Asian cinema, along with a lecture on visual culture and the future of film festivals. The festival opens with Tracing to Expo ’70, a 2K-restored version of the 1970 film by Taiwanese director Liao Hsiang-Hsiung, featuring nostalgic scenes from the original Osaka Expo held 55 years ago. Closing the event is the world premiere of A Good Child by Singaporean director Ong Kuo Sin, which follows a drag queen who returns home to care for his mother with dementia. Screenings will take place throughout all ten days of the festival. Tickets range from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500, depending on the venue. Here are the five screening locations: ABC Hall (Fukushima, Osaka), Theatre Umeda, T-Joy Umeda, Nakanoshima Museum of Art and Osaka City Central Public Hall. Additionally, a small selection of student films will be screened free of charge at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art. For more information on screenings and...